What is the brand Enfants Riches Déprimés?

Hi, today I'm going to talk about the brand Enfants Riches Déprimés.

Enfants riches déprimés is a brand that was founded by Henri Alexander Levy in 2012. Henri is a French American artist and then designer, raised in a rich environment and around wealthy circles. Enfants Riches Déprimés is a punk brand that take inspiration by the designer troubled youth and the avant-garde movement of the 80's.

The brand name translates to "depressed rich kids" and it captures who the target of the brand is. It's elitist and makes pieces that only come in limited quantities and the price tag is absurdly high. The brand is not made to be popular or appeal to the latest trend or the big masses. Henri defined the brand in an interview with The Guardian and said: "the brand is elitist, nihilist couture". The brand name is quite amusing knowing the privileged background of the creator

The designs of ERD are personal to Henri, through collections he talks about his drugs addiction which began at 15 in Swiss Boarding school, his admiration of punk fashion where he makes reference to the Sex Pistol, Vivienne Westwood and the punk scene at the time. Henri's main goal is to also challenge and shock his viewers by doing controversial shows and pieces.

In one of his most famous show (in Paris,2024) Henri showcased model having their hair shaved in the middle of the catwalk in cages which create instant shock value. The brand creates pieces using good material and artisanal methods only to cut, splash paint onto them. Henri also think the price is a part of the creative statement of the brand. It's a barrier showing the elitism of the brand.

The shows are experiences, with music playing in the background, shocking elements to draw the viewer's attention.And it even goes as far as creating a mood with dim and dark lighting. The brand is mostly worn by artist like Kanye West, Future, Jared Leto and even Courtney Love but still stay niche to the artist's audience because the clothes aren't made for them, the brand tells them that their clothes are only made for a small percentage.

I personally admire the work of Henri, the clothes he makes aren't just clothes they're art, they're political statement and they're deeply personal. The brand is unique and punk both by its message and visuals even though it's elitist. Henri has truly built a community for the brand all the buyers are all in this group of people who are all in on this punk mindset.

Even in a time where fashion become disposable and cheap Enfant Riches Déprimés stayed true to itself by not reducing its price or by making more pieces. Clothes are a way of expressing yourself and Henri made clothes that fitted the way he grew up and all issues he had to go through in life. These clothes aren't made for everyone they're made for rich and depressed individuals who want to rebel against the expectation of the privileged society they were born into.

Here are some looks:

Enfants Riches Déprimés, spring 2025.

This look is my favourite of Enfants Riches Déprimés. I think it really captures the image of the brand. It’s a mix of aristocratic old-school style with a hint of punk attitude with the use of bright red.The jacket and the hat reminds me of military uniforms while the bottoms and the shoes feel more rebellious almost provocative to the more conservative and traditional image.The leg warmers add a punk DIY touch to the design that makes the outfit authentic .The attitude of the model reinforces the feeling of a defiant person who couldn’t care less about the expectations of the high society. The model looks like she doesn’t care with barely any makeup and a messy haircut. It’s a perfect mix between seriousness and indifference.

Enfants Riches Déprimés, spring 2023

This is another perfect exemple of the brand image. The shape of the outfit feels very masculine, traditional and sophisticated. The clothes are very tailored with the belt hugging the model’s waist. On the other hand, the leather jacket and combat boots reminds us of a punk version of a suit. The haircut is the most eye catching element of this look, the haircut becomes a part of the outfit with a red half haircut that challenge the overall masculine feeling of this outfit. It’s a mix between masculine tailoring and punk energy. The glance the model gives is also in here very defiant even annoyed, he is daring you to question his looks.