Following the success of their first ever Filipino-designed collection, H&M is reuniting with Don’t Blame The Kids (DBTK) for another streetwear collection. This time, they’re adding Dex Fernandez, better known in the art scene as “Garapata”.
H&M x DBTK x Garapata
Fernandez is an interdisciplinary artist based in Manila, whose works have been a subject of both local and international exhibitions, including Taiwan, New York, and Paris, among others.
As ‘Garapata’, his creations are inspired by street art and found footage, and ranges from paintings, drawings, and animations to murals, mixed media works and photography– a body of work he describes as a “socio-political mind-trip.”
According to a press release, Fernadez’s inclusion represents H&M’s commitment to inclusivity and DBTK’s aim to celebrate all walks of life.
“You can wear whatever you feel like, mix and match and feel satisfied about it. [Streetwear] gives the wearer a sense of freedom. Same thing in art, it is an artist’s expression thru making visual objects,” said Fernandez on the connection between art and streetwear.
“Both streetwear and art are extension of our DNA, it manifests our style, taste, narrative, culture, background and the way we think in life. Our body is like blank canvas, and blank canvas is like ourselves.”
The H&M x DBTK x Garapata collection will feature “simple to ultra dynamic designs” that feature the merging of local street art and fashion. The capsule drops in select H&M stores on September 21.
