The Rise of Who Decides War: A New Narrative in Fashion

Who Decides War (WDW) is not just a brand—it's a movement. Founded by the visionary Ev Bravado and often associated with his creative partner Téla D’Amore, Who Decides War is a bold, spiritually infused streetwear label that emerged from the fusion of high-concept design, social commentary, and cultural defiance. Originating in New York, the brand quickly rose to prominence not only for its intricate aesthetics but for the messages it sews—sometimes literally—into each garment. Unlike traditional luxury or mainstream streetwear, WDW marries craft with conviction, pairing denim and distressed cotton with embroidered symbolism and layered storytelling.

The timing of Who Decides War's emergence was crucial. As the fashion world began shifting toward more conscious, culturally relevant design, WDW offered something both beautiful and provoking. Its debut in the late 2010s coincided with political unrest, generational disillusionment, and a renaissance of Black creativity across various mediums. Bravado’s vision was not simply to sell clothes—it was to present fashion as an act of resistance, a question posed in textile: Who decides war? Who decides peace? Who decides value in a world of inequality?

From the start, Who Decides War has occupied a unique position—straddling the gritty authenticity of streetwear and the conceptual elevation of high fashion. It’s a brand for thinkers, for rebels, for creators who see their clothing as armor and proclamation.

Ev Bravado: The Visionary Force Behind the Brand

At the heart of https://whodecideswars.com/hoodies/ is founder Everard “Ev” Bravado, a self-taught designer from New York whose early fascination with denim and customization quickly evolved into something more revolutionary. Before launching WDW, Bravado created under the name "Murder Bravado," which laid the groundwork for his now-signature distressed, spiritual aesthetic. The transition to Who Decides War marked a maturation—not just in style, but in mission. It was no longer about shock or subversion alone; it was about purpose.

Bravado’s upbringing in a Christian household heavily influences the brand's iconography. Biblical references, angelic imagery, and divine struggle are often woven into the garments themselves. But his vision isn't dogmatic—it’s interpretative. He uses spirituality as a universal language to explore themes like pain, justice, and rebirth. The stitched crosses and cathedral-like arches on his jeans and jackets are not simply decorative; they are symbols of endurance and transformation.

What makes Bravado truly unique is his commitment to craft. He approaches fashion the way an artist approaches a canvas—each piece is a labor-intensive process. Whether it’s hand-distressing denim, painting motifs by hand, or sourcing sustainable fabrics, the attention to detail is evident. His partnership with Téla D’Amore brings an added dimension of texture and narrative, grounding the visionary energy with intuitive design sensibility.

Bravado’s journey is a testament to how authenticity, spiritual grounding, and cultural awareness can reshape fashion's role. Through Who Decides War, he turns every runway into a sermon and every garment into scripture.

Signature Aesthetic: The Gospel of Denim and Distress

Who Decides War’s aesthetic is instantly recognizable—raw, spiritual, embroidered, and unapologetically bold. At the center of it all is denim, a material that the brand has transformed from everyday streetwear staple into an artisanal tapestry of rebellion. WDW jeans, jackets, and outerwear often feature heavy distressing, patchwork detailing, laser-cut patterns, and embroidered iconography. It’s a visual collision of chaos and intention.

The use of denim is more than practical—it's symbolic. Denim, historically a working-class fabric, becomes in WDW’s hands a sacred medium. With motifs like stained glass windows, crucifixes, and flames, Bravado recontextualizes the mundane into the mystical. Each item tells a story—not just of fashion, but of personal and collective struggle.

Beyond denim, the color palette leans toward earth tones, faded blacks, dusty whites, and soft indigos—colors that feel lived-in and biblical. Layering plays a crucial role, with garments often stacked to evoke protection or spiritual armor. Whether it’s a tattered hoodie with quotes stitched along the seams or an oversized jacket with ecclesiastical motifs, each piece feels relic-like—an artifact from a future church of fashion.

The beauty of WDW’s aesthetic lies in its contradictions. It’s both sacred and secular, raw and refined, street and sanctuary. It's fashion that evokes emotion while demanding introspection—a rare and deliberate feat in an industry often driven by trends over truth.

Spiritual Symbolism and Social Commentary

Who Decides War operates in a space where fashion meets philosophy. One of the brand’s most compelling aspects is its use of spiritual and biblical symbolism as a medium for social critique. At a glance, a pair of jeans may feature ornate crosses, flames, or stained-glass patches. But each of these symbols carries layers of meaning that challenge viewers to reflect on suffering, divinity, and redemption.

The brand often incorporates themes of judgment, heaven and hell, inner conflict, and salvation. It’s not about preaching a specific doctrine but using shared spiritual lexicons to explore universal human experiences. Much like gospel music or protest art, WDW clothing taps into deeper questions about justice, violence, and grace—asking not just what we wear, but why we wear it.

