Bridging streetwear with Bruce Lee’s timeless philosophy we find D-R-G-N, a new label helmed by fashion industry veterans in partnership with the Asian-American actor and thinker’s family. The brand debuted last year with Origin, their first collection, which released during the Lunar New Year and Super Bowl. For Fall/Winter, it’s back with an incredibly special new collection: Year of the D-R-G-N. As Peter Kim, the co-founder, exclusively tells us, “It’s a continuation of the origin story, rooted in the core tenets of Bruce Lee’s teachings; always be yourself, have faith in yourself, and to honestly express yourself.”
The Enter the Dragon superstar gave us more than brilliant interpretations and jaw-dropping martial arts scenes; he also left us indelible teachings that still resonate today. Since fashion is one of our main outlets for self-expression, bridging the two just seemed like the perfect combination. We can see that in specific pieces of the Fall/Winter 2024 collection by D-R-G-N. As Kim explains, “Bruce Lee is often quoted saying, ‘Absorb what is useful, discard what is not, add what is uniquely your own.’ The Ornate Hoodie with patch details is an example of our interpretation of this concept. You see so many things in Asian culture and Bruce Lee that are typical and assumed. We wanted to do things that give a nod and respect to the traditional, but also in a way that resonates and is consistent with our vision and lifestyle.”
Even if the brand is young, the people behind it have been working in the industry for years and have a unique perspective on making clothes. Peter says that before starting a collection, they ask themselves: how do we help inspire and empower our customers to be themselves and honestly express themselves, providing peace of mind, so they can proudly focus on what they do best? “The goal of D-R-G-N is more than just clothes or utility; it’s to be a symbol and a reminder of who you are and who you aspire to be,” the co-founder continues.
2024 is the Year of the Dragon in the Lunar calendar, which in the Chinese horoscope represents power and strength, good fortune, wisdom, and protection — values that D-R-G-N has infused in their clothes. “From a design standpoint, we focus on the fundamentals: the fit of the garments, the fabric, the quality, the craftsmanship, and the creative applications, so that when you put it on, you feel that it’s more than just putting on a hoodie, t-shirt, or a piece of clothing. It feels like a superhero cape,” Kim concludes.
The collection is available on D-R-G-N’s website, as well as selected retailers in the United States, Mexico, South Korea, and Australia.
