Obey Clothing’s Established Works continues the brand’s efforts to go against the typical grain—even if it means running up against itself.
The Irvine-based fashion brand, a licensee of Obey, continues to release basics-driven pieces under the Established Works name in a bid to create timeless options. It’s a seeming counterbalance to the logo- and graphic-heavy assortment of the regular collection.
“Obey Established Works was designed with a strong focus on quality product that stands the test of time,” the company said with the spring launch. “These are minimally branded, long running, wardrobe staples—offered as unisex styles in both classic and seasonal colors.”
Retail price points of the latest release range from $54 for an organic cotton T-shirt to $98 for an organic thermal top. The rest of the range is filled out with crewnecks ($81), sweatshorts ($64), a striped T-shirt ($54), zip hoodie ($86) and sweatpants ($89).
Established Works pushes Obey in a more elevated direction, perhaps in an appeal to gain the attention of the fashion set.
The brand made an appearance during Berlin Fashion Week 2023, during which it partnered with Judith Bondy for a showing of the designer’s latest collection at Obey’s Berlin space.
That came on the heels of the brand hosting a “friends and family” event at Chez Francis during Paris Fashion Week 2023. The party included the release of co-branded merchandise.
It’s unclear how much of the overall apparel business is driven by sales of Established Works and if there are bigger plans for the sub-label.
Obey founder and artist Shepherd Fairey has seen the apparel as another vehicle for his art, as opposed to disposable fashion.
“It’s about longevity,” Fairey said in a 2017 interview with Complex in speaking about the brand’s decision to pull its bar logo.
Justin Bieber wearing the logo was cited as being the final straw in triggering the decision.
“When I look at things that appeal to the lowest common denominator—people who don’t dress themselves, but have a stylist, people who don’t think for themselves—I want to course correct what I’m doing with my line at that moment, if possible,” Fairey said.
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