Inspired by Japanese culture, Anthony Ramirez instills 90s gangster vibes with elevated men’s streetwear in his latest collection
What happens when you mix the grit of 90s Japanese gangsters with modern streetwear? Anthony Ramirez answers that question with his latest collection, Boryokudan. Unveiled at BENCH Fashion Week Holiday 2024, the menswear collection is an homage to the designer‘s childhood interests. Take the cool, calculated confidence of a gang leader from your favorite anime—now add a slyness that’s as sleek as it is subversive.
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Ramirez draws from his love of Japanese culture and the gritty anime that colored his early years. “Growing up watching Japanese cartoons…that’s it,” he quipped, with a knowing smile that suggests his inspirations are as layered as the characters he admired.
The collection walks the line between tailored menswear and streetwear, with an attitude that’s pure yakuza. Refined silhouettes, sharp cuts, and clean lines give it a presence that commands respect—perfect for the man who carries a quiet, yet undeniable, authority. “The idea is gangster, 90s gangster. The concept is Japanese,” Ramirez stated, summarizing the vibe in just a few words.
But the tough exterior is only a well-tailored disguise. Ramirez manages to infuse a sense of elegance into the mix, creating a look that’s as polished as it is powerful. It’s an edge that makes Boryokudan stand out: a collection for the man who can switch from the shadows to the spotlight with the precision of a katana.
With Boryokudan, Anthony Ramirez references the past and reimagines it for today’s streets. As the designer moves forward to heighten his methods in menswear, the collection emerges as unapologetic as the culture that inspired it—the yakuza is not something to be taken lightly.
Photographed by EXCEL PANLAQUE