In its runway shows and lookbooks, Who Decides War blurs the line between ritual and presentation. Models appear like disciples or revolutionaries, dressed in garments that look post-apocalyptic yet reverent. The tension between destruction and holiness mirrors real-world struggles: systemic racism, inequality, police brutality, and generational trauma.

This spiritual framework also amplifies the brand’s activism. Bravado has used his platform to speak on racial injustice, collaborate with Black creatives, and fundraise for causes aligned with the brand’s moral compass. In many ways, WDW garments are visual protests, sacred texts, and calls to action stitched together with devotion and defiance.

Cultural Impact: Streetwear with a Soul

While many streetwear brands capture attention through hype or limited drops, Who Decides War stands apart by offering meaning alongside exclusivity. It’s not just about being seen—it’s about being understood. In a culture where fashion can easily feel disposable or performative, WDW introduces longevity through narrative depth and cultural resonance.

The brand has found an especially loyal audience among young, Black, and creative communities who see themselves in its layered messaging. For these fans, WDW isn’t just wearable art—it’s affirmation. It tells them that their stories, struggles, and spirituality deserve space in fashion’s upper echelons. In this sense, WDW functions like wearable literature—each collection a chapter in a broader story of liberation and love.

Collaborations with high-profile artists like Kanye West and partnerships with brands like Levi’s have helped bring mainstream attention to the brand, but WDW resists selling out. Bravado maintains control over quality, storytelling, and creative direction. The brand's seasonal releases are more like exhibitions than drops—thoughtfully curated, deeply thematic, and intentionally spaced.

Who Decides War also pushes against industry norms by rejecting traditional marketing. Instead of loud campaigns, they build mystique. Social media reveals hints of collections through poetic captions or haunting visuals. Their runway presentations are more like sacred performances—clothing meets choreography, music meets sermon.

This organic approach has turned WDW into one of the most respected cult labels in fashion—a brand that doesn't just dress the culture, but dialogues with it.

The Power of Collaboration and Community

A major pillar of Who Decides War’s strength is its collaborative spirit. While Ev Bravado is the face and founder, WDW thrives as a collective energy, shaped by a close-knit team of artists, tailors, photographers, and cultural thinkers. Chief among them is Téla D’Amore, who brings a feminine and intuitive balance to Bravado’s visionary fire. Together, they’ve crafted some of WDW’s most memorable pieces—garments that feel like the meeting point of passion and precision.

Beyond in-house collaboration, Who Decides War has worked with a spectrum of creatives—from indie musicians and underground designers to established icons. One standout moment was Bravado’s contribution to Kanye West’s Yeezy presentations, where he brought his own design language into the larger gospel-infused world of Sunday Service.

These alliances are not purely aesthetic—they’re philosophical. Who Decides War chooses partners who share their values: community, empowerment, storytelling. This spirit extends to the brand’s support of young artists, often giving emerging talents a platform through photo shoots, limited drops, or even co-designed collections.

The brand also uses its reach to give back. Through pop-ups that double as community events, donations to justice initiatives, and spotlighting creatives from marginalized backgrounds, WDW proves that collaboration isn’t just cool—it’s necessary. In a world increasingly isolated by digital culture, Who Decides War fosters connection through fabric, faith, and collective vision.

Runways, Reception, and the Future of Fashion

From its humble beginnings to now gracing the runways of Paris and New York, Who Decides War has reshaped expectations of what a streetwear label can be. Their shows often feel more like installations—moody lighting, live choirs, spoken word, and models who move with purpose. The clothing isn’t just displayed—it’s lived in, emotionally charged, even transcendent.

Critics have hailed WDW as one of the most important voices in contemporary fashion. Vogue, GQ, and Highsnobiety have praised Bravado for his uncompromising vision and ability to fuse spiritual motifs with streetwear grit. Buyers at influential retailers like SSENSE and Dover Street Market have made WDW collections regular fixtures. Yet, even with increasing demand, the brand resists overproduction. Scarcity remains part of the allure—not to drive hype, but to maintain integrity.

Looking ahead, the future of Who Decides War is likely to expand beyond fashion. Bravado has hinted at exploring film, immersive experiences, and even education. Given the brand’s philosophical and cultural bent, it wouldn’t be surprising to see WDW evolve into a multidisciplinary platform—a kind of church of creativity, where garments are only one form of worship.

One thing remains clear: WDW’s mission to provoke, uplift, and ask difficult questions will continue to challenge the fashion industry’s norms. In a world of fast fashion and fleeting trends, Who Decides War offers depth, spirit, and meaning—a beacon of light in fashion’s often shallow sea.