I wanted to create a silhouette derived from Christian monks, particularly Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions. The goal was to reinterpret this silhouette through streetwear, drawing inspiration from brands such as Pelle Pelle, known for their ornate leather jackets, as well as the elaborate embroidery found in denim during the Y2K era

I envisioned a hyper-masculine, imposing figure, exaggerating the form to create a sense of mysticism. The idea was to create a “streetwear monk.” This was achieved by extending the armholes, designing an oversized, sharply pointed hood, and incorporating elastic hems for practicality. The denim was over-exaggerated, featuring extremely wide leg openings and a long inseam.

To bring this vision to life, we outsourced to factories specializing in denim and leather garment construction. We created detailed tech packs with precise instructions and sizing to achieve the desired look. Programs such as Adobe Illustrator and CLO 3D were used to develop the garments and simulate their fit.

Everything, from pattern-making to artwork and tech packs, was created by me, while production was overseen by both myself and my business partner. By blending my curiosity for monasticism and sacred attire with my love for streetwear, particularly what I observed on the East Coast, especially in New York, I was able to realize my concept of a “streetwear monk,” decorated with my own iconography tied to the brand identity. This project also served as an opportunity to experiment with new materials, explore different methods of garment construction, and elevate our overall standards.

The Camisa de Tatuaje, or the “Sacred Heart Tattoo Shirt” is the 2nd part of an ongoing project under D.O.F exploring imagery and social commentary. In this piece, I wanted to create a concept piece, turning tattoo design into the garment. The design language is derived from Chicano tattoo design, known for their elaborate typography, rendered portraits, and incorporation of indigenism.

Using this design philosophy, while researching the importance of tattoo art within the chicano community, and how it has evolved nationally, now globally, I illustrated art work with catholic iconography.The weeping mary and the sacred heart, along with 7 swords piercing the heart to represent the 7 sorrows of mary, simultaneously referring to the 7 point star in the brands logo. The face of the weeping Mary was modeled after my partner. The 6 winged jaguars represent the Brightstar Jaguar of Mesoamerican folk lore The backside of the garment is an image of the crucifixion with a cross made of firearms. The charged imagery is not intended to offend, but simply social commentary in response to recent times. Aligning with the brands ideals of creating conversation around identity, and the policing of bodies. The Arms with the phrases, blood and abundance, and priestess are phrases that came to me during the design process. The linework is inspired by art styles such as Cyber sigilism, frutiger metro, and cholombiano culture.

Tattoo work and body modification are very important in many cultures across the world, as someone with no tattoos this gives me a chance to express that love and admiration for the art from, and with the imagery working in tandem with eacheother, not only can it often pass as a convincing tattoo, but in a way is cultivating its own mythology where these figures and deities exist within the same spiritual zeitgeist.

The Sacred Heart capsule was the precursor to the Tattoo Shirt. Featuring a hoodie and beanies in two styles, jaguar pattern and black, this release marked the beginning of D.O.F. making its apparel available to the public.

The fit and design of the hoodie were inspired by the Analavos of the Great Schema, a distinctive vestment worn only by the highest degree of monastics in Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It is emblematic of their monastic habit and symbolizes total devotion to the cross and to the Orthodox faith, often adorned with the Instruments of the Passion and other religious imagery.

The beanies are much more playful. A “Sacred Heart” script decorates the side of the forehead in two styles, black and jaguar, referencing both spotted and melanistic jaguars.