Michael Kopelman and Andrew Bunney: Working with Basics | Hypebeast

Do you think this approach of re-working basics is a new angle to collaborating?

Michael: Definitely think it’s appropriate to operate on that idea, definitely. We’re looking to put our items in the right context, because it’s not about the branding. A lot of the branding which Andrew made for the collection is a simple print, which will wash off. This is something I like, and emphasizes that it’s just a product at the end of the day.

What’s the story of Dickies on the European front? When did it become popular and was it considered work wear first, or fashion first?

Andrew: I personally don’t know the history of Dickies in Europe, but our aim was to let all kinds of people to pick up these products and appropriate them in their own means. You could be a 16 year old, a real hardcore skater or one of those guys who are really into the classic Americana style. That’s the sort of broad audience we are looking to sell to. So we’re trying the keep the product as basic as possible and still appeal to a wide range of styles. The collection is an open invitation for appropriation. If we are able to reach all of these people then that’s fantastic.

Michael: I only really know the brand from going to New York in the 80s, and my friends like Shawn Stussy and Paul Mittleman wore that stuff everyday. I’m into the real American heart of Dickies, but I don’t know about the European front. However, I do know that there’s a core of people who were into other prominent subcultures at that time, that are also into Dickies. Lots of skaters like to wear and buy this stuff because they’re very hard wearing. Andrew and I have been really careful to avoid any kind of fashion slants on what we’re doing. We try to make the collection fit a proper context and not rely on branding.