In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, few brands dare to challenge the status quo with as much philosophical depth and creative boldness as Pas Une Marque. With their SS25 collection, “Embroidery of Disruption,” the brand continues to push boundaries, exploring the tension between tradition and modernity through innovative design and meticulous craftsmanship.
Following our previous discussion surrounding the brand’s FW24 collection “Seams of Dissent,” Pas Une Marque’s founder and creative director, Sean Coutts, returns to Daily Front Row to delve into the inspirations and themes driving their newest collection. In this follow-up interview, we explore how Pas Une Marque is redefining luxury streetwear by merging age-old techniques with a modern narrative that dares to disrupt and provoke.
How do you envision Pas Une Marque’s philosophical themes evolving in future collections? Are there specific ideas you’re eager to explore next?
I see Pas Une Marque’s philosophical themes continuing to evolve by diving even deeper into the realms of dissent, questioning societal norms, and challenging conventional thought. We’ve laid a solid foundation with collections like “Threads of Dissonance” and “Seams of Dissent,” and I’m eager to explore new territories such as existentialism, the boundaries of identity, and the nature of reality. There’s a lot of potential in exploring how digital culture impacts our perceptions or how fashion can push the limits as a medium for self-expression. These are areas I’m genuinely excited to delve into in future collections.
What role does storytelling play in your design process, and how do you ensure each piece in your collections contributes to a coherent narrative?
Storytelling is at the heart of my design process. Each collection begins with a strong narrative foundation—whether it’s rooted in history, philosophy, or cultural ideologies. This narrative guides every step, from the choice of materials to the final design of each piece. I ensure that every item contributes to this larger story by meticulously crafting it to align with the overarching theme. For example, in “Embroidery of Disruption,” the traditional embroidery techniques we use are not just decorative; they’re integral to telling the story of disruption and challenging expectations.
How has your personal journey influenced Pas Une Marque’s themes and aesthetics? Can you share an experience that profoundly impacted your design philosophy?
My personal journey has been deeply intertwined with Pas Une Marque’s themes and aesthetics. Navigating the fashion industry while remaining true to my passion for philosophy and critical thinking has profoundly shaped the brand. One experience that stands out is my exposure to diverse cultures and philosophical perspectives, which pushed me to question conventional norms in fashion. This questioning is at the core of Pas Une Marque—it’s not just about creating clothes, but about fostering intellectual exploration through design.
What inspired your latest Spring/Summer ’25 collection, “Embroidery of Disruption,” and how are these influences reflected in the designs?
The “Embroidery of Disruption” collection was born from a desire to challenge traditional norms by merging craftsmanship with innovation. The inspiration comes from wanting to explore the tension between the old and the new, and this is reflected in the way we use traditional embroidery techniques in unexpected, disruptive ways. It’s about creating a dialogue between the past and present, and pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be.
Can you explain the significance of using traditional embroidery techniques in this collection? How do they enhance the concept of disruption?
Using traditional embroidery techniques in this collection is crucial because it allows us to juxtapose the familiar with the unexpected. By taking something as established as embroidery and applying it in unconventional ways, we’re able to disrupt the viewer’s expectations. This approach not only honors the craftsmanship behind these techniques but also forces a reevaluation of what these methods can represent in a modern, disruptive context. It’s all about challenging perceptions and expanding the possibilities of what fashion can convey.
How does the “Embroidery of Disruption” collection differ from previous collections like “Seams of Dissent” in terms of themes and aesthetics?
While both “Embroidery of Disruption” and “Seams of Dissent” explore themes of dissent and challenging norms, they do so in different ways. “Embroidery of Disruption” focuses on the tension between tradition and modernity by using traditional techniques in innovative ways. It’s more about the fine details and the craftsmanship that disrupts expectations. On the other hand, “Seams of Dissent” was more direct in its confrontation with conventional fashion norms, possibly through more structural design elements and the literal breaking of traditional seams. Aesthetically, “Embroidery of Disruption” is a bit more subtle and detailed, while “Seams of Dissent” was more about bold, overt challenges.
As Pas Une Marque continues to challenge fashion norms, what future directions do you see for the brand in pushing the boundaries of traditional design techniques?
I see Pas Une Marque continuing to push the boundaries by integrating even more experimental materials and methods into our collections. This could mean exploring unconventional dyes, like the rust dyeing technique we’ve used in the past, or venturing into digital and AI-driven designs that challenge the very notion of craftsmanship. There’s also a strong potential in exploring the intersection of fashion with technology, philosophy, and even activism. My goal is to keep redefining what it means to be a luxury streetwear brand in today’s world, always questioning and pushing the limits of traditional design techniques.
Presented by APG
