Collaboration
The Kooples X Richard Orlinski
Keino Benjamin and Bryan Griffin
“My goal was to provoke an immediate reaction from consumers; I want the work the pieces to make a statement at first glance. In designing this collection, there were no rules — for me, the most important thing is that the audience feel captivated. As an artist, you have to want and need to create. It is a way of a life.” –Richard Orlinski
By Katie Farley
Richard Orlinski is acknowledged worldwide as France’s most successful contemporary artist. With his sculptural masterpieces, Orlinski aims to sublimate reality and evoke emotion that radiates through his stunning, classic and living artworks. Animal instincts and human nature that echo a philosophical examination serve as the inspiration behind Orlinski’s iconic ‘Born Wild’ sculptures, which are some of the artist’s most successful projects to date. Never one to indulge in extravagance or fleeting trends, Orlinski maintains a sublimely modern and innovative style by selecting eclectic materials that range from aluminium, resin and stainless steel to gold, bronze, marble and even chocolate.
During his school days, Orlinski was described as “particularly gifted in the visual arts.” In recent years, international galleries have devoted entire exhibitions to him. Orlinski’s creative evolutions and passion for experimentation have channelled him into exploring other artistic fields. These include theatre, music (he has collaborated with Akon and Eva Simons), and cinema; the artist is currently preparing to star in Francis Renaud’s upcoming film, produced by Olivier Marchal.
While discussion revolves around his new creative ventures, Richard Orlinski is currently embarking on an exclusive menswear capsule collection with Parisian design house The Kooples. The fashion brand and noteworthy French artist are amalgamating their creative talents to showcase luxurious designs that have been artfully extracted from the rebellious zeitgeist of street art.
Orlinski hopes the collection will make an impression on his customer audience, saying, “My goal was to provoke an immediate reaction from consumers; I want the work the pieces to make a statement at first glance. In designing this collection, there were no rules — for me, the most important thing is that the audience feels captivated. As an artist, you have to want and need to create. It is a way of a life.”
The limited edition The Kooples X Richard Orlinski capsule collection will encompass 16 exclusive pieces, including costume jewelry and high-top sneakers that directly draw inspiration from Orlinski’s pop-art, urban motifs. Biker jackets, T-shirts, and sweats are imbued with a 90’s-inspired edge and emblazoned with the artist’s famous catchphrases, such as “Too Young to Die, “Free”, “Love”, and “Born Wild”.
“It wasn’t just about signing “Orlinski” on our clothes. It was about bringing his distinct spirit to life, and imbuing it with the energy of Alexandre Elicha”The Kooples
Designed in collaboration with Alexandre Elicha (The Kooples’ menswear artistic director who is also one of the brand’s three founders), the iconic skull logo has been injected with an abundance of ingenuity and energy by the two visionary designers. The skull has undergone an artistic transformation, seen to be decoratively rendered with graffiti and colors referencing Orlinski’s artistic aesthetic. Selected The Kooples boutiques across the world house a gargantuan sculptural version of the featureless face.
With a meticulous focus on attention to detail, the fashion label maintains their reputation for impressive craftsmanship quality. Silver metal details and studs channel a sense of anti-conformity as well as established traditions. These artful elements are infused with a modern and forward-thinking flair that embodies the brand’s tailoring inspirations, giving a stylish nod to London’s Savile Row.
The enthralling and unique collaboration will undoubtedly thrill the fashionistas and art-seekers alike. The collection is now available selected US and European stores, as well as online at
thekooples.com/us/
Designed in collaboration with Alexandre Elicha (The Kooples’ menswear artistic director who is also one of the brand’s three founders), the iconic skull logo has been injected with an abundance of ingenuity and energy by the two visionary designers. The skull has undergone an artistic transformation, seen to be decoratively rendered with graffiti and colors referencing Orlinski’s artistic aesthetic. Selected The Kooples boutiques across the world house a gargantuan sculptural version of the featureless face.
With a meticulous focus on attention to detail, the fashion label maintains their reputation for impressive craftsmanship quality. Silver metal details and studs channel a sense of anti-conformity as well as established traditions. These artful elements are infused with a modern and forward-thinking flair that embodies the brand’s tailoring inspirations, giving a stylish nod to London’s Savile Row.
The enthralling and unique collaboration will undoubtedly thrill the fashionistas and art-seekers alike. The collection is now available selected US and European stores, as well as online at
thekooples.com/us/
