Knickers to homophobia
A collection of boxer shorts with Russian prints and a calendar featuring sexy men wearing them: That’s how Brussels designer Kristof Buntinx reacted to Russia’s passage of an anti-gay law last summer. The boxer shorts are available now, and the calendar will be released this weekend at a party in Brussels.
Brussels designer makes fashion statement with political pants
“The latest videos of tortured gay teens in Russia left me feeling disgusted,” says Buntinx. “I’ve always wanted to design an underwear collection, and as I love Russian gymnasts, it made sense to combine both and make my collection about Russian gay propaganda.”
Buntinx’s underwear collection is not his first political statement. Earlier this year, he created pink T-shirts reading “God Save the Queens” as a reaction to the mayor of Antwerp’s decision to introduce a dress code for civil servants. “It’s my way to draw attention to these problems,” he says. “We should make the most of our freedom of expression, while we still have it.”
Reactions to Buntinx’s collection have been positive, with press coverage as far afield as Australia and the US. “People ask me if the money raised will go to a project helping gay teens in Russia,” Buntinx adds. “But as it’s all very small-scale, there isn’t any profit yet. That’s why I’m planning a crowdfunding project, and I’m also looking for investors to help this venture grow.”
The collection features 17 designs, from a Russian medal of honour to a print of a hammer and sickle in rainbow colours. For the calendar, Buntinx found his models via social media, and photographer Herman Van Gestel took the shots. The calendar will be digitally printed, in Russian, English, Dutch, Spanish, French and German. “Everybody’s welcome at the launch party on 28 September at the Dominican in Brussels,” says Buntinx. “Except Vladimir Putin.”
www.kristofbuntinx.com
