David Moses

David Moses is a co-founder and former designer of the New York fashion collective Vaquera. As part of the original quartet that established the brand in 2013, Moses was instrumental in developing its subversive and satirical voice. His work with the collective contributed to its status as a leading voice in the New York 'underground' scene, eventually leading to its international acclaim on the Paris fashion calendar.

Moses is recognized for his focus on the conceptual foundations of the brand, particularly its 'fashion fan-fiction' methodology. His contribution helped define an aesthetic that valued the narrative potential of the garment as much as its physical form. Although he later moved on to other creative pursuits, his role in the establishment of Vaquera remains a significant example of how collaborative, art-driven models can disrupt the traditional structures of the global fashion industry.

Satire and hyperbole are utilised to critique contemporary fashion culture, resulting in a design language that values the conceptual statement over traditional refinement. The work frequently featured the use of found objects and reclaimed materials, which were integrated into silhouettes defined by extreme scale and raw, unfinished details. This 'rough' DIY finish was a deliberate aesthetic choice, intended to emphasize the narrative intent of each piece.

Design signals appeared through the collision of mundane everyday objects with high-fashion archetypes, creating a sense of visual irony. There was an avoidance of conventional luxury signifiers in favour of a more visceral, emotive approach to construction. By exploring the absurdity of consumer culture and the performative nature of clothing, the output achieved a sense of 'anti-fashion' that sought to dismantle established hierarchies and celebrate the expressive potential of the individual garment, regardless of its material value.