Returning to Eden: The Latest Collection from Bandit Studioz [@jachukuomotayo]

Returning to Eden: The Latest Collection from Bandit Studioz [@jachukuomotayo]

Bandit Studioz founder Jachuku Howard started designing ten years ago, just after he left high school. Bandit Studioz was founded in 2019, and was initially best known for their colourful crochet hats, which were definitely ahead of the trend as crochet and knitwear, especially in bright colours, is now everywhere. 

Crown Jewels crochet hats by Bandit Studioz, photographed by Danica Robinson

GUAP visited Jachuku on set in downtown LA as he shot the lookbook for his latest collection Returning to Eden, powered by the Converse All Star project, to find out a bit more about the brand and the story behind it.

Jachuku Howard, Bandit Studioz founder

GUAP: How would you describe this collection?

Jachuku Howard (JH): Returning to Eden encapsulates the idea of moving forward whilst still remembering the past. As we move into the next phase of this digital era its important to ask if we really need all of the things we consume. Are these things so necessary for our happiness? This drove me to take inspiration from nature. I wanted to incorporate futuristic ideas whilst still including the natural elements that made it possible in the first place. 

Jachuku with the Returning to Eden collection at the Bandit Studioz pop up in New York

GUAP: What were your key inspirations?

JH: I was inspired by the futurist movements going on right now – Afrofuturism is a big thing at the moment. However, a friend of mine raised an important point; if everyone is focused on the future then who is left to take care of the present, the planet that we are living on right now? So then the present became equally important to me with this collection. 

GUAP: Who is the perfect Bandit Studioz wearer?

JH: Someone who isnt afraid to express themselves. People often say things like “I’m not cool enough to wear this” or “I dont know if I can pull it off”, so creating something that gives someone the confidence to try and take that risk is my main aim. 

Model Nadir Jackson in Samson vest and carpenter pants from the Returning to Eden collection, photographed by Kobe Boateng
Model Mali Molle in Venus gown from the Returning to Eden collection, photographed by Kobe Boateng

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About Author

Rashida Taylor

Rashida Taylor is Head of Fashion at GUAP Magazine. She is also a freelance stylist and creative director, based in London.