JW Anderson and A.P.C launch Joseph Beuys-inspired collection

JW Anderson and A.P.C. have unveiled their latest collaborative collection, inspired by the performance art piece by German artist Joseph Beuys, titled ‘I Like America and America Likes Me’.

In May 1974, Beuys embarked on a symbolic protest against the Vietnam War by flying from Dusseldorf to New York. During the journey, within an ambulance, Beuys wrapped himself in a felt blanket, shielding himself from the sights of America and symbolizing isolation from the outside world. His mission culminated in his confinement within the René Block Gallery for three days, where he shared space with a coyote. 

The JW Anderson and A.P.C. collection skillfully translates Beuys’s artistic message into fashion. Designed as an ideal wardrobe that captures the essence of Anderson’s personal style, the collection caters to both women and men. It revolves around two distinct silhouettes. The first, a more fitted and rocker-inspired look, includes black denim, a biker jacket, and hand-painted cotton knits. 

The second silhouette leans towards a hippie aesthetic, with looser shapes, multicolored knitwear, and well-worn denim. The collection also introduces a stonewashed effect, achieved through laser technology without any chemical processes — a first for A.P.C.

Throughout the collection, subtle nods to the historic performance are features. The rough wool of the duffle coat, for example, subtly recalls Beuys’ felt blanket. Bold graphic elements such as the ambulance and the gallery’s address (409 West Broadway) make appearances on vividly colored T-shirts and various pieces within the collection.

“This project was about learning and the excitement of a new collaboration. It made sense where I’m at in terms of fashion. It felt natural,” said Anderson. “We have this fascination for reinventing things that don’t need to be reinvented, but glorified instead, which I think is more exciting. What A.P.C. is amazing at is it doesn’t feel over-egged. It has just the right amount of now.”

Creative director and founder of A.P.C., Jean Touitou, added: “For me, the work meetings with Jonathan have always been a very quick and productive ping-pong game. When I brought an idea, he immediately transformed it into something better. It’s a sort of limitless hyperlink, like automatic writing applied to clothing, accessories and images. Thanks to Jonathan, we were able to go a little farther than usual in terms of originality and explorations. Let’s take Joseph Beuys’s ambulance and follow him on his chimeric journey.”