Famous for his bold graffiti/punk art and fashion that captured the essence of 1980′s New York, Stephen Sprouse was also responsible for kick-starting the ‘it-bag’ trend with his graffiti covered designs for Louis Vuitton back in 2001. Starting his career in the late 1970′s by making stage outfits for his downtown neighbour Debbie Harry, his work soon influenced popular culture worldwide and continues to do so today with this posthumous collection (Sprouse died tragically in 2004) faithfully designed by Marc Jacobs. The range of leather goods, accessories, shoes and streetwear certainly won’t be the most subtle or reserved collection of 2009, but true to Sprouse’s pop-art vision and punk aesthetic it is bold, exciting and still relevant today.
A 1980′s style gym kit with wristbands, headband and towel, neon sunglasses, achingly cool sneaker-boots and even a motif-clad skateboard are all part of the streetwear influenced collection. If you want to see more of Sprouse’s artwork and are lucky enough to be in New York between now and February 28th then head over to 18 Wooster Street to catch the Rock on Mars exhibition showcasing some of his finest works.
Sprouse’s work is also now the subject of a brilliant new coffee table art book released this month, ‘The Stephen Sprouse Book‘ features never before seen sketches, interviews with friends from the world of music, art and fashion, photographs and an exhaustive body of his finest work.
Words By;
James Davidson; Editor in Chief