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Raf Simons x Brian Calvin SS2013 Ombre Eye Motif Sweater

$680.00

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:

Fusing the worlds of art and fashion has been at the heart of the Raf Simons ethos since his debut in 1995. Known for designs that promote the power and poignancy of youth and youth subcultures, Simons has collaborated with many artists across positions at Jil Sander, Dior, Calvin Klein and his eponymous label.

Simons’ collaborations are often fuelled by a mutual appreciation of his and his collaborators’ work, and Spring/Summer 2013 was no different; combining with LA contemporary artist and friend, Brian Calvin. The duo’s capsule collection was stocked at Colette and included oversized sleeveless tunics, knits, tees and sweaters - all androgynous and all featuring Calvin’s eye-catching work.

Calvin’s career, like Raf’s, began in the 90s with the artist slowly developing a unique voice; creating images largely inspired by characters from his Californian youth. When asked what he paints, Calvin says simply, “people.” Much of his oeuvre focuses on pastel coloured portraits and surreal depictions of individual features: eyes and lips being key motifs. A work of Calvin’s recently sold for $151,200 USD - a record for the artist.

For SS13, Simons incorporated his customary minimalistic youthful staples, with short shorts that featured playful slits, coupled with androgynous designs that had Calvin’s works printed and patch-worked on. This particular sweater features Calvin’s trademark hypnotising eye motif patched deliberately off centre to the left. The soft, contemplative dip-dye colouring upon which the eye sits, begins with a deep yellow that oozes into a block of pink, reminiscent of Mark Rothko’s seminal ‘No. 7’ painting.

For Calvin, eyes have a particular resonance in conveying the soul and providing “a passage through from the outside world to the inside.” Whether looking in or out, the eye explores themes of identity, meaning and reflection. Perhaps even enabling us to look at the “soul” of the contemporary world and its staring eyes. Made in tee and sweatshirt form, the eye graphic appeared on several Rothko-inspired bases.

A tee from this collection was worn by Jack Dylan Grazer as Fraser in Season 1 of the series, ‘We Are Who We Are,’ further proof of its enduring importance.

Made in Portugal.

80% Cotton, 20% Polyester

Condition: One very faint mark to the front, otherwise great condition.

SIZE & FIT:

Size: S

Fit: Boxy. Designed for unisex wear.

Measurements: