EXIST TO RESIST: PYER MOSS’ ARTFUL PLATFORM FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
By: Prachi Khatri
Pyer Moss’ platform Exist to Resist serves as a unique intersection of artists, activists and designers. It highlights the meaningful work that social justice organizations are doing through limited edition product releases.
Since its launch in 2020, Exist to Resist is more than just a clothing platform; it’s serving as wearable advocacy. The heart of this platform is designer Kerby Jean-Raymond. He first founded the independent art project ‘Pyer’ in 2013 that operates in the form of fashion, film, music and art.
Pyer Moss’ collection is known for its exquisite garments and work around social issues. Rooted in the belief “our collective existence is resistance,” Raymond positions each of its pieces as a bridge between storytelling and awareness. Exist to resist spotlights the grassroots organizations whose work resonates with equity and change, co-creating and designing together.
Source: Official website Pyermoss.com
Each limited-release item, like T-shirts, sneakers, and clothes, is created in collaboration with the activist organization. All sale proceeds are directed towards their mission, emphasizing genuine partnership. The platform has made an impact through various campaigns.
The first installment of Exit to Resist highlighted the Innocence Project, a nonprofit that exonerates the wrongly convicted through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system. Two out of three Innocence Project exonerees are Black or Latinx. Pyer Moss partnered with Reebok to launch a collaborative design sneaker. All profit from these sneaker sales helped the Innocence Project take on more pro bono cases to support individuals wrongly convicted.
Rock the Vote’s Vote or Die. For real T-shirt, unveiled in the 2020 spring release, reinterpreted Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs’ iconic slogan into a call to action. The t-shirt supported Rock the Vote during the runway show, encouraging voter registrations and motivating young people to exercise their constitutional right to vote, especially minorities.
In November 2020, Pyer Moss collaborated with The Marsha P. Johnson Institute (MPJI), a non-profit human rights organization dedicated to supporting, protecting, and defending Black trans people. In honor of International Transgender Day of Remembrance, Pyer Moss released a genderless T-shirt. The powerful limited-edition tee features the image of Marsha P. Johnson with words of affirmation ‘legendary’ and ‘alive’ displayed on the back of the t-shirt for Johnson’s invaluable work in the community. The sale helped raise funds for direct care, policy change for the Black trans community, and to amplify the voices of Black trans people.
This authentic collaboration speaks for the platform's intention and messaging co-created rather than forced. Exist to Resist is deeply involved with all its collaboration partners to support and amplify their voices on the world stage, not just simple branding. The brand treats activism as an accessory and every piece as a protest itself. The creative purpose and sustainable momentum are still helping the brand stand out even though its last drop happened in November 2020.
Source: Official website Pyermoss.com
At a time when brands adopt performance activism, Exist to Resist represents activism rooted in its products and creative values. Pyer Moss won various accolades, including the Vogue Fashion Fund Award, and Jean became the first Black American to debut at Paris Couture Week.
Exist to Resist has worked with communities and organizations fighting structural injustice. Community-fueled design, along with documentaries and campaigns featuring organization leaders, helps showcase the urgency of their work.
While no new drops have been released since November 2020, the anticipation of what’s to come next remains high amongst the audience as Pyer Moss continues to bridge the gap between fashion and social justice. Limited-edition surprise drops spark curiosity, as customers wait to wear a memory and a piece of collective purpose. By consistently choosing impactful organizations and real-world stories, Exit to Resist sets a precedent that fashion can channel compassion through its work and design can have long-lasting impacts.