Outsiders Division‘s latest collection, “Los Niños Perdidos,” showcased at 080 Barcelona Fashion, is an exploration of lost childhood and the rebellious spirit. Inspired by a group of children growing up without parental supervision in a wild and apocalyptic environment, the collection delves into themes of individuality, nostalgia, and the beauty of contradiction.
The designer’s approach to character development is particularly noteworthy. By creating a diverse group of models with unique personalities, the collection avoids standardization and embraces the individuality of the tribe. The use of references to animated characters from comics, drawings, and movies serves as a nostalgic touch, connecting with the audience on a personal level.
Emotion plays a central role in the design process. Euphoria, chaos, and nostalgia are evident throughout the collection. The use of recurring colors evokes a sense of euphoria, while the superimposition of details on garments creates a chaotic and rebellious atmosphere. Nostalgia, a recurring theme in Outsiders Division’s work, is reflected in the references to childhood.
Contradiction is embraced as both a challenge and an opportunity. The designer’s ability to combine disparate elements in a cohesive manner creates unique and visually striking pieces. The Preppy-Punk concept, which juxtaposes two opposing aesthetics, is a testament to this approach.
We had a chat with the designer before his show and here’s what he told us:
What was the inspiration behind the “Los Niños Perdidos” collection? How did the idea of lost boys connect with the concept of the Outsiders Division?
We have been inspired by a group of children who grow up without parental supervision and free of social influences in a wild and apocalyptic environment. I consider similar concepts of Outsiders Division and Lost Boys, they both represent the idea of going against the grain.
Can you elaborate on the story or narrative behind the collection? What do the characters represent or symbolize?
From a narrative point of view, we have designed a group of disparate characters so that each model has its own personality and does not standardize the collection. I want the parade not to have a general look or a hairstyle that is repeated a lot, I am interested in the individuality of the tribe, in which each character has its own essence. In that case, we have taken the idea of lost children who grow up wild outside of society and dress randomly and freely creating harmony. The collection is full of specific references to animated characters from comics, drawings, and movies, it is a way to connect with the public and unlock memories.
You mentioned using emotions as a tool for drawing collections. Can you discuss specific emotions that inspire your designs and how they are reflected in the clothing?
There are feelings such as euphoria, chaos and nostalgia that are present in all our collections. Euphoria is conveyed with the use of recurring color. We represent chaos with the superimposition of ideas on garments through many details, and finally nostalgia that refers to the world of childhood.
How do you approach contradiction in your designs? Do you see it as a challenge or an
opportunity to create unique pieces?
In my case, it helps me to work. It is the starting point, using disparate elements in the same design, putting something where it should not be, and making two opposite worlds coexist. I like to use the Preppy-Punk concept to define the use of two disparate aesthetics that together create something coherent because that is how I consider life, a constant contradiction. And in that, I find a lot of beauty.
What are your plans for Outsiders Division in the future? Are there any specific themes or directions you’d like to explore in upcoming collections?
Although I don’t think much about the future, I would like the brand to continue growing and open a physical store. Also, increase our audience but without losing the emotion and maintaining the spirit so as not to become another brand for adults who have grown. In the next collection, I want to include a lot of tailoring with big shoulders and continue experimenting with footwear. There are many technical aspects that I would like to keep improving.
Check out the collection below:
