Ever thought of a mobile canvas? Well, Californian artist and streetwear designer Joshua Vides did and has – thanks to this genius approach – become a powerful voice in the fashion/streetwear and pop art world. It is to no surprise that Colmar, the historic Monza-based fashion company, selected Vides to celebrate the brand’s 100th anniversary. Joshua Vides has a mission: He wants to create a blueprint for others to follow with a vision so strong that can motivate generations to join. He founded his inde-pendent apparel brand CLSC in 2009, a brand with which he started to express his fascination for sex, drugs, sports and music. In 2017, he experienced a major breakthrough by transforming a Reebok and, after that, a Nike Air Force 1 sneaker that went viral on social media and found major resonance. Only one year later, Vides expanded his ideas and moved onto visual art, to work with the idea of constructing entire worlds. By now, the Guatemala-born creative is a successful, globetrotting artist, collaborating with the biggest names in the fashion and luxury industry. Innovation and an urge to search for creative solutions is the strong bridge that connects the two worlds of Joshua Vides and Colmar.

The power of the Italian fashion brand Colmar shows mostly in the intense research in technical and performance fabrics to shape and contribute both to the sports and fashion world. Starting from the brand’s historical archive that goes back to 1923, Vides created a full collection that consists of ten garments, reinterpreting the brand’s culture and expertise. The most iconic pieces are two jackets and a reversible padded vest, printed in black and white on one side and black on the other, on which the very first Colmar logo from 1923 is reproduced as a blow-up and in a graphically revised form. The legendary ski jacket made in the 1970s for the Blue Avalanche and renamed Ceffa by champion Erwin Stricker is reinterpreted in a cashmere and wool jacquard knit that also celebrates the company’s years and birthplace. On deciding for the now instead of trying to control the future: 16 questions answered by Joshua Vides.

To celebrate the 100 year anniversary, the Monza-based company has chosen American artist Joshua Vides for a collaboration.

Joshua Vides, a 33-year-old artist hailing from Palo Alto, California, ventured into the world of streetwear brands before establishing his own globally acclaimed CLSC brand, present in over 400 stores worldwide. His artistic journey took a significant turn in 2017 when he gained recognition for his custom-painted Nike Air Force 1, resembling a black-and-white comic book head, setting the stage for his unique artistic identity. Transitioning to visual art in 2018 with Reality to Idea, Vides began crafting entire worlds with his distinctive manual mark. Collaborating with luxury and streetwear brands, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago, and even Google, he showcased the versatility of his artistic vision. In early 2022, a meaningful collaboration with Colmar unfolded, starting from the brand’s historical archive and extending to interventions on their best-selling garments. Approaching collaborations with an open mind, Vides drew inspiration from the shared attributes of artists and athletes, emphasizing constant creativity, resilience, and the satisfaction of overcoming challenges. The resulting collection, commemorating Colmar’s 100th anniversary, comprises ten garments that intricately reflect the essence of the brand. Standout pieces include jackets and a reversible padded vest featuring Vides’ unmistakable black-and-white design on one side, juxtaposed with a black version showcasing the iconic 1923 Colmar logo on the other. The iconic 1970s Ceffa jacket underwent a creative transformation into a cashmere and wool lacquard knit, paying homage to the brand’s rich history.

The capsule collection is rounded out by caps adorned with ski goggle designs, a logo scarf, a sweatshirt, cotton pants, and a t-shirt featuring a historic photo of Croatian ski champion Ivica Kostelic. Vides reinterpreted the Colmar logo in black and red, playing with the brand’s signature colors. Expressing his resonance with Colmar’s commitment to achievement, Vides identifies himself as a competitive person, finding inspiration in the brand’s profound pursuit of success.