Young Thug's SP5DER steps in the Thai boxing ring for new collection
Young Thug's recent release to the free world creates an almost surreal backdrop to his clothing brand's latest drop. SP5DER, the American streetwear brand established in 2019 operating from Los Angeles with Atlanta roots, has always embodied freedom and controversy in both his personal narrative and fashion story arc. But today we're dissecting the fashion move that dropped just days ago.
The new collection comes with a lookbook video titled 'CAMPERS THAILAND' positioned literally inside a Thai boxing ring. The visual surely hits hard: no studio gloss, no sanitised aesthetics, with Muay Thai fighters, skin inked in sacred sak yant tattoos, every line whispering stories of power and protection in sweaty gyms, battered pads, cracked tiles under bare feet – a move that inevitably can be read as either respectful contextualisation or calculated exoticism.
The aesthetic punch is undeniable, though the cultural calculus is way murkier in today's climate where authenticity and appropriation exist in increasingly narrow margins. Many applause, many raised eyebrows.
Beyond Thailand's fight culture, the lookbook also incorporated traditional Kayan neck coils and ceremonial elements heavily inspired by the heritage of Myanmar and the Karenni ethnic group.
Given that in 2025 fashion moments demand transparency around cultural engagement, the operative questions are not aesthetic but operational. Did SP5DER establish partnerships with Thai culture and Southeast Asian community representatives? Are there revenue streams flowing back to the community whose heritage drives this campaign?
These details separate cultural celebration from cultural extraction. SP5DER's approach either demonstrates how streetwear can engage respectfully with global traditions or becomes another case study in the fashion industry's cultural borrowing patterns.
SP5DER's established success means the stakes are higher when they venture into cultural territory. Whether this represents genuine cultural bridge-building or another 'exotic' trend wave remains to be seen. It's not the lookbook's visuals under fire – those land incredibly fine. It's the business behind the campaign that's got people talking.
The stakes go way beyond one brand's campaign. Fashion's relationship with non-Western cultures faces intensified scrutiny as heritage symbols increasingly become commercial assets. The brand inevitably forces the industry conversation: can fashion meaningfully celebrate diverse heritage within commercial frameworks, or does profit motive inevitably reduce cultural traditions to aesthetic trends?
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
2 hours ago
- Metro
Glastonbury mystery performer ‘gives away' appearance with arrival in the UK
Glastonbury fever is reaching new heights after a rock icon was spotted in London just days before the legendary festival kicks off. Fans are convinced a surprise appearance is on the cards from the Foo Fighters frontman, Dave Grohl, 56. The iconic musican was seen backstage at the Yeah Yeah Yeahs gig at the Royal Albert Hall, where he posed for a photo with American singer Amanda Palmer. The image quickly made the rounds on social media, with Palmer sharing the snap and gushing: 'Not who I expected to run into backstage… but look, it's Dave Grohl. We shared a sweet conversation mostly singing the cosmic praises of Melissa auf der Maur.' Reddit detectives were quick to connect the dots and speculation exploded about Grohl appearing at Worthy Farm as a mystery guest. In 2023, Grohl and the Foo Fighters stunned the crowd with a surprise set under the alias The Churn Ups, marking their first Glasto performance since headlining in 2017 — and their first major UK gig since the tragic passing of drummer Taylor Hawkins in 2022. Now, fans believe Grohl might pop up again. One Redditer wrote: 'Dave Grohl is in London, likely will be at the festival. Has done bits with John Fogerty in the past and other acts. Surely will be popping up at places this year?' More Trending Another speculated a touching tribute might be in store: 'Drumming for Alanis Morissette possibly? Tribute for Taylor Hawkins?' Another wrote: '100% he will be milling about – I'd say a couple of guest appearances are a safe bet. Maybe Alanis for a song or Neil Young for an encore' It wouldn't be far-fetched as Alanis Morissette, set to perform on the Pyramid Stage at 6:15pm on the 27th, was closely linked to Hawkins as he played drums for her before joining the Foo Fighters in 1997. This year's lineup includes The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo, Charli XCX, Doechii, and more — but if Dave Grohl shows up, expect an iconic Glastonbury moment that fans will be talking about for years. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: The weird and wonderful ways you can cure a Glastonbury hangover MORE: 'I'm walking 192 miles to Glastonbury 25 years after going with my famous parents' MORE: Sir Rod Stewart confirms he will bring 'three guests' on stage for Glastonbury set
Metro
4 hours ago
- Metro
Reality dating show fans amazed by 'the best episode of all time'
