Who Decides War has established its design codes of its distressed denim, oversize streetwear looks and recognizable stained glass window motif since designers Everard Best and Tela D’Amore launched the brand in 2018. But for spring 2025, the designers showed their skills beyond traditional streetwear.
“In terms of what people are used to seeing from us on the runway, this is a 180 — it’s a graduation,” Best said, adding that “we’re growing up. Of course, we always serve that customer, but at the same time we also make these pieces that serve a customer base that doesn’t want a hoodie or jeans that are embellished and have a lot going on.”
The designers delivered newness this season with their first red carpet-style gowns, but infused with their signature codes — there was draping, corsetry and subtle stained glass window motifs embedded in styles like a draped silk Grecian-style dress embellished with pins and a bridal-inspired ballgown with distressed elements. The pieces were elegant yet exuded the cool factor that’s synonymous with the brand.
There also was an emphasis on tailoring that played into the designers’ Victorian power dressing theme, as seen in pin-striped suits with stained glass cut outs and vests with buckle detailing that gave an edgy take on formal menswear.
The brand debuted its collaboration with Pelle Pelle, which offers custom leather jackets with colorful stitching depicting images of the Founding Fathers replaced with former President Barack Obama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Frederick Douglass and Malcolm X.
Overall the lineup displayed Best and D’Amore’s expertise in craft and subtle details, and that their skill set can apply beyond streetwear.
For more New York spring 2025 reviews, click here.