[:en]As an hommage to Jean-Michel Basquiat ELEVENPARIS has made a collection featuring his iconic art. You can stare at this sweater for hours and find new and exciting things in it. Just like you would in any good piece of art. But, who was Basquiat?
He was one of the most avantgarde street artists who made it into the inner circles of the New York art society, one of his best friends being Andy Warhol. When Andy Warhol died of AIDS in 1987 Basquiat went into a deep depression which he never truly recovered from. He was a genius, a prodigy and a heroin addict. He was a huge fan of Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix and it is probably no coincidence he died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27 in his art studio in Manhattan in 1988. That really made me think. If I would have ended my life (I have no suicidal thoughts though), I should have done it at 27. Now it’s too late and I’ll have to wait until old age or something else gets the best of me, but I should have a good 70 years or so left, haha. It’s both fascinating and scaring that great minds often fall into deep addictions such as Basquiat did. Why? Well, I don’t have the answer to that, but reality IS tough to handle, especially if you’re more gifted than the average person. It is a tragedy, but during his short life span he left us with so much poetry, drawings and painting in which he married text and image, abstraction, figuration and historical information mixed with contemporary critique. One of his most famous quotes is “I’m not a real person. I’m a legend”. And indeed, he is immortal and that’s what I love about this collection. It is our way, within the fashion industry, of remembering Basquiat. Arte et Marte.
Jacket: H&M
Cap: H&M
Sweater: ELEVENPARIS
Jeans: River Island
Sneakers: H&M
[:sv]Som en hommage till Basquiat har ELEVENPARIS skapat denna kollektion för att påminna om hans odödliga konst. Man kan bokstavligen stirra på tröjan i flera timmar och finna nya spännande intryck, men vem var Jean-Michel Basquiat?
Han var en av de mest beryktade avantgardegatuartisterna i New York under 1980-talet och rörde sig i de innersta kretsarna av den på 80-talet blomstrande kulturscenen på Manhattan och en av hans bästa vänner var Andy Warhol. När Andy Warhol dog av AIDS 1987 blev Basquiat djupt deprimerad och återhämtade egentligen sig aldrig. Han var ett geni, ett underbarn samt kraftigt beroende av heroin. Han var även ett enormt fan av Jimi Hendrix och Janis Joplin och det är knappast ett sammanträffande att han dog av en heroinöverdos i sin konstnärsstudio på Manhattan vid en ålder av 27 år 1988. Det fick mig att tänka en hel del. Om jag nu hade valt att avsluta mitt liv (vilket jag inte har några tankar på), så borde det ha skett vid den magiska siffran 27. Nu är det liksom för sent och jag får helt enkelt vänta tills jag tynar bort om sisådär 70 år, minst.
Det är både fascinerande och skrämmande att stora tänkare ofta har ett djupt missbruk kopplat till sitt skapande och liv. Varför det är så har jag inget svar på, men sanningen är att det ÄR jobbig att hantera verkligheten om man har en intelligenskvot högre än gemene man. Det är en tragedi, men under sitt korta liv lämnade han oss med så mycket poesi, ritningar och målning inom vilken han kombinerade text och bild, abstraktion, formgivning och historisk information kombinerat med aktuell samhällskritik. Ett av hans mest berömda citat är “Jag är inte en riktig människa. Jag är en legend.” och helt riktigt är han odödlig. Det är vad jag älskar med denna kollektion. Det är vårt sätt att inom mode minnas Basquiat. Arte et Marte.
Jacka: H&M
Keps: H&M
Tröja: ELEVENPARIS
Jeans: River Island
Sneakers: H&M
![[:en]All these layers[:sv]Lager på lager[:]](http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/TS_DSC_0348-370x340.jpg)
![[:en]Luxury Treatments[:]](http://www.thomasfalkenstedt.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/6-370x340.jpg)
Iliana
November 20, 2016 at 5:07 pmReally liking your coat and the colors on your sweater!!! For sure a work of art!
frank lin
November 20, 2016 at 5:07 pmWow. Great story! And it proofs once again that fashion IS art.
Michelle
November 20, 2016 at 5:32 pmLove your story and your top! I love your street style 🙂
XO
http://www.lehoarder.com/
Stephanie
November 20, 2016 at 5:57 pmI had never heard of this artist, but after seeing your fascinating top and hearing his tragic and beautiful story, I am desperate to research him even more and learn about the incredible pieces he shared with the world. I definitely agree that so many artists have to deal with those struggles (the “tortured artist” yes?) and I think you’re right about why. There’s so many things going on up in their brain that reality can be just far too overwhelming. It’s sad, don’t you think? But, at the same time, I’m grateful for the ability to bring art into the world, because of what a beautiful gift it is!
Stephanie // SheSawStyle.com
Isabel
November 20, 2016 at 7:24 pmWow! Love his story wich is beautiful and tragic at same time. I think it’s a great tribute to his art as fashion is some kind of art too.
And you sure are the perfect one to wear it. You look amazing as always!
Thank you for this story, I learned something new today because of you.
Love,
Isabel
http://www.bloggingmycloset.blogspot.com
Open Kloset By Karina
November 20, 2016 at 8:11 pmDear Thomas, Hows you?
loved your Look;)
I never heard about this story, Thank you for sharing.
Open Kloset By Karina
New: http://openklosetfashion.blogspot.pt/2016/11/marga-bistro.html?m=1#more
Christine Kong
November 20, 2016 at 9:45 pmThis sweater IS a piece of art. I love that you shared a bit of his life with us, as short as it was. I can’t even imagine how lonely and dark one must feel when they are so much more than they are perceived to be. I love the colors and the street style edge to this look. xoxo, Christine
http://dailykongfidence.com/
Martin ebner
November 20, 2016 at 11:06 pmKiller top and great post man!!
Camille Nichelini
November 20, 2016 at 11:41 pmFashion certainly is an art form, love your tribute!
Anthony @oh_anthonio
November 21, 2016 at 12:35 amLove this post. It was great to learn a little more about the man behind the sweater!
Linh Dao
November 21, 2016 at 1:53 amThank you for sharing Thomas! I really appreciate how personal your blog is! I love that sweater on you! You look super great! Can I have that sweater!? It is definitely art and the prints on them is awesome!
Linh
http://www.xcapewithlinh.com
Atsuna Matsui
November 21, 2016 at 2:08 amThis might be one of my favorite outfit of yours yet! I love the graphic pattern of this sweater and how you coordinated it with some black pieces here. Totally killing it in this photo.
xoxo
http://www.atsunamatsui.com
gracie
November 21, 2016 at 2:38 amI love how you gave us insight into the artist of the sweater, makes me appreciate it even more ! Very tragic when these great minds are taken to early. Fashion really is art !
xx, gracie
snappedbygracie.com
Sharon Wu
November 21, 2016 at 3:05 amWow, I had no idea there was so much behind this sweater! Lol! All I remember is seeing it on your Instagram and falling in love with it. Loving the abstract art on it. You look amazing as always, and that coat sure looks warm. It’s finally cooled down in LA some… raining today and I finally got to wear my coat too! Amazing!!! LOL. Have a wonderful week Thomas! xo, sharon
http://www.stylelullaby.com/fashion/little-animal-print-never-hurt/
Rachel
November 21, 2016 at 3:30 amLooks great! Love this look!
http://chicglamstyle.com
Candace
November 21, 2016 at 5:06 amThanks for sharing the background story about the designer! Always nice to know a little history about them. Great styling of that sweater. This look is so fly 🙂
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Josie
November 21, 2016 at 10:25 amI have never never of this grand artist! But thank you so much for taking the time to educate us a little more! Such a tragedy though 🙁 but at least his art and talent remain! I do like that sweater it’s rad, different and you’re styling it perfectly!
Bisous, Josie
http://www.petiteandbold.com
Samantha Mariko
November 21, 2016 at 11:21 amIt’s so sad when a true genius, an artist takes his or her own life because of depression or drug overdose.. I enjoyed reading this post and of course your outfit!
http://www.samanthamariko.com
Andreea Birsan
November 21, 2016 at 2:10 pmLoved hearing the background story of the designer! Your outfit was on point as usual. Have a lovely week! <3
Andreea,
http://couturezilla.com/
Daria
November 21, 2016 at 2:50 pmSuch a nice outfit!!!!
XO
Daria
http://www.dbkstylez.com
diana
November 21, 2016 at 4:35 pmso much story behind of sweater! you are always go so deep in your post!
michenn
November 21, 2016 at 5:24 pmI love that you gave a mini history lesson Basquiat. So interested, his story. I also love how you styled that sweater with the black blazer; since it’s a busy pattern, the black really calms it down and makes it look super sleek. Love this style, love this post and thanks for the mini history lesson! I’ve learned something new 🙂
michenn
michenn Chanel Slingbacks Review
Gina Diaz
November 21, 2016 at 6:31 pmI love this post Thomas! everything about it, the location, the style, YOU, and the way you have written about Basquiat. I am sure you can stare this sweater for hours as it is so so beautiful :))))
Xx, Gina
http://www.artsyrunway.com
Marcy
November 21, 2016 at 8:02 pmSuch a cool sweater! Love The colors and great styling!
Rachel
November 22, 2016 at 12:26 amThis sweater, coat, hat and shoes are so fab. Love this look.
xoxo, Rachel
http://www.rachelvogttrends.com
Darlene
November 22, 2016 at 3:45 amwow! Quite a story you have there Thomas! Thank you for that, I didn’t even know Andy Warhol died of AIDS. and wow 27 died of overdose? that is sad but which is pretty common on artists. I am 25 and wow thats 2 years from now. hahaha anyway great top and I love the design!
x
Darlene
Jen
November 22, 2016 at 4:02 amI could really stare at that sweater allll day. It’s so gorgeous!! I love when fashion incorporates art, music and history. A lot of gifted people die at a young age. (Mozart) I’ve never heard of Basquiat, but now I know who he is through your blog. Thank you for sharing!
Yasmin
November 22, 2016 at 5:28 amThat is such a cool top! So interesting to learn about Basquiat. I have never heard of him. But I do agree that creative people are often depressed or troubled, which helps fuel their art and expression. Just look at how magnificent Adele’s 21 was. I too am a creative person, but have my troubles with depression. I guess it is a gift and a curse haha.
xx Yasmin
http://banglesandbungalows.com
Cece Lam
November 22, 2016 at 6:12 amYou look amazing as usual Thomas!! send you lots of lovee!
Miki
November 22, 2016 at 6:19 amLoving your outfit Thomas. So much history on just one sweater! Great artists and geniuses often are so gifted, it’s always such a shame to lose great talent. I thought that of Alexander McQueen when he took his own life. Onto happier things – awesome style! lol Love the look and print!
Xo,
Miki
http://mikialamode.com
Jenelle
November 22, 2016 at 6:35 amI love what you did with this story. I didn’t know a lot about him, but vaguely recognised the art work. Reflecting on an artists life like this is very interesting, we often see a finished product and rarely get to know the story behind it. The struggles and so on that make up the vision.
A very cool collab.
xx Jenelle
http://www.inspiringwit.com
Annis
November 22, 2016 at 7:11 amI loved the background story! It’s definitely a question that I have asked myself concerning young artists. Awesome sweater by the way!
Molly Clifton
November 22, 2016 at 8:10 amWhat an awesome sweatshirt! I’m loving how you styled it. Such a great look and fun story about Andy!
Keep smiling!
