TOPMAN has enlisted New York artist Curtis Kulig to collaborate on the brand’s first collection with an American artist. The eclectic collection is an essential gentlemen’s wardrobe that features details of his original artwork in pieces that reflect his signature style.
Kulig first gained notoriety with his signature manifesto ‘Love Me’. Offering the most private request through the most public of platforms, his message allowed him to seamlessly skip between the fine art and commercial worlds. The omnipresence of his art, along with his open- hearted nature, and impeccable style have made him a fixture in downtown New York and one of the most revered artists of his generation.
His debut collection with TOPMAN encompasses his timeless wardrobe and Kulig was involved in every step of the design process from choosing luxe fabrics to creating original patterns and pulling imagery from his fine art and archives. The collection takes cues from his personal style icons, ranging from the cardigans of Albert Einstein to the cords of Woody Allen. He also pulls inspiration from Pablo Picasso, Joseph Beuys and Richard Avedon.
His ageless timeless style is infused in the relaxed silhouettes of the pieces giving an oversized fit. The collection includes a mix of traditional outerwear in corduroy and denim, cheeky graphic t- shirts and sweatshirts, relaxed fit trousers, travel accessories and soft accessories from printed socks to a wool patterned beanie, scarf and glove set. His art is infused in several pieces in a clever and unexpected way — from a hand painted classic Breton, to a stunning Chance painting screened on the inside of a longline wool overcoat. A corduroy blazer features a lining with his vibrant Bubble Print and a crisp button down is updated with images from his Polaroid photos taken at his Soho studio. Kulig teamed up with fellow artist Sean Kinney of Eddie Eddie By Billy Tommy to illustrate the mantra “Relax” over a stoic portrait of Albert Einstein. The deconstructed formal wardrobe features a colour palette of rich tones of blues and greys with touches of colour inspired by his artwork.
Kulig noted, “I’m really thrilled about the collection with TOPMAN. It’s the first time I’ve done a project with my own name on it so it had to be authentic and reflect my personal style.”
The imagery of the collection captures a day in the life of an artistic gentleman in New York City. Shot by photographer Michael Avedon, the images take a stroll through some of the city’s most iconic Upper East Side locations. Starting with coffee at the classic establishment Viand café, wandering through Central Park and stopping to take in the park’s secluded spots and ending his day at the definitive New York institution Bemelmans Bar at The Carlyle hotel.
“TOPMAN is very excited to be collaborating with an American artist of such standing. As a brand we have worked with many talented British Designers and Artists but never an American artist. Curtis’ alternative fashion viewpoint has created a collection imbued with his personal idiosyncratic artistic flourishes that take it beyond pure fashion. These are pieces you will want to have in your wardrobe for decades because of their timelessness,” – Gordon Richardson, Creative Director of TOPMAN.
A percentage of sales of the collection will benefit Free Arts NYC. Free Arts NYC provides underserved children and families with a unique combination of educational arts and mentoring programs that help them to foster the self-confidence and resiliency needed to realize their fullest potential.
The Curtis Kulig x TOPMAN collection is available exclusively at TOPMAN Oxford Circus London and on Topman.com as well as all US Stores.
