The Rick Owens DRKSHDW diffusion line is a newcomer’s entrypoint to the Rick Owens world, but how does Rick Owens DRKSHDW fit?
If you follow fashion, the name Rick Owens should be relatively familiar. He’s the father of modern, luxurious grunge and has inspired a generation of young designers with the same appreciation for dark elegance, a limited color palette, and draped silhouettes.
Since 1994, his namesake label has established a new school of thought—one that has been called “approachable avant garde.” It relies very little on precision tailoring and more on superior fabrics, drapery across the body, and comfort, all of which have earned the designer a fiercely loyal following and devoted cult status.
What is Rick Owens DRKSHDW?
The Rick Owens DRKSHDW diffusion line started in 2005 as a denim line and quickly became the more accessibly-priced, streetwear-oriented sub-brand primarily comprised of staples like hoodies, sweats, pants and shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers.
Today, the entire Rick Owens universe (which includes the main line as well as another diffusion line Rick Owens Lilies) continues to attract buyers because of their clean, consistent aesthetic and high quality construction (like using Raccagni zippers).
Iconic Footwear
Our most popular pieces for both men and women are the iconic black and white (or all black or all white) shoes, which often resemble classic high-top basketball sneakers (think Converse, but much nicer), ready to take on the urban jungle, or archetypal combat boots, which are durable and weather-appropriate.
Embellishments like zippers, colored stripes, and an exaggerated rubber sole are all hallmarks of the label, but the basic shape never changes. It’s this subtle playfulness within an overarching stability and consistency that gives both the main line and its spinoffs perennial appeal.
How does Rick Owens DRKSHDW fit
DRKSHDW apparel fits like Rick Owens’ main line: slim, long, and drapey. Generally speaking, it fits true to size, though we suggest sizing up if you are broad shouldered or desire to achieve more of the “runway look.”
Rick Owens DRKSHDW shoes come in whole sizes only, and we suggest sizing up if you are between sizes.
It takes a certain kind of person to wear Rick Owens’ main line, which is often more dramatic and conceptual than the various diffusion lines. DRKSHDW is a gentler, more approachable entrypoint to the broader aesthetic, with loungey, drapey staples like drop-crotch cotton shorts and nylon bomber jackets in a color that works on almost anyone—black!
Rick Owens Size Chart
Rick Owens is one of the greatest fashion talents in modern history, and has managed to remain independent after 26 years of business, a feat unto itself in a luxury fashion world dominated by conglomerates.
italist is one of the few retailers to carry DRKSHDW womens shoes, and we’re happy to also carry DRKSHDW for men.
Discover more names to know: Dries Van Noten, Telfar Clemens, and Greg Lauren.
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About the Author
Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.