UNCOMMON CREATURES

Vs. Crazy-colour Copenhagen

When a progressive Danish men’s fashion brand manage to draw some international attention to itself, it’s often associated with a vibrant colour palette and is somewhat streetwear based. Uncommon Creatures most certainly have a different approach to it all, their designs aren’t inspired by back-in-da-days hip hop apparel or a fluorescent high-waisted new wave look; they’re even a bit more old school than that. And then again, despite a heavy influence from orthodox Jewish dresscode, designer duo Christina Højris & Jens Kold-Christensen have created an integrated and perhaps even avantgarde collection. I never use the word avantgarde, unless the stuff referred to was made in the thirties or so, and the kids still don’t get what it’s all about.
The reason for me being tempted to use the term in this matter, is that Uncommon Creatures, by their use of symbolism and clothing originating from Jewish tradition, could be perceived very political. But the designers dissociate themselves with the sickening social-political fuss that in many ways overshadows the design-crafts nowadays, and obviously they haven’t given’t it the slightest thought how some may react to a big Judaic cross on the chest of a knitted sweater. The implementation of something historically heavy, because of its visual force and design-wise quality, and not because of its traditional value, makes me tick.
Uncommon Creatures is something else out of Denmark, and hopefully this step away from the norm will help generate a second international coming for Danish post year-2000 fashion.