Dezeen Magazine

JW Anderson collaborates with Gilbert and George

JW Anderson teams up with Gilbert and George for Spring 2019 capsule collection

Fashion brand JW Anderson has paired up with Turner prize-winning artists Gilbert and George for its Spring 2019 capsule collection, which features bold imagery from the British duo's renowned 1980s series The Pictures.

The London-based luxury fashion brand reinterpreted three artworks by Gilbert and George: Guard Plants, Dog Boy and Heavy. These works are printed on leather jackets, latex T-shirts, shirts, jumpers and bags across the 25-piece collection.

Launched exclusively on online fashion retailer Matches Fashion, the collaboration is described by Anderson as a "long-term wish to celebrate the artists, their view of masculinity and British modern life".

JW Anderson collaborates with Gilbert and George

Based in east London, Gilbert Proesch and George Passmore, more commonly known by their collective title Gilbert and George, rose to fame in the 1980s with The Pictures.

This large-scale photo series addressed divisive topics, from religion and sex, to politics and patriotism.

Garments decorated with these artworks include an oversized leather biker jacket and a parachute-like backpack featuring suede tassel trimmings and brown leather straps.

There are also silk shirts, T-shirts with Breton stripes and long tunics.

JW Anderson collaborates with Gilbert and George

"Making their metier out of everyday life in the east end of London – what could be seen as the constant refrain of Gilbert and George's work – the collection brings this celebration of ordinary boys in the 1980s to life in a different way today," said JW Anderson.

"Here, in a casual summer capsule of leather biker jackets and latex tees, Breton striped tops and shorts, voluminous cotton tunics, tees and sweats, the prints of the artworks are placed centre stage," added the brand.

"Perhaps this is achieved most startlingly in the collection's accessories, where oversized bags present a perfect canvas to look at Gilbert and George's work afresh."

JW Anderson collaborates with Gilbert and George

To accompany the collection is a publication titled The Pleasure Book for Boys with JW Anderson and Gilbert and George, which features photographs by British photographer Alasdair McLellan.

JW Anderson collaborates with Gilbert and George

Art frequently features in the work of JW Anderson founder Jonathan Anderson. Last year, he curated an exhibition at The Hepworth Wakefield that explores the way artists depict the human form.

He has also designed costumes for an immersive installation at London's Tate Britain, taking cues from different varieties of squash and pumpkins.

The collection will be available on the JW Anderson website from 19 December onwards.