The speculations about the end of OriginalFake are true. After releasing a graphic bearing the name of the brand on a tombstone marked “2006-2013” the blogosphere were left wondering if this was the end. Just last night KAWS confirmed through Facebook and Instagram that he was indeed shutting the brand down.
Original Fake had a good seven-year run. A partnership between KAWS, Medicom Toys, and Nexus7, the brand translated plenty of the artist’s characters through toys and clothes. Its chomper design was unmistakable, and OF had plenty of heavyweight collaborations that included Supreme, Burton, BAPE, Fragment Design, and more. It’s not clear if there will be a Spring 2013 collection and if this is also the end of his Companion figurines but we hope he goes out with a bang. Below is the official statement from KAWS:
“May 2013 marks the seventh year anniversary of OriginalFake, and it is at this time that Medicom Toy and I have chosen to close the shop and company. It's been an amazing opportunity to work with Medicom Toy on this project as well as working with Masamichi Katayama of Wonder Wall to create the interior of the shop and Konno of Nexus7 who's incredible talent really added sophistication to the clothing that we produced. I really want to thank the staff in production as well as in our shop. If you ever entered our shop you already know how awesome they are! I would also like to thank all the companies that collaborated with us, your friendship and support has always really meant a lot, and to everyone who has supported OriginalFake,THANK YOU! and I hope to see you all in the next chapter!”
[via facebook]
