Introducing Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore in a collab with the Basquiat Estate
Feat. Basquiat’s iconic art, the bold collection is seen through the artistic lens of New York-based fashion designers Ev Bravado and Téla D'Amore. The collection drops at hm.com and in selected stores 1 August.
Fashion designers Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore are highly celebrated for their expressive designs featuring carefully crafted pieces and upcycled denim. Named one of the 10 finalists for the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, the designers continue to blur the line between fashion, art, and culture with a new collection, further amplifying the legacy of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
“For us, Basquiat has always been an influential and larger than life figure. To be able to comb through his archives and select rarely referenced artworks is a blessing, and this could only be possible thanks to the Basquiat Estate’s strong support of our unique vision. Moreover, releasing this collection with H&M makes it 10 times more special as it gives us a stage to share our art worldwide,”
says Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore.
Bravado and D’Amore are deeply inspired by Basquiat’s journey from street artist to one of the world’s most renowned artists of the 20th century. His legacy serves as a daily reminder that there are no limits to what they can achieve.
“We came up in pretty similar deltas in New York City. Basquiat coming from graffiti then pivoting into what was seen as high art juxtaposed with us making our mark in high luxury spaces, despite the streetwear box others tried to put us in as black artists,”
says Ev Bravado.
The Basquiat Estate was intent on collaborating with the designer duo, knowing their strong connection to Basquiat’s life and artistry.
“Ev & Téla have quickly become some of the most exciting voices in fashion, and we knew that they would honor Jean-Michel’s vision while adding their own distinct style to his work. A central tenet of his legacy is to empower and amplify young black creatives, and we hope to inspire a new generation of artists to carry on his creative spirit,”
says the Basquiat Estate, run by Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, sisters of Jean-Michel Basquiat.
The special 30-piece collection perfectly pairs Jean-Michel Basquiat’s rarely-seen artworks with the designers signature stained glass motif. Collection highlights include a bomber jacket adorned with the vibrant artwork (Ass Killer, 1984), and a chest embroidery of their arched window; a black blazer with Basquiat’s scribbles about Jazz greats Charlie Parker and Miles Davis (Discography 1, 1984); a sleek black coat and a pair of luxe black leather trousers referencing the artworks Untitled (Ideal), 1988, and Untitled (World Famous), 1983. Other standouts are the distressed denim jacket (unisex) and the matching jeans, featuring Basquiat’s art enshrined in the recurring window design.
“The designers have translated Basquiat’s iconic art through a contemporary lens, resulting in a collection that feels new, meaningful, and exciting,”
says Ross Lydon, Head of Menswear Design at H&M.
Rounding off the collection, eye-catching resort shirts, relaxed T-shirts, hoodies, and cargo trousers are also included along with must-have accessories like caps and a bottle bag in the shape of the arched window. Additionally, the designer collab also offers six carefully crafted womenswear pieces: two pairs of jeans, a sleek corset dress, a long-sleeved mesh top, a vibrant corset and a matching pillar skirt.
“Basquiat’s work is allowing a creative like me, coming up years after him, to create at a higher level than I ever thought possible. I’m proud to be a part of this global collaboration and collection, breathing new life into his timeless works,”
says Téla D’Amore.
