Since its genesis in 2011, sivasdescalzo — often stylised as simply SVD — has constantly redefined the streetwear scene. As an established retailer, SVD’s product variety and past campaigns prove innovation and reinvention are embedded in its DNA — but its latest venture takes things one step further.
On October 15, the Barcelona-based retailer releases ‘SIVASDESCALZO FOUNDATION SERIES’ — its very own apparel line. Following collaborations with brands like adidas, SVD unveils its first-ever capsule collection. Comprising six different pieces — three t-shirts and three jumpers — the ‘SIVASDESCALZO FOUNDATION SERIES’ pays homage to SVD’s physical stores in Barcelona and Madrid by featuring the stores’ corresponding coordinates. The exclusive location-only design, as well as classic SVD logo alternative, will be available to purchase in-store and online respectively.
Putting sustainability at the forefront, the entire six-piece collection is made out of organic cotton and is locally produced in Barcelona. To ensure no two pieces are alike, SVD opted for cracked serigraphy and a special vintage wash to create a “worn-in look that gains character with each wear” and perfectly complements the oversized silhouettes. Alongside the collection, SVD is also releasing a special fashion film and editorial, where the pieces take centre stage, to further showcase its ethos.
To celebrate the launch, Schön! catches up with SVD’s creative director, Raúl Fernández, to get the lowdown on how the collection was created, the accompanying visuals, and what we can expect next from the retailer.
You started your journey at SVD almost a decade ago as one of the founding members. How’s it been? What have been some of the most fulfilling moments for you so far?
The truth is the entire journey has been very rewarding; we’ve always tried to enjoy every moment as intensely as possible, from our start working out of a garage until now. First experiences with new processes are always remembered for their balance between effort and enjoyment, for example; the first sale, first website, first editorial, first brand campaign launch, first raffle, first sneaker collaboration, etc. and now the first collection of clothing 100% designed by SVD and made in Barcelona.
As SVD’s creative director, can you walk us through the process of designing SVD’s first collection?
It started with the need to create something natural, neutral and functional – 100% SVD’s DNA, something that would mix the design esthetics from our current brand selection. We looked to oversized, comfortable and functional cuts, took inspiration from Japanese clothing techniques and urban culture design, plus searched for natural, organic and quality materials produced consciously with the environment in mind. We worked with the latest dyes and production techniques, working to the last detail of the garment and elaborating packaging that served as the final touch to echo the ecological sense of the collection.
Why did you settle on three different designs?
With these three designs, we wanted to unite the principal locations of the brand with the brand’s origin and the production of these garments. In this way, the client could benefit from the design, or city they feel the most aligned to.
How did the decision to use organic cotton and locally produce the collection in Barcelona come about?
I believe that we’re currently experiencing more and more extreme conditions, so it’s only logical that as individuals we’re becoming more aware of the environment and climate change. This carries implications when making production decisions where you have the ability to choose certain methods and create a design that is more primary, natural and ecological.
From the wash to the serigraphy, the pieces are designed to be unique. Was this a priority?
I think it’s a trend in fashion that as individuals we want to continuously set ourselves apart from the crowd and be unique. To achieve this, we have the possibilities today to give more value to details, make things different and look toward more artisanal methods, while simultaneously believing in the character more brazen techniques can offer a garment, helping to make each one a little different from the other. Lastly, we experimented with cracked serigraphy that would, as its name suggests, crack progressively with each use of the product. Essentially, a series of processes that will remind us of that mythical old t-shirt of your favourite band, after it’s spent a lifetime at events and concerts gaining more character over time.
How do you feel this collection merges SVD’s streetwear roots with its current state and future trajectory?
The collection fuses knowledge with neutrality and character that offers convenience and comfort. A relaxed design that unites inspiration from urban fashion with garment cuts that are more contemporary and minimalist.
SVD has done creative collaborations in the past but, this is its first proper collection. Why did you feel it was time to put out your own clothing collection?
Yes, we’re no strangers to this, we’ve produced a lot of merch over the years, collaborating with brands and designs for sneakers, but on this occasion, we wanted to look more profoundly into the roots and spirit of SVD. We felt we’d reached a point of maturity where the most natural form of evolution was to create a collection that fully transmits SVD’s personality.
Is this a one-off occurrence or are you planning to roll out your own collections regularly in the future?
Definitely, that’s the idea and motivation when creating a brand. We’d love to be able to create future thematic capsules to develop all of SVD’s multidisciplinary character.
Who do you envision as SVD’s wearer or client?
The SVD client is a creative profile with a broad criteria for fashion, art, and music. They’re very inquisitive and conscious of trends and their surroundings, always searching for the perfect balance between comfort and technology.
Ecommerce is the backbone of SVD but this collection pays homage to SVD’s physical stores, why?
It could be said that a large part of SVD’s DNA comes from the digital sphere, but for our first capsule collection we wanted to recognise the current climate of technological saturation and do something that got us more in touch with our roots; something more organic bringing us back down to earth and referencing collection’s production origins.
Do you plan opening new stores anytime soon?
We have quite a few ideas and proposals in mind, however, we’re at a stage now where we are focusing on strengthening ourselves internally with technological improvements and enhancing our services for clients.
How did you pick Andrés Sanjuan to star in the editorial?
We’d been following Andrés’s evolution and achievements for a while, we loved his latest projects, for example, Prada Linea Rossa x Highsnobiety, so on this occasion we thought his attitude and style would perfectly combine to represent the collection and deliver the message of our brand.
How do you feel the video and editorial match the collection’s nature?
For all the creative material of the collection, we wanted to involve the viewer. This included showing the whole production process of the garments in the real factory, where they were produced with consciously used technology. Both creative pieces deliver contemporary and ecological narratives featuring a balance between humanity, machines and nature.
What’s next for SVD?
This year has been one of growth and investment put towards improving technologies for our physical and digital platforms that in turn will improve the agility and services for all our clients. However, we are also developing many collaborative projects that continue to engage us in synergies with creative industry profiles enabling us to grow the SVD community.
The ‘SIVASDESCALZO FOUNDATION SERIES’ is now available online at SVD. The special coordinate designs are available at SVD’s respective stores in Barcelona and Madrid.
For more info on sivasdescalzo, make sure to check out its website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
direction. Guillem Cruells
photography. Lucho Vidales
fashion stylist. Ahida Aguirre
on-set stylist. Andrea Goldfinger
model. Andrés Sanjuan
production. STDNVC
words. Sara Delgado
