Fashion house H&M unveiled its latest collaboration that merges fashion, art, and culture in an unprecedented way by teaming up with New York-based designers Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore. This 30-piece collection pays homage to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s artistic legacy, featuring his iconic and rarely seen works. Known for their distinct stained glass motifs and expressive designs, Bravado and D’Amore infuse their unique aesthetic into Basquiat’s powerful imagery.
Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore, semi-finalists for the 2024 LVMH Prize and finalists for the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, are recognized for their craftsmanship, expert garment distressing, and innovative use of upcycled denim. Their collaboration with H&M continues their tradition of blurring the boundaries between fashion, art, and culture. By incorporating Basquiat’s artworks through placement prints, embroidery, and embroidered patches, they celebrate his enduring influence on contemporary fashion.
Jean-Michel Basquiat, a towering figure in 20th-century art, transitioned from street artist to a globally renowned art icon. His journey inspires Bravado and D’Amore, who see his legacy as a proof of the limitless possibilities for young Black creatives. This collection allows them to explore Basquiat’s archives and bring his less-referenced works to a global audience, thanks to the support of the Basquiat estate.
“Basquiat has always been a monumental influence for us. Gaining access to his archives and presenting these works through H&M makes this collection incredibly special and accessible worldwide,” say Ev Bravado and Téla D’Amore. Their collaboration with the Basquiat estate, managed by his sisters Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux, emphasizes the importance of empowering young Black creatives and continuing Basquiat’s legacy.
The collection features an array of garments, including tailoring, jackets, short-sleeve shirts, jeans, hoodies, t-shirts, and accessories, as well as a dress, skirt, and corset top. Highlights include a bomber jacket adorned with Basquiat’s vibrant artwork “Ass Killer” (1984) and embroidery of the designers’ signature arched window. A black blazer features Basquiat’s scribbles about jazz legends Charlie Parker and Miles Davis (“Discography 1,” 1984), while luxe black leather trousers reference “Untitled (Ideal)” (1988) and “Untitled (World Famous)” (1983). A standout piece is the unisex distressed denim jacket and matching jeans, showcasing Basquiat’s art within the recurring window design motif.
Ana Hernández, Menswear Designer at H&M, remarks, “Ev and Téla have brilliantly reinterpreted Basquiat’s art through a contemporary lens, creating a collection that feels both fresh and profound. Their deep connection to Basquiat’s life, values, and art resonates powerfully with today’s cultural climate. This collaboration, with its maximalist approach, stands out by authentically tying into Basquiat’s artistic vision.”