Molly | http://www.stylemissmolly.com
Deddeh Howard
November 22, 2016 at 4:13 pmThe sweater is amazing Thomas, love the story behind it. You know, it cool down in LA and it’s time for me to bring out my sweaters and coat as well. Great post love.
Migena Mali
November 22, 2016 at 6:40 pmLovely sweater. And the story is great, keep it up!
xo
Leila D.
November 22, 2016 at 9:40 pmWow, such a great post. Have a great day
http://Www.leilaandvanya.blogspot.com
Bernice
November 23, 2016 at 1:17 amI love how insightful and cultured you are! There is also so much rich history within your posts and amazing des
Jo
November 23, 2016 at 3:50 amI love when industries collide for collaborations. That’s such a cool sweater and the artwork as well by the looks of it! I’d definitely end up staring at it just to see what little thing I could discover haha! On another note, Isn’t it such an odd coincidence that a lot of incredibly gifted creatives died at 27? Hendrix, Joplin, Cobain, Winehouse, etc. Sadly gone, but never forgotten.
xo, Jo
http://www.cutandchic.com
Jenn Hanft
November 23, 2016 at 5:11 amIt’s awesome that your sweater is not only a work of art but also has such a story behind it! It’s incredible how such gifted people back in the day were always valued at less than what they were. Does it really take death to shed light on greatness? I feel so sad that he lived a short life but thank you for sharing part of his story! I will definitely look more into him and his work.
XO Jenn
http://www.jennsemble.com
samira
November 23, 2016 at 5:49 amloving this look thomas! really love how the top has such cool details and you paired it with more subtle pieces! great post!!
xo, samira
http://www.leathertolunch.com
Lady Goldapple
November 23, 2016 at 8:31 amWhat a heavy subject Thomas! But definitely something that makes you think. I think it’s so sad if you feel depressed so badly you want to end your life… Something positive to end with: loving your outfit 🙂
XO Charissa – http://www.ladygoldapple.com
Jo
November 23, 2016 at 4:36 pmI fell in love with this sweatshirt when you first shared on Instagram but have no idea about the story behind it. I loved reading the story about this artist even though it was very sad to learn about his short-lived life but he definitely left us his beautiful art and great talent which will forever inspire us. And as always, I love your style :).
With love,
Jo
Taylor
November 24, 2016 at 5:58 amSuch a cool sweatshirt, love how you styled it!
xo.
http://www.itswhatsin.com
Darci
November 24, 2016 at 7:05 amIt is so crazy to hear about all those stories and such young talent taken so soon! Love that sweater though, it is SO unique and fun! xo, Darci
Yuena Li
November 24, 2016 at 8:40 amYou’ve got hella style. Teach me your ways!!
With Love,
Yuena
http://simplyyue.wordpress.com
JT
November 25, 2016 at 3:42 amWoah – this is an awesome article! I miss reading about art and critiques! I learnt a few new things about Basquiat!
Eric k
November 26, 2016 at 4:30 amBuddy, I agree with you in avery aspect. It is interesting to me as well, why great minds always leave us early. i guess its the question we won’t have answer to. Love the pictures buddy
http://www.erickfashion.com
Lolita Mas
November 27, 2016 at 10:06 amSuch a cool outfit!
Konstantina Antoniadou
November 27, 2016 at 4:37 pmI am so obsessed with this jumper. The print is just amazing! Love the whole look ^^
http://www.kmeetsstyle.com
Stefanie
November 28, 2016 at 6:08 pmwhat a great story! I love when wearing a piece can mean so much more than just how it looks. You’re wearing it well and making him proud!
Jordan Chapman
November 30, 2016 at 8:02 pmBasquiat is one of my favorite artists so I’ll have to check out this collab and use it for some Christmas gifts!!
Natasha du Chen
December 22, 2016 at 10:29 amLove your sweatshirt
Carl-Johan
January 5, 2017 at 3:57 pmVad lite man vet! Men så bra att få veta och försöka förstå!
Ännu mer spännande nu att se dig i fortsättningen.