Vilebrequin and artist Derrick Adams collaborate on a limited-edition collection that hits on political activism, leisure and radical joy.
Vilebrequin’s latest swim trunks feature imagery by renowned artist Derrick Adams.
If there’s anything 2020 taught us, it’s that there is freedom in doing nothing. In fact, says multidisciplinary artist Derrick Adams, “People don’t give themselves the freedom to think about how doing nothing is something that is radical in itself.”
This is the exact message Adams aimed to translate with his Floater series, created between 2016 and 2020. Each piece depicts how leisure can be a political act when embraced by Black communities, reengineering the way African Americans’ experiences are represented in American iconography and consumerism. It was a summer day when Adams realized swim trunks would be the perfect vehicle for this message and his art.
“I chose swim trunks for their versatility across genders and ages,” he says, “and with the multiple pockets, they can be worn from the pool to the pavement or beach to boulevard.” The artist then partnered with swimwear, ready-to-wear and accessories brand Vilebrequin to design a pair of limited-edition swim trunks and tote bag.
“Vilebrequin has a long tradition of collaborations with artists such as Alex Israel and Massimo Vitali. Working with artists expands and enriches our creative space,” says Vilebrequin CEO Roland Herlory. “Derrick’s Floater series, which celebrates the Black identity and the joy of leisure, was the perfect partnership for us.”
A tote bag from the Vilebrequin X Derrick Adams collaboration
And with Vilebrequin’s high-quality craftsmanship, which allows for fabric to remain true to the artist’s original work, these trunks are guaranteed to spread the message of joy, something we all need now more than ever before. 355 Worth Ave., Palm Beach, 561.835.0170, vilebrequin.com
Photography by: Courtesy of brand
