We linked up with Theophilio’s Edvin Thompson ahead of his LAFW runway show to chat about New York and Jamaican dancehall cultures, and his new signature graffiti prints. The NYC-based designer was very much missed on the runway during his year-long hiatus – Thompson took some time out to regroup and set the foundation of his label, in a recent interview he mentioned that he’s finally breaking even for the first time, “a significant milestone” as an independent designer.
Known for his fusion of Caribbean and New York City aesthetics, Theophilio celebrates the themes of migration, identity and pride through his sustainably crafted work. Now, he’s bringing his SS25 collection – inspired by his own experience and growing up in New York – to the West Coast at LAFW tomorrow.
On his SS25 collection:
“‘Shaunie’ is a deeply personal narrative that reflects my journey over the past decade, drawing from my Jamaican heritage and experiences in New York. ‘Shaunie’ was my childhood nickname. The collection is a tribute to my younger self […], it’s a celebration of my roots and the eclectic essence of NYC.”
On the moodboard:
“Imagery of Jamaican dancehall scenes, the vibrant street art of New York, particularly the graffiti culture, combined with personal photographs and memories, created a rich tapestry of visual references that guided the design process.”
On the graffiti tags:
“Our signature graffiti tags are inspired by the rich history of street art in NYC. Each piece features unique prints. Artists like TAKI 183, who was one of the first New Yorkers to become famous for writing graffiti, have been particularly influential.”
On the soundtrack:
“Music is a vital part of my creative process. In the studio, we [played] Jamaican dancehall beats and Yew York hip-hop, the atmosphere reflected the cultural fusion of the collection. This soundtrack not only inspired the designs but also set the tone for the energy we wanted to convey through the pieces.”
On the silhouettes:
“The silhouettes in this collection reflect the merging of Jamaican dancehall aesthetics and New York’s urban style. The goal was to create pieces that are both bold and wearable, embodying the energy and resilience of the cultures that inspire them.”
On the materials:
“This season, I focused on thoughtfully sourced sustainable materials. The collection features a range of textures, from lightweight, breathable fabrics to sequined pieces that add a touch of glamour.”
On LAFW:
“It’s an exciting opportunity to expand the Theophilio community. LA is such a hub for the entertainment industry, and it offers a new space to connect with a diverse audience.”
On his advice for independent designers:
“Stay true to your vision and be patient. Building a brand takes time, and it’s essential to remain authentic and focused. Surround yourself with a supportive community, seek mentorship, and don’t be afraid to take calculated risks. And it’s ok to take a step back, realign and come back stronger.”
All featured images Theophilio©
More on Culted
See: Tyler, the Creator shows us a peek behind the curtain of “Chromakopia”
See: Marc Kalman on Still Kelly, working with Travis Scott, and very specific references
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.
