FASHION & ART: Jean-Michel Basquiat

Brooklyn-based luxury watch brand DAEM has partnered with The Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat for three collaborative timepieces. Paying tribute to an artist who shaped the landscape of the modern art world, DAEM incorporates Basquiat’s acclaimed works into its custom designs.

DAEM highlights Basquiat’s ‘85 ‘Now’s The Time’ artwork in its first watch. The imprecise vinyl references Jazz musician Charlie Parker’s song of the same name; its round shape allows it to be reworked into a traditional watch face. The patterned green, red and brown strap was inspired by a portrait of Basquiat, where he wears a similarly colored shirt. DAEM’s second watch features Basquiat’s recognizable ‘Skull,’ showcasing the dichotomy of inner and outer experience; life versus death. The band is made up of phrases from the artist’s ‘Undiscovered Genius’ work, which represents “elements of his cultural heritage as a social commentary on racial segregation and alienation.”

The final timepiece displays Basquiat’s masterful ‘Warrior’ work. Created in 1982, Basquiat depicts a raw, isolated human form in a heroic presentation, capturing the strength that comes from overcoming great struggles. A leather band complements the watch’s metallic gold-plated casing. All three of the Basquiat x DAEM watches will release December 5 on DAEM’s website.

A selection of Jean-Michel Basquiat paintings adorns pieces from Herschel Supply for the Vancouver-based brand’s graphic new collection. The late Basquiat is renowned for his often politically charged and poetic urban imagery and graffiti. Paying homage to one of the most significant American artists of the 20th Century, the multi-piece capsule shows off three of his Neo-Expressionist works.

The collection sees an array of backpacks, duffles, crossbodies and hip packs, along with unisex clothing, wrapped in the spontaneous, bold and vibrant works from the artist. One of Basquiat’s most highly acclaimed paintings, Untitled (Scull/Skull), adorns a series of bags, jackets, tees and headwear. Now’s The Time, his 1985 painting depicting a vinyl record of Charlie Parker’s eponymous bebop composition, is seen on a washed cotton canvas tote and daypack in addition to a pair of jackets. An all-over print of Per Capita swathes a selection of functional ripstop bags. To round out the offering, each piece is finished with Basquiat’s three point crown symbol.