Andy Wilhelm Rijs is an emerging fashion and textile designer, whose bold and innovative designs incorporate vibrant colour, sculptural silhouettes, and unique prints, that break away from convention and imbue a sense of individuality and fun. Drawing inspiration from their fine arts background, Rijs’ practice has a strong artistic identity and visual language.

 

Rijs explores ideas around identity and how fashion is used both as a form of code and armour, communicating to those around us, and creating physical barriers between our bodies and the external environment. Through the use of dramatic colouration and bold, clashing patterns that disrupt the environment, Rijs aims to create clothing that can be used as a form of protection, not by blending in, but by standing out.

 

Rijs’ current practice aims to further explore antagonism through the use of patterns, shapes and colour, using fashion to adapt to a hostile environment, and as an escape from the claustrophobia of the current dystopian mindset.