Omnidisc Lookbook
JOHN ELLIOTT x OMNIDISC "WANDERER"
CAPSULE LOOKBOOK
John Elliott has teamed up with founder/ curator Danny Daze’s record label Omnidisc to create a capsule line, Wanderer, that for the designer and producer, is symbolic of a 10-year friendship. The 4-piece collection and 12-track mix embody the ideation of self-expression through the channels of fashion and music.
After meeting in San Francisco, the mutual respect for each other’s ambitions and talents became a driving force which would result in a series of collaborations and projects working together.
“Our first-time collaborating was about 3 – 4 years ago,” said Elliott. “I’ve always loved the music that Danny puts out and I went to him and said, ‘let's collaborate on a mix’. Because the brand was so fresh and new at that time, it was Danny taking a risk on us, and as a result, it gave early adopters of the brand a view into the culture of who we are and what we like sonically. It gave us a pathway to explore and learn a wide range of what we are into”.
Launched just over two years ago, Omnidisc has served as an industry pioneer. “The purpose of the label is to have a platform to release music of all forms...
Omnidisc is not searching out for chart topping hits, but more about music you'll remember when you walk out the door...
I want to keep music to its core, raw and stripped back, and I’d like to be able to push artists I feel need to be heard,” said Daze.
Elliott and Daze regrouped in 2015 collaborating on the track that would debut on the runway for SS16 - Running through Vietnam.
“Danny asked if we took videos or audio while in Vietnam to build the soundtrack out of the chaotic noise around the city – traffic, marketplaces – there’s commotion everywhere,”
said Elliott.
Daze elaborates, “John sent the video and we literally produced the entire track from those sounds. Everything came from the sounds of that trip and those videos except the kick and the snare.”
Now, Elliott and Daze are taking their creative partnership to the next level. While designing FW16, Over the Line, Elliott has been transparent about the nucleus of the collection starting from a darker place. “I was trying to figure out what was going on with my future and what the next step for the brand was. I wanted to tell a darker story, to build a collection strictly for the night. I thought what better place to do it than to go out to Berlin, go to clubs at night.” It’s there that Elliott took to the night scene.
“I had never been to a city that was like Berlin. Seeing the way people dress, the music they listen to, the carefree nature of what's cool to them was so refreshing and unique”
explained Elliott.
“There is authenticity to this city - the punk scene is not poser. The techno scene is not poser.”
said Daze.
“Your personal style can dictate how you present yourself to the world, freedom in style is very attractive,”
said Elliott
on the relationship between music and fashion. “When you are exploring new types of music you’re apt to stick to who you are stylistically. I always look to music because it influences fashion and how I design; that’s the power dynamic. When we’re creating clothes it’s the music that we’re inspired by, the challenges one might be trying to overcome - all elements that are easily translated into product.” Wanderer is a product of the very concept.
It was when Elliott returned to LA and began framing the concept for season 10 that he found himself listening to the content produced on Omnidisc.
“I found myself listening to it while putting collections together and it gave me the idea to approach Danny about co-producing a collection and mix.”
“When John came to Berlin there was a refugee crisis going on here, and I was traveling. John had sent me pictures of riots and unrest, and I knew there was something we could do with that content and those experiences. I uprooted myself from Miami to Berlin to make things work so there's also a personal experience to link back to this project.”
said Daze.
The result was “Wanderer” - a common term for migrant in German. The idea was to create an exclusive line of product that directly correlated with the emotions of traveling and transplanting one’s self outside of a cultural norm.
“We wanted to make something that you could wear effortlessly every day, no matter where you find yourself,”
explained Elliott.
The capsule includes a Kake Mock Pullover Hoodie, Raglan Crew Sweatshirt, Classic Crew Tee shirt, and Oversized Sweatpants all branded with Omnidisc’s signature logo.
“We don’t brand things outwardly, but Omnidisc’s label is so beautiful. This was the first time we had prints or something graphic we really thought complimented our clothing.”
said Elliott.
“The idea behind the mix was sharing a gradual listen to the sounds of Omnidisc. Starting off a bit slowly and laid back, then leading onto the more dance floor friendly side of the label. John mentioned he liked to work listening to some of the mixes I've done, so I wanted to present this in a way that wouldn't immediately detour the listener.”
explained Daze.
You can listen to the Wanderer mix by Danny Daze now.
The apparel capsule is available for purchase on Tuesday, May 9th at 11AM EST / 8AM PST.
Photography: Nedda Afsari
Model: Bradley Soileau
Hear more from omnidisc:
omnidisc.co | soundcloud.com/omnidisc