Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore, founders of the fashion label WHO DECIDES WAR, have joined forces with H&M to create a 30-piece collection inspired by the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat. This latest collaboration brings together the worlds of art, culture, and fashion, reflecting the values of creativity and self-expression that Basquiat embodied.
The collection features a mix of tailoring, jackets, short-sleeve shirts, jeans, hoodies, t-shirts, and accessories, each adorned with Basquiat’s iconic imagery and rarely seen artworks. Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore’s signature stained glass motifs and expressive designs are expertly woven throughout the collection, creating a unique and captivating visual narrative.
As semi-finalists for the 2024 LVMH Prize and finalists for the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore are known for their carefully crafted pieces, expert garment distressing, and upcycled denim. Their partnership with H&M allows them to share their distinctive aesthetic with a wider audience, while paying homage to Basquiat’s enduring influence on contemporary art and culture.
The Basquiat estate, run by Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, sisters of Jean-Michel Basquiat, has been instrumental in supporting Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore’s vision for the collection. The estate’s involvement has ensured that the collaboration remains true to Basquiat’s artistic spirit, while also empowering young Black creatives to continue his legacy.
Throughout the collection, Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore have incorporated Basquiat’s artworks in innovative and unexpected ways, using placement prints, embroidery, and embroidered patches to create a visually striking effect. From the vibrant bomber jacket adorned with Basquiat’s artwork Ass Killer, 1984, to the luxe black leather trousers referencing Untitled (Ideal), 1988, and Untitled (World Famous), 1983, each piece is a testament to the designers’ skill and creativity.
Ana Hernández, Menswear Designer at H&M, praises Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore’s ability to translate Basquiat’s iconic art through a contemporary lens, resulting in a collection that feels new, meaningful, and exciting. The designers’ deep understanding and connection to Basquiat’s life, values, and art have enabled them to create a collection that not only honors his legacy but also resonates with today’s cultural climate.
The collaboration is a significant milestone for Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore, who were approached by H&M and the Basquiat family in 2022 after designing a one-off piece inspired by Basquiat’s oeuvre for New York’s Black Fashion Fair. The designers’ passion for Basquiat’s work and their own experiences as first-generation Americans have informed their approach to the collection, which they see as an opportunity to amplify similar voices and perspectives.
The collection is now available at hm.com and in selected stores.