Rhuigi Villaseñor, A$AP Rocky and AWGE Design The Weeknd's 'After Hours' Merch
Limited edition tees, hoodies and lollipops.
With the launch of his eagerly-awaited After Hours, The Weeknd delivered a compelling blend of moody, sleaze-tinged R&B. The mood is upheld by the After Hours merch drop, designed by the likes of Rhuigi Villaseñor, A$AP Rocky and AWGE.
Villaseñor’s tee and hoodie designs channel the aesthetic that informs his work as the creative director of RHUDE, informing vintage-inspired pin-up artwork and Marlboro-typeface text with the louche casino motif that pervades After Hours‘ art direction. The Weeknd’s XO branding co-mingles with the stylized graphics, complemented by minute “RHUIGI DESIGNS 2020” text.
Described as “A$AP Rocky x Art Dealer for AWGE,” the Harlem rapper’s designs include blurry stills of The Weeknd in costume with accompanying “AFTER HOURS” verbiage and 3D print of a skull sitting next to an XO-patterned die. XO logos and an illustration of The Weeknd in the casino also appear on black T-shirts. Rounding out the range is flame-tinged New Era caps, flavored frog-shaped lollipops and tour passes printed with the artwork designed by each creative — note that they grant priority venue entry but are not a ticket replacement.
“When I was approached to work on this collaboration, it was a no-brainer,” Villaseñor said in a statement. “I consider Abel [Tesfaye] a friend and fan, as I am of him, so [it] felt like a natural fit to work together.”
Shop the new merch on The Weeknd’s web store, where it will remain for only 48 hours. After half the time has elapsed, the available goods will be swapped out for different pieces. Furthermore, all the items — which ship in four to five weeks — are accompanied by digital downloads of the new album in its original state (though the deluxe edition is available on cassette).
Meanwhile, The Weeknd recently premiered the music video for standout single “In Your Eyes.”
