Swampgod

Swampgod Origins: From Graffiti to Upcycling

The story of Swampgod begins in 2020—right amid the global COVID‑19 lockdown—when Arturo Boem, a graffiti artist from Venice, channeled his creativity into fashion design. He began by upcycling basic archetypal workwear, particularly pants and jackets, and showcasing these revamped garments on Instagram. His raw, expressive aesthetic, coupled with sustainable ingenuity, quickly captured attention.

A Chance Collaboration with Rick Owens

By late 2020, Boem’s Instagram posts caught the eye of Rick Owens, the avant‑garde American designer celebrated for his dark, draped silhouettes. This virtual recognition led to an extraordinary opportunity: Owens invited Boem to create upcycled capsule collections using fabric remnants, off‑cuts, and unsold samples from Rick Owens’ previous collections. This mentorship and creative partnership unfolded between late 2020 and June 2022, culminating in 19 distinct capsule collections totaling over 1,000 pieces, each crafted entirely by Boem himself.

Boem has described this experience as “life‑changing,” emphasizing his growth—learning technical skills, understanding production timelines, and integrating into a high-level fashion system—while preserving his outsider spirit.

A Distinctive Aesthetic: Deconstruction and Rebirth

Swampgod’s designs intertwine Rick Owens’ signature gothic aesthetic with Boem’s anarchic, visceral approach. He famously “takes a scalpel” to Owens’ iconic pieces—deconstructing, rebuilding, and reassembling them to create unique, tactile garments that feel like physical collages. This transformative process encapsulates a fearless reinterpretation of fashion and sustainability.

The collaboration with END.—a high‑end sneaker and streetwear retailer—highlighted Swampgod’s eco-conscious ethos. Boem reworked deadstock Rick Owens garments into new, expressive forms, spotlighting responsible production and creative renewal.

Philosophy: Fashion as Ethical Expression

Boem’s approach to fashion is not just aesthetic—it’s grounded in principled sustainability. He believes we already have enough fabric and clothing in the world to dress everyone, so upcycling isn’t just practical—it’s essential. His practice began out of necessity and ethical clarity: limited resources drove him to creatively reuse materials, a stance he continues to pursue despite growing recognition.

In this context, his collaboration with Rick Owens becomes more than a fashion statement—it’s a model for reimagining luxury. As several fashion critics note, the partnership exemplifies how high-end fashion can embrace upcycling, challenging notions of exclusivity by elevating the reclaimed into the extraordinary. 

Today: Independent Capsules and Continued Innovation

After the formal collaboration with Owenscorp concluded in June 2022, Arturo Boem maintained access to fabric cutouts from the Owenscorp factory. This means Swampgod can continue producing unique, 1‑of‑1 capsule collections composed exclusively of these cutoffs, deadstock remnants, and recycled hardware—ensuring sustainability remains central to the brand’s identity.

Swampgod continues to launch these limited-run collections, each piece bear­ing the brand’s signature blend of rugged rawness and conceptual depth.

Recognition and Impact

From industry press to fashion enthusiasts, Swampgod’s rise hasn’t gone unnoticed. Publications like Hypebeast, Fashion Network, WWD, and SHOWstudio have highlighted the brand’s radical approach to nonconformity, sustainability, and design innovation.

In a 2022 Hypebeast piece, the collection was praised for spotlighting “responsible production and sourcing,” underscoring the broader ethos behind the brand’s work.  CelebMix, reflecting in mid‑2023, noted how Swampgod’s and Owens’ shared values merge luxury with eco-awareness—paving the way for a fashion future where sustainability defines exclusivity.

Swampgod’s Distinctive Legacy

Swampgod stands out as a brand where raw creativity, ethical conviction, and technical evolution converge. From humble Instagram beginnings under lockdown, Arturo Boem—aka Swampgod—has developed an aesthetic that transforms waste into wearable stories. His technical growth through working with Rick Owens, his commitment to sustainability, and his fearless design sensibility coalesce in garments that are as conceptually bold as they are beautiful.

In an industry grappling with environmental impact and ethical production, Swampgod offers a compelling alternative: luxury that’s defined by transformation, individuality, and conscience.