The Brvtalist is pleased to premiere a new short film from JULIUS_. Directed by Gota Yonekura, the film accompanies the label’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection titled [ Afangar; ], which looks at the relationship between humans, nature and the spirit world. A beautiful and meditative collection, the fabrics chosen evoke the disorderly and organic character of the natural world, bringing to mind the textures of tree bark, mud, and weathered rocks. The shapes are twisted and contorted like the branches of a giant tree. The silhouettes carry the mass of crushed earth, yet breathes with lifelike luscious foliage quivering in the wind.

The models who wear the clothing are modern priests engaging in a Shinto ritual as in the present time, every person is a priest, an artist. The jewelry worn is made from clay and straw and are placed across the body as a catalyst for communicating with spirits. This collection does not limit itself to presenting Nature through the intermediary of animism.

The title means “hybrid” in Malagasy and the designer was heavily influenced by the art movements of the 60s and 70s. Joseph Beuys, whose body of work has a heavy focus on the dialogue with spirits, also comes to mind. Along with him, land art, a movement born from an America that rid itself of capitalism, is also a driving force.

Consistently one of our favorite designers, JULIUS_ shows once again that his works elevate beyond the constraints of fashion and examine our relationship with technology, nature and realms beyond our perception. http://www.julius-garden.jp/

-JRS

Film Credits:
Director: Gota Yonekura
Website: https://www.office-sankai.com
Sound Track: Corey David Fuller
Label: 12k
Label link: https://12kmusic.bandcamp.com
Website: https://www.coreydavidfuller.com
Album: Break
Track: Illvi∂ri