Edvin Thompson, designer of the contemporary clothing brand Theophilio originally developed his line as admission to the stories the world fails to comprehend. Fusing the nostalgia of his juvenile years in Jamaica with New York City’s progressive culture, the use of upcycling clothing and authenticity has been essential in implementing the brand’s ideology. Always at the root of his designs, there’s a focus on the celebrations of life after overcoming the obstacles and triumphs along the way. As an immigrant himself, Edvin Thompson is here to amplify the voices of those alike, making Theophilio a wearable biography.
After enduring a challenging year, the world has noticed unsuspecting heroes, those that rose above and beyond the hurdles of 2020. From front-line workers to teachers, protestors and activists, parents to children, it is apparent, heroes are right in front of us and, more so, within each of us. Edvin used this time quarantined to develop a collection focusing on how heroism looks quite different from what we as a society have used to define it to be for so long. In his own words:
Inspired by ‘The Matrix,” it incited an introspective thought of finding the superhero in all of us. The possible thoughts of having to choose between the red pill and blue pill were paramount. A choice between revealing an unpleasant or otherwise life-changing truth, represented by the red pill, and remaining in blissful ignorance, represented by the blue pill. In a way, society’s format, just as “The Matrix,” presented it to be a ‘simulation’. Understanding that passages in life are a choice has incited intent to hold on to integrity within new spaces; giving comfort and consolation in a time of distress and sadness with my debut Fall/Winter 2021 collection “Solace.” You should look and feel good, affirming the person you would like to become.
