Faced with a context of growing social polarization and the rise of reactionary movements, democracy is, for many, threatened, and its survival depends on a lively and active defense. The same one that the marker brand Edding and the Berlin streetwear brand Iriedaily encourage to put into practice through “Permanent Democracy”, a clothing collection that, in addition to being a style statement, aspires to be a reminder of the importance of democratic values ​​for social progress.

Both brands have partnered with urban artist Hombre Suk to create a series of limited edition garments that bring democracy to the expression of identity under the motto “Permanent Democracy – only good when it’s used.” The result is garments, from T-shirts and fleeces to scarves and socks, printed with icons and graphic elements inspired by street art and graffiti, a visual manifestation closely linked to the history of both brands.

The initiative is reminiscent, due to its approach, of “Dmocracia”, the capsule collection promoted in Spain by the institutional platform España en Libertad to bring democratic values ​​closer to new generations. Presented last June under the concept “When you dress, you position yourself,” that proposal also used fashion as a form of expression of identity and personal convictions. However, its launch sparked criticism among businessmen in the textile sector, who questioned the use of public funds to promote what they considered a clothing brand. The Government defended that it was a communication campaign and not a commercial initiative, since the garments were not for sale. In the case of Edding and Iriedaily, the collection is marketed and they link part of their income to democratic education projects.

The articles, presented on October 15, represent the second installment of the collaboration between Edding and Iriedaily, which was initially launched last March. That first delivery featured the same motifs and prints, and consisted of sweatshirts, t-shirts and totebags.
In addition, a limited edition label was created, the Edding 2029 Permanent Democracy, in reference to the upcoming elections to the Bundestag – the Lower House of the German Parliament – and which the brands consider a key moment in defining the democratic course of Germany.

Beyond fashion and awareness, the initiative seeks to put democracy into practice and ensure that it is not a concept that is limited to appearing printed on clothing. It aspires to be brought to life, taught and transmitted and, in this sense, it has educational implications. And a part of the income obtained from the sale of the items will go to the workshops on democracy given by the “Demokratie-Mobil”, the mobile unit focused on democratic education promoted by the Mernissi-de Gouges Educational and Social Welfare Association.

The bus, which serves as a traveling classroom and visits schools in Berlin and Brandenburg, has also been part of the presentation event for the second part of the collection. The garments have been displayed and consumers have been invited to record what democracy means to them.
As explained by edding, the brand collaborates with the association to make some 15 workshops a reality for nearly 400 students and thus contribute concretely to democratic education. In addition, it will also raffle three workshops on democracy among schools that request it.

Original post by Iriedaily on Instagram

The Demokratie-Mobil was also part of the presentation event of the first part of the collaboration by offering a special itinerary on specific places in Berlin where democratic negotiation and civil society commitment are visible. The activity, in which the media and influential figures from fields such as art, culture and NGOs participated, was complemented with thematic interventions and a workshop focused on the theme “Courage and renewal in democracy.”

“We are seeing fundamental democratic values ​​increasingly being questioned. On a personal level, this worries me. As a company we have the responsibility to take a stand” commented Per Ledermann, CEO of Edding Group, in a statement when the collection was presented in March. “We want to remember the importance of raising one’s voice and keeping democracy alive. And perhaps we will be able to encourage other companies to also contribute their bit. At the end of the day, all of us who are part of the economic fabric benefit, including in financial terms, from our fundamental democratic order”.