The Diesel x Tom of Finland Foundation Pride 2024 collection is a bold celebration of queer artistry, individualism, and the enduring legacy of the iconic Tom of Finland. This multifaceted collaboration, which marks four decades of the Foundation’s commitment to preserving and promoting the work of LGBTQIA+ artists, promises to be a groundbreaking event in the world of fashion and art.
The festivities kick off with the annual Tom of Finland Art and Culture Festival, held for the first time at Berlin’s legendary Halle am Berghain. From there, the celebration continues with a series of global events, including exhibitions and performances in Fire Island, NY, Helsinki Pride and Tokyo’s Diesel Art Gallery, culminating in a grand finale at Tom’s home in Los Angeles later this year.
The centerpiece of this collaboration is the 2024 Diesel x Tom of Finland Foundation Pride capsule collection, which features 24 pieces that reinforce the message of freedom of expression, sexuality and individualism. The collection showcases the work of a diverse group of artists including Stuart Sandford, Suzanne Shifflett, Tank, the Hun, Valentine, Henning von Berg and Tom of Finland himself. Each garment is a unique canvas, adorned with prints and patchwork that reflect the artists’ distinct styles and the Foundation’s commitment to preserving the work of queer artists who have often faced discrimination and misrepresentation.
From the Hun’s homoerotic illustrations and comics that graced the pages of beefcake magazines in the ’60s to Tank’s vibrant photo prints of American cowboys, the capsule collection draws from a rich tapestry of erotic art. Henning von Berg’s fine art photography, Suzanne Shifflett’s depictions of gender non-conformity, Stuart Sandford’s intimate Polaroids, Valentine’s sensual drawings, and Tom of Finland’s iconic gay bar scenes all find their place in this groundbreaking collection.
Designed for all genders and envisioned as a celebration of the gay and queer community’s indomitable sense of pride, the collection offers a range of garments from t-shirts to denim to jockstraps. Each piece is trimmed with a special canvas ribbon printed with a quote from the artist, adding a layer of depth and meaning to the already powerful designs.
Through this collaboration, Diesel recognizes the profound social and cultural impact the Tom of Finland Foundation has had over the past four decades. By providing an open, unique space of freedom and love for this community of artists, the Foundation has played a crucial role in preserving and promoting the work of queer artists worldwide. The 2024 Pride series of events and exhibitions, running from May to November, is a testament to Tom of Finland’s enduring legacy and the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to celebrating queer artistry.
The Diesel x Tom of Finland Foundation Pride 2024 collection will launch globally in late June on diesel.com and in Diesel boutiques.
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