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Brand names, logos, company colors – we see them everywhere. Some are so familiar that we recognize them instantly. For Chaim Belinsky of Adobe Darko, those images become fodder for his clothing designs. His fashions are covered in them – but the familiar logos aren’t what you’d notice at first glance.
Belinsky combines well-known luxury brand names with recognizable logos and then repeatedly prints the resulting image onto the clothing. “Big, corporate brand names are popping up all over the place all the time; they’re in our consciousness,” he says. “We know that luxury brands look a certain way – very minimal – and everyday products look more approachable and accessible. I’m very inspired by the contrast. I like changing the branding and giving it a completely different context.”
It may come as no surprise that Belinsky’s skills are based on graphic design, and he creates all the prints and designs the clothes. He says the effort fulfills his ambitions as an artist, a career path he couldn’t find when he moved from Minnesota to Israel at the age of twelve and began attending religious boarding schools. “Art wasn’t valued as much as it is here. I was trying to find a way to express myself,” he says.
Belinsky came to Denver in 2015 at the age of twenty and began studying graphic design to pursue his creative passion. He says he fell in love with Colorado because of its positive energy, which he hopes to emulate in his creations. “I like to see the world as a good thing even when things are difficult. I think it’s important to keep a positive attitude and look on the brighter side,” he says.
Belinsky has become a popular figure in the local fashion scene, getting to know people by modeling at shows. “I love meeting people and talking about fashion!” He explains. He did a pop-up shop at Fashion West earlier this year and then presented his clothes at Denver Fashion Week, helping establish him as a serious designer. During the summer, when he showed at Fashion West, his models were met with loud voices from the public. At that show, he offered casual wear consisting of cropped leg and short-sleeve tees by the dynamic brands. It has been very popular with the audience and has been placed at the highest level by using print-mixing and doll-like charms on belts and shoes.
He is now preparing his first show for Latin Fashion Week Colorado on Friday, September 23rd. As an Israeli-American, he is excited to be a part of a show that strives for diversity. “Given my upbringing, I’ve always wanted to support the community, and that means everyone,” he says. “I admire people who want to come in and make an impact. It’s really cool how they bring all these designers from Latin America. I want to bring that love back and represent the Denver fashion community.”
Belinsky is planning a full menswear collection for this show. “I made all the women in fashion West. It’s important for me to make clothes for both men and women. It’s an opportunity for me to present it in another way,” he explained.
Belinsky is weaving footwear into the Adobe Darko brand, using Crocs shoes as a canvas to attach fun shoe accessories like game pieces and LEGOs that can be built into whatever the wearer wants. “I love that Crocs is located in Colorado and they seem to support artists and do collaborations. The look of their shoes fits my brand,” he said, adding that he plans to open other customizable shoe options in the future. .
It’s clear that pop culture and pop art have a huge influence on Belinsky’s work. He cites Andy Warhol as a major inspiration, and it’s not hard to see the parallels between Warhol’s brand branding and Adobe Darko prints.
But did Belinsky get permission from the brands to use their logs? “I don’t have permission,” he says, adding that he hasn’t received any cease and desist letters yet. “I’m not trying to be those brands; I’m doing my own thing,” he confirms.
But it faces some obstacles: screen printing shops don’t want to take responsibility for using a product image without permission. “It’s happened a few times now,” he admitted. Therefore, he is looking for new ways to print his clothes and image.
Belinsky said he doesn’t intend to make a big product out of his clothes. As a work of art, many of the garments are one-of-a-kind and cannot be reproduced. “Mass production is not what I’m trying to do,” he says. “I want to get my designs in front of people and engage with them.” For now, he’s happy to make small batches and exclusive lines that can’t be recreated outside of limited edition.
For Adobe, Darko Belinsky believes that fashion is an artistic expression of what the artist feels, and the interpretation is up to the viewer. “When I create a fashion show experience, it’s a way to bring people in when I put on my clothes and dress the person and create the music and presentation,” he says. “I’m really inspired by the intersection of design and fashion and how they tell a story and the power that fashion has that way.”
Adobe Darko, Latin Fashion Week Colorado, 6 p.m. Friday, September 23, Wing Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, 7711 East Academy Boulevard. Get tickets, $35-$150, and more information at latinfashionweekcolorado.com.
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