When it comes to fashion’s burning issues, Hideaki Shikama of Children of the Discordance hits all the right notes. Shikama designs ethically; his use of vintage materials and deadstock approaches sustainability in a way that doesn’t feel forced. The environment isn’t his sole concern; fair trade products created in conjunction with factories staffed by Palestinian refugees or Zapatistas tackle equitable commerce, and recent partnerships with brands like Schott and Yamaha address the desire for synergistic style discourse.
The intentions are pure, but Shikama’s aesthetic is what has garnered him a global audience. His vibrant bandana prints are hits on Instagram, where they connect with legions of ’90s-obsessed collectors and old-school hip-hop fans like himself. “Vintage is always the starting point, but doing it the same way isn’t good enough,” he shared. “We remake but in a way that is modern and adapted to today’s trends.” Such brands as Sacai and Loewe have explored similar kerchief imagery in recent years, but Shikama has made the look his signature.
Fittingly, his Spring output was a continuation of these themes. The bandana prints were there, but alongside arabesques, camouflage, stamp prints, and pieces embellished with cannabis motifs. Worn head to toe, the patchwork of references was lively, a kinetic mishmash donned by a street-cast lineup of tattooed and pierced misfits. In their overalls and windbreakers, the group could have passed for extras on a music video set, but cool kids weren’t the sole demographic. A selection of blazers and turtlenecks brought the vintage vibe into adult territory, adding visual interest to workwear basics.
