A New Vanguard in Fashion: Who Decides War EmergesFounded by designer Everard Best (also known as Ev Bravado) and Téla D’Amore, Who Decides War (WDW) is a brand that has emerged as a revolutionary force within the world of contemporary fashion. While the name might suggest themes of political or social upheaval, the brand transcends mere rhetoric to manifest these themes directly in the construction and aesthetic of its garments. Established in 2019, Who Decides War was birthed from the remnants of Best's earlier label, Ev Bravado, and infused with new artistic depth and spiritual intention through collaboration with D’Amore.From the start, WDW has positioned itself not just as a fashion brand, but as an artistic and cultural movement. The name itself poses a question—one that invites reflection and sparks discussion. It doesn’t provide answers; rather, it prompts individuals to confront the world around them, their relationship to authority, justice, and systemic control.This kind of introspective confrontation is mirrored in their designs. Every stitch, every embroidered patch, every distress mark tells a story. The garments themselves become canvases—dense with symbolism, layered references, and a uniquely hand-crafted feel. At a time when mass production and fast fashion dominate the industry, WDW’s approach feels deeply personal and refreshingly slow.Their rise has also coincided with a broader movement in fashion toward storytelling, authenticity, and purposeful design. Rather than simply being an aesthetic statement, WDW’s collections are emotional declarations. This has cemented the brand not only in the wardrobes of fashion-forward youth and celebrities alike but also in the hearts of a generation seeking meaning through their clothes.Deconstructing the Aesthetic: Denim, Distress, and Divine SymbolismOne of the most defining elements of Who Decides War’s identity is its iconic use of denim, often distressed, patched, and embroidered with religious and historical motifs. Denim becomes more than utilitarian fabric—it becomes a visual metaphor for struggle, history, endurance, and rebirth.At the heart of this aesthetic lies a tension between destruction and beauty. Torn jeans reveal intricate lace underneath. Burnt edges frame carefully sewn symbols. What looks initially chaotic eventually reveals itself as deeply methodical. This aesthetic captures the paradox of resistance and spirituality, combining ruggedness with elegance. It’s a design language rooted in duality.For instance, crosses, angels, and stained-glass-style imagery are frequently used across their pieces. These aren’t just religious references—they also allude to themes of redemption, sacrifice, and transcendence. The stained glass, especially, is a recurring motif that evokes cathedrals—places where suffering and hope coexist. It mirrors the pain and beauty of Black experiences in America, where the sacred and the scarred often walk hand in hand.This complexity makes every WDW garment feel archival, as though it’s part of a sacred collection. Nothing is random. Even the seams and wear patterns are intentional, almost archaeological. The garments feel like they’ve lived, and in wearing them, the user becomes a custodian of their message.And yet, there’s accessibility in this aesthetic. While the deeper meanings add intellectual and emotional richness, the surface beauty is undeniable. The handwork, the textures, and the silhouettes make WDW pieces desirable even without context—though they are far more powerful with it.From Runways to Rappers: Pop Culture’s Embrace of WDWWho Decides War has quickly found itself at the intersection of high fashion and streetwear, but also deeply embedded in pop culture, especially within the hip-hop and creative communities. Celebrities such as Kanye West, Playboi Carti, Travis Scott, and A$AP Rocky have been spotted wearing WDW’s heavily worked denim and angelic iconography.This visibility has fueled the brand’s cult status. But more than just endorsement, these collaborations feel organic and symbiotic. The artists wearing WDW are often creators themselves who view clothing as part of their larger visual expression. In that sense, WDW’s spiritually charged, rebellious energy aligns seamlessly with the ethos of many of its wearers.Take for instance, the brand’s recurring presence at Paris Fashion Week, where it stages presentations that feel more like performance art than traditional runway shows. Models walk in silence, against backdrops filled with apocalyptic or sacred imagery. Sometimes barefoot, sometimes carrying symbols. These shows draw attention not just for the clothes, but for the storytelling, the tension, and the haunting emotion they evoke.The influence flows both ways. Hip-hop and Black culture, central to WDW’s identity, inform not just the style but also the message. Lyrics and visuals from music videos