Dynamic Fusion: H&M Collaborates With Don't Blame the Kids and Garapata
This streetwear collection fuses Filipino creativity through fashion and art.
After the success of their first local collaboration in 2022, H&M and Don’t Blame the Kids reunites for their latest streetwear collection. Celebrating all walks of life through the fusion of fashion and art, this sought-after collaboration now includes Dex Fernandez, also known as Garapata in the creative space.
Being an independent streetwear brand, Don’t Blame the Kids believes that they have their own rules on how they want to do things. Brothers Vince Javier and Emil Javier, founders of Don’t Blame the Kids express their belief in the power of sharing personal stories and experiences through fashion, fostering a profound connection with their audience.
On the other hand, Dexter “Dex” Fernandez, the creator of Garapata, is a renowned interdisciplinary artist that works with various art forms, such as painting, mixed media, graffiti, and murals. Garapata (which translates to "tick" in English) is a multi-legged creature that serves as the inspiration for the character. For Fernandez, Garapata is a socio-political journey to the mind, which serves as a whimsical representation of the complex social and psychedelic world, shedding light on how external influences shape human behaviour, all within its eccentric context.
Building on last year's success, this three-way collaboration aims to elevate it further in 2023 with a unique twist and style, pushing it to greater heights. With Dex on board, Don’t Blame the Kids thinks that there is a specific difference compared to their initial collaboration with H&M. The collaboration highlights the iconic Garapata, which emphasizes Dex's artistic identity, while merging Don’t Blame the Kids’ design philosophy.
“Siguro yung identity namin na expressive kami, yung colors and all, tinanggap ni Dex na okay, yun yon. So parang dun palang happy na ako. So for this collaboration, ang lagi ko sinasabi kay Dex ay ikaw ang ipplease namin, ikaw ang gusto namin maging happy dito.” says Vince Javier from Don’t Blame the Kids.
In this project where Filipino creatives freely converge, H&M serves as their canvas, providing the silhouettes and colorways for this collaboration, essential for the young streetwear and street art community.
“I think when we think of it as a three-way collaboration, it's always about how this connects to our values within our brand, our companies, et cetera. And I think that the philosophy that we have collectively, I think, speaks to the community. Of course, they have the creative freedom. Then, of course, it is a collaboration. But I think it's really exciting to see where we start this process and then how it evolves,” Frankie Shadbolt, H&M’s Sales Manager for South East Asia, shares.
While seeking inspiration, Don't Blame the Kids and Garapata discovered a shared source of creativity: their childhood experiences. Thus, by merging the upbringing and experiences of both Don’t Blame the Kids and Garapata from the 80s to 90s, the collection was formed.
Below, preview some of the pieces from the collection.
This three-way collaboration debuts for the first time on September 21, featuring four colors: black, beige, brown, and light pink. The second release highlights limited edition white pieces and will launch on October 19. This collection will be available at chosen H&M outlets in SM Megamall, SM Makati, Robinsons Place Manila, SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura, Festival Mall Alabang, and SM City Clark.
