Origins and Vision
Who Decides War Everard Best made a name for himself with his earlier brand Murder Bravado, where he became known for his ability to deconstruct and reconstruct denim into stunning works of art. His meticulous attention to detail and skill at transforming a traditional fabric into something avant-garde set him apart in the streetwear scene. However, Best sought to expand his creative vision, wanting to engage with more significant societal issues and philosophical questions. This desire led to the birth of Who Decides War.
The name of the brand itself, Who Decides War, serves as a thought-provoking question that encapsulates the brand’s mission—to challenge power structures and examine the human cost of conflict. Through its collections, the brand seeks to provoke conversations around the role of war, both literal and metaphorical, in shaping society. By examining destruction and the subsequent process of rebuilding, the brand’s designs reflect themes of survival, resilience, and hope.
Best’s creative partner, Téla D’Amore, plays an equally vital role in the brand’s development. Together, they have created a platform where fashion, art, and activism collide, offering more than just clothing but a narrative that resonates on a deeper level.
Design Aesthetic: Where Streetwear Meets Art
At the core of Who Decides War's appeal is its distinctive design aesthetic, which blends the raw edge of streetwear with the precision and artistry of haute couture. The brand is known for using denim, particularly deconstructed and hand-detailed pieces that blur the line between clothing and wearable art. Each garment is a canvas, often featuring hand-painted designs, laser-etched details, and intricate embroidery. These artistic elements elevate the clothing, turning it into a form of visual storytelling.
One of the central themes of the brand’s design philosophy is the idea of destruction and reconstruction. Whether it’s through distressed fabrics, patchwork detailing, or raw hems, the clothes often carry a sense of having been broken down and rebuilt. This is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a reflection of the brand’s exploration of conflict and recovery. The clothing tells a story of resilience, of piecing together something beautiful from fragments of what once was.
Denim is a recurring material in the brand’s collections, a nod to Best’s roots and expertise in the medium. However, Who Decides War is not confined to denim alone. The brand incorporates various textiles, from luxurious knitwear to intricately tailored outerwear, all while maintaining its signature aesthetic of gritty elegance. The designs are often oversized, layered, and structured in a way that feels both raw and refined, pushing the boundaries of traditional streetwear.
Activism Through Fashion
Who Decides War is much more than a fashion brand—it’s a platform for activism. Best and D’Amore use their collections to address pressing social issues, particularly those surrounding war, colonialism, and the environment. Their work calls into question the systems of power and violence that govern the world and asks viewers to reflect on the human toll of these structures.
For example, the Spring/Summer 2021 collection, titled Genesis, explored religious iconography, including cherubs, crosses, and references to biblical creation stories. Through this collection, the brand juxtaposed themes of destruction with the possibility of spiritual renewal, prompting the question: Can humanity find redemption amid chaos and violence?
The designs often serve as visual metaphors, with each collection telling a story that invites viewers to think critically about the world around them. Even the brand’s runway shows are carefully curated performances, designed to evoke emotion and spark dialogue. The Fall/Winter 2022 show, held in a church with a live choir, for example, created a dramatic, reflective atmosphere, enhancing the celestial and introspective nature of the collection.
Streetwear with Depth
While Who Decides War Hoodie is rooted in streetwear culture, it sets itself apart from other brands in the genre by offering a deeper level of meaning and engagement. Streetwear, traditionally associated with skate culture and urban style, has grown into a global fashion movement, influencing luxury fashion houses and mainstream culture alike. However, Who Decides War brings a level of artistic depth and philosophical inquiry that goes beyond the typical offerings of the streetwear world.
By focusing on themes like conflict, survival, and spiritual reflection, Best and D’Amore have created a brand that speaks to a generation of consumers looking for more than just fashionable clothing. They’re creating garments that tell stories and provoke thought, aligning with a broader movement of fashion as a medium for activism and social change.
Sustainability and Craftsmanship
In addition to its artistic and activist roots, Who Decides War is committed to sustainability and craftsmanship. The brand’s emphasis on reconstructing garments, particularly denim, aligns with a growing demand for sustainable fashion. By reworking existing materials and focusing on quality craftsmanship, Best and D’Amore promote a slower, more intentional approach to fashion—one that values longevity over trend-driven consumption.
Each piece is crafted with care, often by hand, ensuring that it’s built to last. This dedication to quality, combined with the brand’s focus on storytelling, makes Who Decides War a standout in an industry increasingly defined by fast fashion.
The Future of Who Decides War
As Who Decides War Sweatpants continues to evolve, its influence on the fashion industry is undeniable. The brand has carved out a unique space where streetwear, art, and activism intersect, offering a fresh perspective on what fashion can be. With each new collection, Best and D’Amore challenge both their audience and the fashion world to think more deeply about the clothes we wear and the stories they tell.
Who Decides War is more than just a brand; it’s a movement that invites us to question, reflect, and engage with the world in a meaningful way—one garment at a time.