2017 was the year of the return of this great trend with Supreme’s collaboration with Vanson Leathers, but the beginning of this aesthetic has its roots in Flat Track Racing, where Dave Aldana used it as his racing suits. The American Motorcycle Association almost banned its use, considering it an illegal influence. Vanson sponsored Aldana during 1984-86. Big shout out to @samutaro who made it possible to know about this story.
There is also the chance that this graphic’s inspiration comes from the ‘World of the Dead’ and the celebration of it with costumes for Halloween.
Japanese designers have been one of the best examples in exploring this graphic with brands such as Undercover in ‘Anotomicouture’ AW 13, Number (N)ine, Kapital and Blackmeans, driving this concept to shoes, overalls, kimonos, etc. Dont forget about Walter Van Beirendonck including it too in his desgins.
Playboi Carti also included it in his merch and a couple weeks ago Nike launched a running collection inspired from it too. Then we have iconic films like Donnie Darko that made its own tribute.
Written by Victor Espadas
