In a move that has sent ripples through the avant-garde fashion community, Boris Bidjan Saberi is shutting down operations at the end of July 2025.
Saberi, a German-Persian designer based in Barcelona, launched his eponymous label in 2006 after graduating from fashion school. His work, deeply influenced by skate culture, street style, hip-hop, and Middle Eastern tailoring, quickly gained acclaim for its raw materials, meticulous construction, and esoteric silhouettes.
However, recent developments in the industry, particularly manufacturing difficulties, put the writing on the wall.
The brand said, “The reality is clear: under current conditions and without relocating production, it is impossible for us to maintain operations with the standards of quality, integrity, and consistency that have always been the foundation of our porject.”
Additionally, the brand’s resistance to embracing e-commerce has posed challenges in adapting to the digital age, with reports indicating that stores still have stock from up to three years ago in their current clearance sales.
Saberi’s approach has always been deeply personal and artisanal, focusing on creating garments that are “slow-cooked” and imbued with a certain presence that doesn’t translate easily to digital platforms. This philosophy, while resonating with a dedicated niche audience, has made it difficult to scale in an industry increasingly driven by rapid-fire spectacle and over-reliance on e-commerce.
Despite these challenges, Saberi continued to innovate, collaborating with brands like Salomon to create technical, monochrome, and futuristic-looking shoes designed for bouldering. His commitment to craftsmanship and pushing the boundaries of fashion remained evident.
As the fashion landscape continues to evolve, Saberi’s decision to shut down reflects the broader challenges faced by artisanal brands in balancing their core philosophies with the demands of a rapidly changing industry. While the story of the Boris Bidjan Saberi brand comes to an end, its impact on avant-garde fashion and dedication to craftsmanship leaves a lasting legacy.
For those interested in exploring the brand’s remaining offerings, select pieces are still available through boutiques like Atelier New York and The Archive in San Francisco.
