It’s hard to imagine an item of clothing that has both enthralled and divided the fashion world like Vetements‘ DHL t-shirt. The basic tee, emblazoned with the logo of a global shipping company, somehow managed to catch the attention of fashion fans around the world. In the process of becoming an instant must-have, the shirt sparked conversations around how we assign value to certain garments.
In a recent profile in The Telegraph, designer Demna Gvasalia gave a bit of background on the cult item. A fan of elevating everyday products by introducing them into new and foreign contexts, even he admits the collective “never expected a reaction like this.” He explains the idea for the shirt came about rather mundanely: “It was such a recurring topic in my life. Every day someone was saying, ‘The package didn’t arrive, we have to stop working with DHL, we will be bankrupt by DHL.’ DHL seemed to be more a part of my life than anything else so I thought, why isn’t it in the show?”
Most amazingly, the rights to use the logo were acquired in exchange for just 20 shirts for DHL staff. You can’t help but wonder if they’re regretting that deal now.
While it seems like a fashion fairytale, the designer is refreshingly frank about the realities of the cost of high fashion. “My friends very often can’t afford the clothes. Like myself, I wear prototypes but I don’t think I’m crazy fashion enough to go and buy those things. I’d rather go on holiday. I feel like it brings more use. Holidays are important. Holidays and quality time on your sofa.” People might be divided over the brand’s take on fashion, but there is certainly one thing we can agree on: real luxury is time.
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Text Wendy SyfretImage via @vetements_official