Bianchi’s photographs, taken during the late 1970s and early 1980s, document life within New York’s queer communities, particularly on Fire Island, a setting that became a rare space of openness and connection at the time. The images convey closeness and ease during a period when visibility often carried risk, capturing everyday moments of intimacy.

Dsquared2 translates this atmosphere into garments that integrate the imagery into the garments rather than reinterpret it, allowing the original work to remain intact within a contemporary wardrobe.

Photography by Tom Bianchi

Printed photographs appear across casual silhouettes such as T-shirts, hoodies, and swimwear, while accessories introduce a more playful note. Swimwear, hats, and lightweight outer layers are designed with simple cuts, keeping the focus on fabric and print, while pieces like mesh caps, printed shorts, and zip-front jackets prioritize ease, comfort, and movement.

For accessories, trompe-l’oeil bags referencing printed media nod to the candid and occasionally provocative spirit of the original photographs. What ultimately distinguishes the garments is their treatment of Bianchi’s work as more than historical reference. Integrated into contemporary dress, the imagery underscores how ideas of community and self-expression continue to resonate.

Courtesy of Dsquared2