WACKO MARIA Translates Jean-Michel Basquiat's Vivid Illustrations Into Summery Shirts
The ultimate warm weather statement pieces.
WACKO MARIA‘s love of pop culture and art inspired a bevy of Spring/Summer 2021 joint efforts, including yet another collaboration with the estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat. Again, the Japanese brand is elevating lightweight rayon and Lyocell Hawaiian shirts with the late artist’s inimitable scrawls, yielding statement layering pieces ideal for summer stunting.
Featuring works like Untitled (History of the Black People), Untitled (Head) and Obnoxious Liberals (the latter of which amusingly retains its “NOT FOR SALE” verbiage even as it graces an expensive shirt), WACKO MARIA’s latest drop is as colorful as anything it’s recently released, with the lush all-over prints displaying all the bold hues that make Basquiat’s work so magnetizing. The garments retain WACKO MARIA’s preferred cut — trim but not slim, with lapels to match — which ensures that despite their light weight, they’ll retain a tailored shape.
Basquiat’s oeuvre is like catnip for fashion brands, as evidenced by myriad recent collections from the likes of UNIQLO UT, COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT and Coach. It’s all part of a worldwide obsession with the artist’s influential back catalogue, which continues to stir up controversy and fetch record auction prices.
All of the Basquiat shirts will retail for ¥36,300 JPY – ¥38,500 JPY (approximately $333 USD – $353 USD) when they launch May 1 on WACKO MARIA’s website.
As even more licensed merch rolls out, showcases of Basquiat’s work continue to draw curious crowds.
