We Bandits
“Broadly speaking, one may say that the use of this subordinate, but by no means unimportant art is to enliven with beauty and incident what would otherwise be a blank space, wheresoever or whatsoever it may be.”
William Morris, The History of Pattern Designing
We Bandits know how to play with patterns. Beginning as a pop-up clothing store in different spaces in Vienna, any space they curated excited the eye with forms and colours. The products were always high quality clothes, shoes, bags and accessories, imprinted with enlivening patterns, colours and textures. From diamonds, stripes and triangles to goldfish, leopard and sharks, We Bandits was not so much a shop as a form of curation, gathering clothes according to theme, pattern, geometry and silhouette.
Since the shop design was inviting like a children’s playspace, but mature enough to be made of the best, it follows that men and women were encouraged to be playful with their choices, whether they are for patterned stockings or handmade printed bow ties. Perhaps this is why the quote above from William Morris is relevant, a writer and a pattern designer who promoted the arts and crafts movement of the late 19th century which exalted decorative, playful and folk styles. Indeed many items on display in We Bandits store are one of a kind works from local or European designers, such as the bow ties from Denmark, which require more than 15 hours of labour each. More endearing than efficient, but that is what a play of patterns is all about.
We Bandits began life as a pop-up. When they sold out of products they bought more pieces and launched again. And again. Right now, in fact, they are selling out of menswear. When the clothes were sold their organisers gathered a new collection from their sources of local artisans, Scandinavian and Korean designers. Now it is still likely to pop-up in diverse spaces. In a more permanent site at Theobaldgasse 14, We Bandits maintains the same unique curation style, while the location may be permanent, customers and friends are constantly surprised with new themes based on ornament and personal taste rather than trends. Handmade one of a kind items are sourced from local designers alongside backpacks from Sweden and printed stockings from Seoul, or else a pleated cashmere silk top by Ingrid, matched with a Sandqvist Hans red backpack, as well a scarf by Henrik Vibskov from Denmark. Other brands include Hansen and Libertine-Libertin from Denmark and Our Legacy and Uniforms for the Dedicated from Sweden.
Visiting a We Bandits shop is like looking inside a kaleidoscope. You never know what amazing patterns will emerge, and that you will be invited to be a part of.