TV viewers were left with their jaws on the floor last night as Love Island lived up to its promise of delivering an incredibly juicy season. The ITV2 show returned for its 12th edition earlier this month, with Maya Jama still hosting and 19 new contestants battling it out for the main prize. So far, three contestants have been dumped – on day two, day four, and day eight respectively – but that wasn't the end of the drama for Love Island viewers this week. A new challenge called Look Who's Talking shared what all of this year's islanders had been secretly saying about each other behind their backs. Despite all the confessions, the big reveal, however, was the secret smooch – or three smooches – between eternal troublemakers Harry and Yasmin in the hideaway. Wake up to find news on your TV shows in your inbox every morning with Metro's TV Newsletter. Sign up to our newsletter and then select your show in the link we'll send you so we can get TV news tailored to you. As they got down to business, Helena – who Harry is coupled up with – was in the main villa none the wiser, until the beans were spilled later that night at the fire pit. In scenes viewers immediately hailed as some of the best on the show so far, the islanders were each tasked with reading out a quote from one of their contestants before guessing the name behind it. The moment came after Remell picked up a card and read out the quote from a fellow islander: 'Do you think I should kiss her? Is that what you're saying? Kiss Yas, because I will.' Harry was immediately exposed as the person behind the quote, which he'd spoken aloud last night after the two had shared a kiss during another challenge – Hideaway. To make matters worse, when Harry tried to say that he and Yasmin had kissed on two occasions, Yasmin chimed in to reveal they'd actually locked lips three times. Helena's friend Megan, who has been in the villa since day one, immediately shouted at Harry, saying: 'You owe it to Helena to be f*****g honest, you p***k!' On X, @OnikaQueentoRap said, 'This is peak television. Whoever hired this cast needs a raise, I actually can't!,' sharing a clip of the incident in a post. @HayaNxstalgia quoted the post and agreed: 'This has to be one of the best Love Island seasons ever. Pure drama and entertainment every episode.' @TriniGoddess agreed and called the episode 'the best [Love Island] episode of all time actually,' while @Ban_Dullock said: 'I kind of love Harry and Dejon, obviously they're not the best people but make great TV.' More Trending More of Harry's flirtatious quotes were then unearthed through the rest of Look Who's Talking, which landed him in more trouble and caused more arguments between the contestants. On day eight, Malisha was cruelly dumped after new bombshell Harrison chose American contestant Toni over her after dating them both. Watch Love Island every night at 9PM on ITV2 and ITVX . View More » This article was co-written with Rebecca Cook. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Crime drama with 'one of the best twists of all time' finally available on Netflix MORE: Daisy May Cooper makes shock exit from ITV series before second series MORE: Vanessa Feltz guest apologises after 'disgraceful' remarks spark almost 2,000 complaints
Scotsman
4 hours ago
- Scotsman
Is Chris Brown still playing Glasgow? Hampden gig date, support, setlist, tickets, legal problems
Chris Brown has a date with Glasgow. | Getty Images The controversial star is still set to play Glasgow. Sign up to our Arts and Culture newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... One of the world's most successful (and divisive) R&B singers is set to play a huge gig in Glasgow next month - and, as ever, there's controversy. Chris Brown, who has sold over 140 million records worldwide, is currently in the middle of his global Breezy Bowl XX tour. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But when he arrived in the UK he was detained by police at about 2am on May 15 at the five-star Lowry hotel in Salford, Greater Manchester. It's the latest legal problem for the singer who in 2009 plead guilty to assaulting of singer Rihanna, who he was in a relationship with. He was sentenced to five years probation and six months community service. Here's what's happened since - and the latest on the Glasgow gig. When is Chris Brown playing Glasgow? Chris Brown is scheduled to play Glasgow's Hampden Stadium on Tuesday, July 1. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What's the current position with Chris Brown's court case? Chris Brown has been accused of causing grievous bodily harm on music producer Abraham Diaw in an alleged bottle attack at a London nightclub on 19 February 2023. He had previously been released on £5 million bail and later made an innocent plea when he appeared in court on Friday, June 20. A further court date has been set for July 11, with a seven-day trial scheduled to start on October 26, 2026. It means that there is no legal reason why Chris Brown should not play his show at Hampden. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Who is supporting Chris Brown at Hampden? Chris Brown will be supported by Bryson Tiller. The American singer, rapper, and songwriter rose fo woldwide fame thanks to his 2015 single Don't, which peaked at number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has released four sudio albums to date, most recently his eponymous 2024 album. What are the timings for Chris Brown at Hampden? Doors are at 5pm. No further official times are available but, judging by similar gigs, expect Bryson Tiller onstage at around 6-6.30pm and Chris Brown to play from around 8pm. Can I still get tickets for Chris Brown? There are tickets available for all areas of the stadium, priced from £67.50. You can find them here. Are there age restictions for Chris Brown's Hampden gig? The gig is over-14s only and anybody under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad What songs will Chris Brown play at Hampden Park? Chris Brown seems to be playing the same setlist on his current tour. Expect to hear most - if not all - of the following in Glasgow.
