MUSIC AND FASHION: Impacting Lives, Affecting Change
In an edition that is dedicated to local music, I had the challenge of writing a style article that somehow tied into that theme. To start, I had to listen to and think about local music. Beyond a butt-load of cover bands, there are those bands that play original music that is born in response to the local climate. These artists look past current musical trends and produce music that speaks to their audience on a level that is personal and relevant. Sometimes what they play is meant to elicit nostalgic feelings or create an attitude of change.
This reminded me of one of the hottest international menswear labels that happens to be based very near to our own back yard. Sean Bilovecky and Brian O’Neill, both based in Cleveland, OH, were very tired of the segregation between consumer and producer. They created Wrath Arcane in January 2006 to remind the consumer that fashion and style is not limited to New York and Paris, but that a local label should have a consciousness beyond fads and trends.
The name itself, Wrath Arcane, means “secret anger” or “forgotten rage”. It is Sean and Brian’s belief that big business and the government have too much influence over the lives of the consumer. That is why every aspect of the line is controlled, and social, political and environmental concerns are at the top of their agenda. They believe that their customers are buying more than just a trendy piece of sportswear. They believe that Wrath Arcane reminds people that by changing their environment, they can change their lives.
Wrath Arcane is subtle streetwear that is quietly bold in its styling. The line is darkly grounded, heavily featuring the color black, and includes impeccably cut wool trench coats, asymmetrical hoodies and convertible shirts that feature twisted seams. Wrath Arcane is made in the U.S.A. through a network of domestic manufacturers and environmentally conscious fabric mills.
While the clothes are beautifully constructed, you will never see them sold by the face of an internationally recognized super-model. In fact, when creating the images that represent the line, the models were given masks that read “Big Labels are Fu##ed”. Brian and Sean feel that too many brands rely on an image of a model to sell clothes, but don’t care at all about making the industry better.
While there are some differences between a local clothing line and a local band, there is still the thematic ideal that speaking to a local audience can affect change. Whether through that which your label stands or through what your music says, being community minded over caring only for fads and trends you have the power to make a difference.
Wrath Arcane is available online through Brian’s store Clothing Brigade at www.brigadeshop.com.