9 TO LIFE

Samuel Davids is a Belgian fashion designer and artist. In his work, he explores anti-conformist interpretations of uniform-like garments and objects. Recently, he has been incorporating unconventional materials into his fashion projects and other media, creating a deliberate contrast with his formal, detail-rich aesthetic.

TEXT BY SAMUEL DAVIDS

The collection “9 To Life” started as part of the MoMu reverse project. Where I was one of the selected young designers invited to present a design constructed using second hand textiles. I wanted to portray the iron grip office culture has on you, how it can feel so hard to break free from a 9-5 lifestyle. A world I found myself to be cemented in.

A second dress featuring moulded leather pieces was added to the photoseries directed by Ashisonlex. It further portrays a figure being taken over, drowning in, and losing themselves to corporate identity. “9 To Life” remains an ongoing dialogue as I continue to find my path and place in the world.

For Samuel, art is an internal dialogue, a way of communicating with himself, and in doing so, better understanding and processing both himself and his surroundings. “I increasingly see my work as a rebellion against my own life, as a form of resistance against conventionalism.” Recurring themes in his work include the collective identity, monotonous lifestyles, self-protection, and the search for the authentic self.