Quick Question
Her mantra: If it fits you, wear it.
Tela DAmore isnt into labels.
Most of the time, were labeled asstreetwear, she says.
Then it begs the question, what is streetwear to you?
Ive always been interested in things that are slightly more challenging.
I wanted to go against the grain.
DAmores bringing that perspective to her recent collaboration with Jordan.
The first day, [Jordan] let me into their labs.
Like, enough talking lets see whats going on, DAmore says about the collaboration.
Thats so rare when it comes to a large partnership like this.
How you would describe your personal style when you were younger?
Are there any fashion faux pas or style choices that you look back on and cringe?
I used to wear jerseys and tights a lot.
I dont know what I was thinking.
I was in high school.
There was a lot going on at that time of my life.
Who Decides War started as a menswear brand.
What made you want to go in that direction?
It was really important to fill that void.
We were intentional about the clothing we were creating, not just making more excess.
Where do you pull inspiration when youre designing pieces?
Our past, things that weve been going through.
More generally, transitional periods in life.
They are the people that go out and buy this.
I was really inspired by the community.
Your brand is known forbreaking out of traditional boxes, like exploring gender fluidity.
In general, the fashion world seems to be following suit.
What do you see is your role in that evolution?
Theres a lot of fluidity within all aspects of fashion.
Fluidity has become a signature within our brand.
Ev and I have never really shied away from that.
With our clothes, we always say, If it fits you, wear it.
Weve always been fluid in that sense without ever coining it.
It wasnt really a marketing thing; its just who we are.
Youve spoken about designers of color beingpigeonholed into the streetwear categoryand how youre trying to change that narrative.
Can you tell me more about what that looks like?
Thats where the frustration started.
We were always labeled as streetwear designers.
It didnt matter what we were creating.
To us, streetwear is about what you decide to wear and how you decide to express yourself.
The same person whos wearing a cut-up tee one day is wearing Dior the next.
It has nothing to do with the designer.
What trends are exciting to you right now?
Theres an uptick in thrifting right now and not thrifting designer items.
I like that theres more individuality.
How did the partnership with Jordan take shape?
But with Jordan, there is a symbiotic partnership.
Every last box was checked.
What specifically distinguished this project from others youve turned down?
You have something to say, but it might not be appreciated.
It has been so empowering.
Theyve given me a voice I didnt have before.
To have that amplified has been an experience unlike any other.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
