This is Off the Wall

April 07, 2023

Carly Gomez, Vans’ Vice president of Global Brand Management, believes that there has been a post pandemic shift in the way consumers view self-expression. In light of this, Vans is using their latest campaign “This is Off the Wall” as a medium for self-exploration and authenticity. The message of looking inwards to express your creativity is supported by its bold colors and mesmerizing visuals.

However, the campaign is truly brought to life by a group of Vans’ most passionate brand ambassadors; Beatrice Domond, Felipe Nunes, Irene Kim, Cocona Hiraki , Little Simz, Arthur Bray, and Salome Agbaroji. Amongst these creatives we have innovative musicians, unconventional fashionistas, and boundary pushing athletes who all share a love for true expressiveness through style.

Text by Maria Camila Garcia
Photos courtesy of Vans

Vans has demonstrated their inclination towards authenticity through past campaigns and products, but part of moving through the world in a true-to-self way is by making new art. To Vans, this means the revival of a classic. Alongside the new campaign, Vans has announced the drop of their Knu Skool Silhouette. Reminiscent of the past, but refreshed for the present, the Knu Skool shoe is designed with a puffed-up tongue and ankle collar , and signature rubber outsoles, but includes new heel pulls for slip on access as well as the revamped diamond Sidestripe.

“I mean, that’s just the beauty of life, you can’t be anybody else but yourself.” A straightforward yet epitomizing sentiment expressed by Vans skate team rider Beatrice Domond. The inspiring campaign as well as the Knu Skool™ shoe are reflective of Van’s message, which is ultimately to look within to discover your true self.

Share your individual creative journey of self-expression using #OffTheWall on social media.

Fashion

Luis De Javier's Puta Takeover

April 25, 2024

Last night with Luis De Javier, guests were overheard confirming this generation's most vital conundrum: “If I’m cunt, I can still be pussy.” “And if you’re pussy, you can still be cunt.” This sentiment echoed throughout the night as we celebrated De Javier’s first-ever streetwear collection, "Puta". We spent seven hours at Ella Funt at a dinner turned party that only he could’ve thrown (co-hosted by emcee). It was too dark for even the most aspiring-to-look-mysterious of us to wear sunglasses inside. Under the semi-oppressive flash of party photographers, we danced as much as the space would allow, drank tequila out of teacups and kissed each other on the cheeks with a vaguely European intimacy. “I’m doing streetwear!” De Javier could be heard exclaiming — whether it be in disbelief or excitement, we couldn’t tell you.

Words and photos by Izzy Capulong

The Spanish-born London-based designer has been well-loved for his genderless tailoring, latex mastery, and overall message of empowerment. Dressing everyone from ravers to A-listers, De Javier’s latest drop pushes his design repertoire to a new level. “While designing for my celebrity clientele and showcasing my creations on the runway has always been my dream,” he notes, “It’s equally important to me that my brand resonates with a wider, more diverse audience.” While this collection’s medium has shifted from corsets to sweatshirts, the classic LDJ avant-garde sensibilities remain. Bikinis and booty shorts are shamelessly emblazoned with “PUTA,” blazers are constructed with ample shoulder padding, and I had my eye on the cheekily-named “Faguette Bag.”

The Puta collection will be available exclusively on emcee.

Fashion

Nadia Lee Cohen Celebrates Paris Texas Launch at the Chateau

To celebrate the launch, Cohen and founder and creative director of Paris Texas, Annamaria Brivio hosted an intimate dinner at the Chateau Marmont pictured below. Arman Naféei entertained guests throughout the evening with a special playlist he curated for the occasion.

Fashion

Dating Olympics

April 23, 2024

In the wake of significant challenges including the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war which has heavily impacted production and logistics, Syndicate continues to innovate by integrating themes of survival, resilience, and the complex emotions involved in modern relationships. The collection features bold, thematic elements such as textual prints derived from real-life break-up phrases embodying the irony and emotional depth of contemporary dating narratives.

Some of the collection prints were created in collaboration with Magalie Heroux — a London-based graphic designer, the "Dating Olympics" collection employs a mix of early 2000s aesthetics with simple, impactful fonts and ironic slogans, capturing a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. The use of heat-reactive techniques further enriches the tactile experience, emphasising the warmth and connection that are essential to human interaction.

Text Alex Blake
Photography Vidar Logi
Styling Ira Vasylevska & Magalie Heroux
Casting & Production Andriy Zozulya, Taras Schevchuk
Hair Ruth Javy
Makeup Martina de Rosa
Models Sleeze McQueen, Dylan Proudfoot, Olive Harvey
Assistant Tony Poly

Shot by the Icelandic photographer and frequent Björk collaborator Vidar Logi, who's known for his distinctive style that blends natural landscapes with human elements, the “Dating Olympics” campaign is the perfect visual ode to the creative vision of the Syndicate founders Taras and Iryna.

With this collection, Syndicate not only addresses the hardships faced by many due to the current geopolitical situation but also celebrates the enduring human spirit to love and connect, even in times of adversity. The "Dating Olympics" is more than a fashion statement—it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of love.