The Dynamic Collaboration of SIKE and T.E.I.N. Clothing

The Berlin-based artist and renowned London fashion design duo join forces


Courtesy of Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

In a fusion of visual art and wearable art, Berlin-based artist SIKE and renowned London fashion design duo T.E.I.N. (The End is Near) have joined forces to create a capsule collection alongside works on canvas. Their collaboration is not just an exhibition or a collection; it’s an experience that blurs the lines between canvas and clothing, inviting audiences into a world where every piece tells a story and every stitch breathes life into art.

SIKE, a rising star in the contemporary art scene, has been captivating audiences with his bold, immersive installations and vibrant murals. Known for pushing the limits of traditional art forms, SIKE’s work often incorporates elements of street art and multimedia. His recent projects, including city-wide installations and interactive exhibits, have solidified his reputation as a visionary who can transform any space into a canvas for storytelling. His work has been exhibited at the Circle Culture Gallery in Berlin as well as in the iconic Bierpinsel. Inspired by graffiti, abstract and expressionist styles, SIKE’s artistic journey reflects a diverse range of influences. 

Courtesy of Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

Since its establishment in 2013, T.E.I.N. has been the brainchild of Italian visual artists Daniele Barletta and Lorenzo Delli Colli. The designers’ diverse background informs T.E.I.N.’s unique style, drawing inspiration from cyberpunk, the early ’90s New York Club Kids scene and web culture. TEIN’s designs also reflect elements of NURAVE, Swag and iconic pop culture imagery, resulting in clothing that appeals to the Tumblr generation with its internet rave and kawaii vibes.

T.E.I.N.’s influence extends to dressing high-profile celebrities, including Kesha for her Billboard cover and appearance on Graham Norton, Billie Eilish for her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, and Lil Nas X. The brand prides itself on its sarcastic and irreverent attitude, reflecting cultural evolution through fashion. By embracing digital culture, T.E.I.N. underscores the idea that fashion is inherently about connectivity, favoring the digital realm (URL) over the physical one (IRL).

Courtesy of T.E.I.N.

The collaborative project is inspired by the desire to merge the visceral impact of visual art with the tactile allure of fashion. SIKE and T.E.I.N. found common ground in their aim to disrupt norms and create something truly unique that resonates on multiple sensory levels. They sought to blur the conventional distinctions between art forms, resulting in pieces that are both visually stunning and functionally wearable. They found harmony in their shared vision of pushing boundaries. For SIKE, this meant translating his dynamic visual style into three-dimensional, wearable pieces. For T.E.I.N., it involved rethinking the structural possibilities of fashion design, using canvases as fabrics.

This past May in New York SIKE, presented NYNW, an homage to the groundbreaking 1981 NEW YORK / NEW WAVE exhibition that featured icons like Basquiat and Futura 2000, serving as a debut of the collaboration to the world. Embroidered canvases covered in stitching and hanging thread were suspended from metal chains to reflect the dynamic movement of the works. The ready to wear collection was showcased on opening night in a catwalk meets performance art piece choreographed by SIKE. Accompanying the catwalk was an EP produced with acclaimed talents such as Gezin from the 808 Mafia, featuring four tracks that enhanced the visual experience. 

Courtesy of Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

“The collaboration with T.E.I.N. has been an exhilarating journey. Combining the raw energy of my art with the avant-garde vision of T.E.I.N. has allowed us to create something truly unique—wearable pieces that are as much about expression as they are about fashion. Additionally, working together on the canvases has been a highlight, blending our distinct styles into cohesive masterpieces. It’s a celebration of creativity where every garment tells a story, and every design challenges the ordinary,” SIKE shares on opening night. 

Courtesy of Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

The ready-to-wear collection embodies a rebellious, underground aesthetic that merges streetwear with avant-garde design. The “I <3 NYNW” hoodie and T-shirt showcase a playful twist on iconic logos, blending humor with urban sophistication. The collection embraces a palette of dark, muted tones interspersed with striking pops of pastel hues, reflecting a clash between the bleak and the whimsical. Fabrics are carefully selected to combine both style and durability, with hoodies and pants made from high-quality cotton blends that offer a soft touch against the skin while maintaining a structured form.

Courtesy of Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

Accessories such as caps and balaclavas add a daring edge to the lineup, with the striking horned balaclava acting more as a sculpture than an everyday wearable piece. The overall aesthetic is rooted in subversive themes and countercultural movements, resulting in fashion that not only stands out but also evokes a visceral response.

Barletta and Colli share with COOL HUNTING, “This collaboration merges our avant-garde fashion with SIKE’s raw, energetic art, resulting in pieces that are as expressive as they are stylish. Our work together on the works on canvas has been incredibly rewarding, creating a dynamic fusion of our creative worlds. It’s about crafting a narrative through every stitch and stroke, challenging conventions and celebrating individuality.”

Courtesy of Kevin Czopek/BFA.com

By defying traditional boundaries, SIKE and T.E.I.N. are crafting wearable stories that challenge and inspire. This project serves as a reminder of art’s power to transcend mediums and engage audiences in new, exciting ways. 

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