Is it a collaboration? Or a full-blown statement? Trashy Clothing and Barragán, two brands that laugh in the face of conventional fashion and global politics, have joined forces in a winter collection titled Arsenal of Democracy. These pieces scream protest and subversion, with an aesthetic loaded with symbolism that disarms any notion of conformity. This is not just streetwear; it’s an ambush, a declaration of principles.
The campaign, shot in Jordan, draws inspiration from American war propaganda, with each garment steeped in critique, rooted in the history (and irony) of imperialism. Trashy and Barragán redraw the lines of what power means, taking psychological operations (psyops) and symbolic manipulation as their battleground canvas. It’s not mere provocation; it’s a tactical operation aimed at exposing the heart of global politics.
The collection itself is a Molotov cocktail of six pieces designed by Omar Braika, Shukri Lawrence, and Víctor Barragán. Among them are two skirts, a dress, a top, and two T-shirts, each brimming with layers — both literal and metaphorical. With an aesthetic that combines Palestinian resistance with Mexican roots, both brands have managed to create garments that reflect not only their origins but also a biting critique of Western media influence and corruption.
“We first got the idea for this collaboration after seeing a tweet dissecting our respective approaches to American imperialism,” says the team at Trashy Clothing. “When we announced it, our community immediately responded with, ‘Well, of course!’ This collection was anticipated because our brands share a vision of using fashion as a form of resistance.” And they’ve certainly lived up to expectations! This collection is a mirror reflecting the games of world leaders, their complicities, and their hypocrisies.
And as if fashion weren’t enough, this collaboration comes with a series of exclusive tracks by Adam Rajab, because, of course, if you’re going to satirise global politics, you have to go all the way. This isn’t background music; it’s the anthem of a protest that knows speaking alone isn’t enough — that fashion can and should also scream. These songs turn the collection into a complete experience, drawing you into the chaotic universe both brands have created to challenge what we take for granted about power and control.
