W: Hector Peter Toole. I: Thackertime. M: Jafro. Francisco Cunjuca

Bag Designer : Oliver Yasar Damyan

In the shifting landscape of contemporary fashion, where the line between the physical and the virtual continues to blur, Byron Davalos III has carved out a space that feels both profoundly nostalgic and daringly futuristic. His 2023 graduate collection, "DIGITAL BOY," is more than just a runway presentation—it is a textile love letter to a childhood spent in the glow of a screen. Davalos, a graduate of De Montfort University, has quickly gained recognition for his ability to synthesize disparate worlds, recently earning accolades for his ability to back a "digital" aesthetic with very real ethical substance.

The heartbeat of the collection lies in Davalos’s personal history. Before relocating to the UK, his world was defined by the tactile joy of retro trading cards and the immersive loops of early digital games. "DIGITAL BOY" captures that specific sense of longing—the bittersweet ache of childhood memories transitioning into a new, adult reality in a different country. To translate this feeling, Davalos turned to visual light projections, drawing inspiration from the flickering textures of gallery installations, concert visuals, and his own VHS home movies. The resulting garments mimic the "glitch" and "glow" of a 90s television set, turning static memories into wearable art.

While the conceptual roots are digital, the silhouettes are firmly planted on the streets of New York. The collection draws heavily from the 90s New York Hip Hop scene, reflecting Davalos's personal style through oversized layering and a rugged, utilitarian edge. The core of the design process revolves around "layering technology," where the designer utilizes a sophisticated range of prints and construction methods. By integrating Shima Seiki knitwear, 3D printing, and digital fabrication, he creates a multi-dimensional texture that feels like a physical manifestation of computer software.

Perhaps the most impressive feat of the "DIGITAL BOY" collection is how Davalos reconciles high-tech production with low-impact environmentalism. In an industry often criticized for waste, his design philosophy is refreshingly circular. The approach focuses on zero-waste strategies and the meticulous upcycling of old garments, breathing new life into discarded materials. By combining digital printing—which reduces water and chemical usage—with a commitment to repurposing "deadstock," Davalos proves that the future of fashion can be both high-tech and highly responsible.

Ultimately, Byron Davalos III is not just designing clothes; he is archiving a feeling. "DIGITAL BOY" stands as a testament to the power of the "Digital Native" generation—creatives who can look at a VHS glitch and see a masterpiece, and who can look at a pile of discarded clothes and see the future of streetwear.