Los Angeles-based streetwear label Do Not Bend now offers a new line of pieces by 22-year-old designer Cohen Michael. He was inspired by the post-cyberpunk aesthetics from Hollywood's Ghost In The Shell and the late Michael Jackson. The collection is filled with hand-printed graphics, 3D text details and subliminal messages. The new Do Not Bend collection offers an interpretation of the concept of modern living, which is over-digitization, industrialized surroundings and a surplus of packaging. Michael attempts to exude the idea of what the population would dress like if the world were to restart after an apocalypse.
The key component of this capsule is the re-purposed idea of the universal motif for recycling. It is repeated a total of three times on a t-shirt in a fire-themed gradient, spelling out "D N B." Do Not Bend quite literally recycles both images and words of culture by creating a new meaning. For example, the collection deliberately misspells the word "progressing" in the capsule to showcase society's fixation on development.
Post-Apocalyptic Concept Streetwear
Do Not Bend is Inspired by Post-Cyberpunk and Michael Jackson
Trend Themes
1. Post-cyberpunk Fashion - Opportunity for fashion industry to tap into the growing interest in edgy, dystopian-inspireshion streetwear that blends technology and fashion.
2. Hand-printed Graphics - Opportunity for printing industry to capitalize on the trend of personalized graphics and designs on streetwear, allowing for greater individual expression.
3. Sustainable Upcycling - Opportunity for the fashion industry to adapt sustainability practices by repurposing materials to create new stylish clothing options.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion Industry - Opportunity for fashion industry to tap into the growing interest in edgy, dystopian-inspired streetwear that blends technology and fashion.
2. Printing Industry - Opportunity for printing industry to capitalize on the trend of personalized graphics and designs on streetwear, allowing for greater individual expression.
3. Sustainability Industry - Opportunity for sustainability industry to partner with fashion industry to encourage repurposing of materials in clothing design, leading to more environmentally friendly practices.