There are two overriding themes in the work of designer Willie Norris, queerness and text. He launched his own label, Willie Norris Workshop, last year at La Mama Galleria in Noho with a runway show titled Queer Capital. Norris used Kickstarter to raise some of the money needed to produce the show, promising “an apparel brand that is holistically and intentionally queer, not just queer by association.” The campaign was oversubscribed in days. Norris introduced a workwear inspired line of T-shirts, jeans, tank top and blazers, some made with deadstock and upcycled fabrics and many cover in punchy graphic slogans.
“I’ve always loved words and text, seeing how you can play with that as an aspect of clothing”
– Willie Norris
Text and workwear influences are also an integral part of the new HELMUTLANGUAGE by Willie Norris Collection. The 23 piece capsule features trucker jackets, utility jeans, uniform pants, T-shirts and hoodies decorated with the HelmutLanguage graphic created by Norris exclusively for the collaboration.
Shop the HelmutLanguage Collection by Willie Norris now at helmutlang.com.
