The culture of fashion: Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat

Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat watch

I very nearly missed this memo.

Swatch just dropped three Basquiat collaboration watches as part of its Art Journey line. The turquoise ‘Ishtar’ one is very clever with its number placement, while the yellow ‘Hollywood Africans’ is also very cool, and the crown design has a certain IYKYK appeal.

Part of me thinks, what the fuck took you so long Swatch? Ever since its Keith Haring collab in ’86 and subsequent collaborations with the likes of Kenny Scharf, it felt to me like it was snoozing on some mega opportunities to bring contemporary art to the masses. Instead of owning this huge ‘accessible art’ category, it seemed to have an eternal half-arsed approach.

Is this collaboration too late to matter now that every other brand under the sun has a Basquiat collab? Or is it in fact, perfect timing (pardon the pun), since Basquiat is now relevant to a whole new generation of art lovers, collectors and hype beasts thanks to recent exhibitions and that Tiffany ad?

If you’re of the latter opinion, you can still get your hands on a Jean-Michel Basquiat x Swatch watch. They’re selling from £90, available from Swatch.

Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat watch
Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat collaboration watch
Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat collaboration watch

WORDS: Disneyrollergirl / Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGES: Swatch x Jean-Michel Basquiat
NOTE: Most images are digitally enhanced. Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my privacy and cookies policy here

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