DHENZE is a London based fashion brand, mixing futurism and nightlife culture, with layering and bold shapes it creates sophisticated yet innovative style. Brands founder David spoke exclusively to artPLAY and shared an editorial styled by him, that features the latest “Unknown/Untold” collection.
Lookbook and video
Photography, videography: Elizabeth Rose Donovan @elizabethrosedonovan
Stylist: Martina Gia @martinaghia
Model: Lee @leejayhoy, Flora @floragrant
artPLAY You represent two of our favourite and most creative, outrageous, and pioneering cities in fashion. Tell us about the influences of London and Berlin in your work, how did it all start?
Dhenze: While growing up as a teenager in Berlin, I consumed various forms of art, books, music, and especially the electronic music scene that changed the city.
I experienced the blossoming of a grey city after the fall of the wall, where people would express their new freedom by dressing against the norms of style, dress, and design. Years later, when starting the DHENZE label in London, I wanted to merge the differences and similarities of Berlin and London. I feel at home in both cities.
artPLAY: Your aesthetics are sharp, minimal with elements of fetish and technocultures elevated to high fashion; tell us more about your vision in style.
Dhenze: My aim when starting the brand was to create well-made luxury clothing that is designed for longevity compared to the fast fashion market. We strive to make Avant-Garde functional pieces that won’t go out of fashion in just six months. That’s why we keep things minimal; it allows the individual wearing our garments to create their own unique style.The dark colour palette and sharp aesthetics represent the vibrant culture of the electronic music scene with a genderless approach to the styling of our clothing. I believe fashion isn’t labelled to a specific gender, the same way music can be enjoyed and listened to by anyone.
artPLAY: We are a genderfluid fashion magazine bending the rules and teaching the kids out there that they can express themselves in any way they want. We are very happy for designers like you that support that vision; talk to us about gender fluidity in your work.
Dhenze: I believe clothing is like an amour; it shows how clothing can protect us and make us vulnerable. Everyone will feel differently about what to style and combine all together. This is why we use intricate pattern shapes and deconstructed methods, as it allows everyone to be themselves, like fantastical escapism; this art form escapes from the rules.
Editorial “Unknown/Untold”
Photographer: George Kanis @georgekanis
Stylist: David Henze @dhenze_official
Models: Anna @vielltlaloc ; Vasilis @passivus_aggressivus ; Nikos @indigo_______________