Darius Betschart
Bakken
France 2026
Copenhagen’s teenage skate scene, intertwined with the local techno and tattooing scene inherent to the newly gentrified districts of Nørrebro + Vesterbro, are foundational in Darius Betschart’s designs. However this aesthetic vision is the surface below which lies a much more political agenda, fuelled by the work of philosopher Bernard Stiegler and artist/philosopher Hito Steyerl. Stiegler was a critic of the capitalistic industry driven by short-term profit, indifferent to the future of the younger generations. Steyerl’s work explores militarization, surveillance, migration and, most importantly, the role of the media in globalization, and the spread of culture through images. By referencing garments from medieval feudalism, Betschart’s designs work on two levels: a visually striking, subcultural aesthetic, and a deeper critical commentary on capitalism, culture, and the media.
SELECTION MOTIVATION
The strength and clarity of Darius’s creative message immediately stood out to us, a critique of cultural appropriation that turns aesthetic codes into symbols of status and wealth. In his work, we see the future of streetwear and casual fashion: a bold, distilled message that blends technical details drawn from the outdoors with design elements evoking new tribes of metropolitan warriors, humans who protect and support one another, living in a state of camouflage without ever losing their individuality.
TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION
Waxed and garment-dyed structured denim jacket, paired with nylon shorts inspired by medieval braies, a type of men’s lower-body undergarment. Pink cotton jersey neck warmer, chainmail gloves embellished with Danish kroner coins, a charm belt, knee-high socks, and clogs decorated with pink jacquard ribbon complete the look.
PHOTOGALLERY
VIDEOS