often mirror the same spiritual struggle found in WDW’s garments. Together, they build a shared visual language, amplifying one another’s message.This cultural resonance isn’t a marketing strategy—it’s an extension of the brand’s purpose. By collaborating with figures who stand for creativity, resistance, and expression, Who Decides War strengthens its identity as not just a label, but a mirror reflecting the revolutionary spirit of its generation.The Spiritual and Political Dialogue of DesignOne of the most fascinating aspects of Who Decides War is how it blends the spiritual and the political, sometimes in ways that feel inseparable. Every collection is laced with messages that transcend fashion—messages about faith, oppression, identity, and freedom.Religious symbolism is deeply embedded, but it’s never preachy. Instead, it's used as a language to explore deeper truths. For example, the use of crosses is often juxtaposed with barbed wire or burned fabric, suggesting that faith exists within suffering, that beauty can rise from injustice. Similarly, depictions of angels and saints aren't about religion per se, but about redemption, legacy, and sacrifice.At the same time, political questions run through the fabric—literally. The brand asks who is allowed to create, to rise, to reclaim power. This questioning is present not just in the name "Who Decides War" but in the silhouettes, the tears, and the patches that scream rebellion and self-determination.This dialogue between spirit and society gives WDW its unique emotional impact. It's fashion that doesn't just want to be seen—it wants to make you feel, reflect, and even mourn. It’s an elegy for the oppressed, a prayer for the voiceless, and a declaration of dignity all at once.In an industry often accused of being out of touch, WDW feels raw and real. It’s not about trends—it’s about truths. And that’s what makes it revolutionary.Sustainability and the Ethics of CraftsmanshipIn a fashion world increasingly scrutinized for its environmental impact, Who Decides War champions slow fashion principles, placing emphasis on quality, handcrafting, and longevity. Each piece, particularly the brand’s denim, undergoes hours of manual labor—dying, distressing, embroidering—all done with care and intention.This level of detail speaks to more than just aesthetics—it’s a statement on sustainability and value. While fast fashion churns out thousands of identical pieces at the expense of the planet and underpaid laborers, WDW takes the opposite route. Each item is unique, limited, and made to last. It doesn’t aim for disposability. It aims for legacy.There’s also a powerful ethical dimension to this craftsmanship. In prioritizing artisanship, WDW empowers creators and reclaims traditional techniques, especially those rooted in Black and diasporic cultures. This form of cultural labor—historically marginalized—is now elevated to the level of couture.In this way, Who Decides War redefines what luxury means. It’s not just about price tags or exclusivity. It’s about intention, meaning, and respect for the hands that create. This resonates deeply with today’s youth, who are more conscious than ever of the impact their choices have on both people and the planet.While many brands use sustainability as a buzzword, WDW weaves it into the very essence of its existence. From the fabrics to the philosophies, the brand is committed to a slower, more thoughtful form of fashion—one that honors both Earth and spirit.Legacy in the Making: What’s Next for Who Decides WarThough relatively young in the fashion scene, Who Decides War is already being spoken about as a future icon, a brand that might define an era. What makes this prediction so credible is not just the originality of their designs, but the depth of their narrative and the conviction of their mission.As the fashion industry continues to evolve—grappling with issues of representation, ethics, and creativity—brands like WDW are showing what the future can look like. One where fashion is storytelling. One where designers are philosophers and poets. One where clothes don't just adorn, but awaken.Their trajectory suggests continued experimentation—perhaps expanding into new categories, more collaborations with other artists, or even branching into art installations, film, or publishing. Given how WDW already blurs the lines between fashion, activism, and spirituality, the possibilities are endless.But perhaps the most exciting part of WDW’s journey is how it empowers its audience. It encourages reflection, self-expression, and rebellion. It invites people to ask hard questions, to imagine different worlds, and to clothe themselves in meaning.Who Decides War is more than a brand. It's a question, a statement, a movement. And as long as there are stories to tell, struggles to face, and truths to wear, WDW will remain not just relevant—but revolutionary.