JW Anderson Taps Tom of Finland's Erotic Artworks For Second Capsule Collection
Featuring a slew of provocative ready-to-wear pieces and accessories.
Following last year’s three-piece capsule in partnership with Tom of Finland — a non-profit archive existing to preserve and promote the Finnish artist’s masculinized homoerotic artwork since 1984 — JW Anderson has tapped the boundary-defying visionary once more for a second installment of explicit accessories and ready-to-wear pieces.
Tom of Finland first entered the art domain in 1940, crafting images that challenged homophobic stereotypes by transforming masculine archetypes such as bikers, cowboys, cops and lumberjacks into outwardly gay sex symbols. Now, the artist is regarded as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century for his forward-thinking perspective, one which Anderson celebrates across the collaboration.
“We had such a good time working on the first collection and working with the Foundation was a pleasure,” said Anderson about the second round of the capsule. “As a gay man and a designer, Tom of Finland has always fascinated me. I collect all types of art including his drawings. To be able to use them in a JW Anderson collection is so exciting. I am really proud of this year’s collection and love that we were able to expand it to include ready-to-wear.”
Defined by the artist’s penchant for provocateur, the collection emblazons one of Finland’s signature untitled pieces, featuring a man wearing leather boots, gloves, a hat and nothing else, across a slew of ready-to-wear silhouettes, including a co-branded hoodie, white T-shirt, striped button-down shirt and elongated shorts. As for the accessories, a felt tote bag and a leather baguette hand bag enlist the same motif, while a Tom of Finland-inspired keychain and and studded cap bag round out the range.
The Tom of Finland collection will be available to shop in-stores on June 11 at the JW Anderson Soho London flagship store and online on June 14 on JW Anderson’s webstore. Customers who shop the collection at the brand’s flagship and spend £250 GBP or more can take home a 15-inch tall Tom of Finland action figure.
Elsewhere in fashion, Bottega Veneta launched its Wardrobe 02 collection, complete with statement-taking textiles and vivid colors.
