MILAN - Max Kobosil, an influential techno producer from the Berlin scene, has left 44 Label Group, which he founded with Antonioli Group.
In 2021, Italian retailer and entrepreneur Claudio Antonioli entered into an agreement with Kobosil, through his eponymous group's Dreamers Factory incubator, to produce and distribute Kobosil's casual and clubwear collection under the 44 Label Group brand.
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Antonioli Group is the sole owner of the 44 Label Group trademark, while Kobosil owns the "44" trademark associated with his music career.
In a statement sent to WWD and published on the 44 Label Group Instagram account, the Antonioli Group-owned brand stated: «Born from music. Built by community. 44 Label Group will always champion inclusivity, creativity, and freedom of expression. Thank you, Max Kobosil, for being a part of this story. We deeply respect your journey and everything we’ve built together. And thank you to everyone who—every day—makes 44 Label Group a global creative ecosystem where fashion, music, and art come together. Thank you for always being a part of it.».
On Wednesday evening, Kobosil also shared the news with his community on his Instagram profile.
«"My dear fans, I must inform you that I have left my former Italian company, 44 Label Group (clothing brand). I am no longer the creative director of 44 Label Group (clothing brand) and have no creative or operational involvement with the clothing brand, its products, or its social media presence," Kobosil wrote on Instagram Stories.
«"Furthermore, any current or future collaborations, partnerships, or releases related to 44 Label Group (the clothing brand) are not planned, directed, or controlled by me in any way. I am entirely focused on my own path and future projects," he added.
«"The entire community continues to use '44' and 'Front Row.' I control 100 percent of all 44 (music) events worldwide and will continue to use the iconic '44' logo on all music projects and events forever," he said. 44 Front Row is Kobosil's company and Instagram account for music events worldwide.
The number 44, which appears again and again, is taken from the original postcode of the tough Neukölln district of Berlin where Kobosil grew up.
Launching in 2021 with a 70-piece collection spanning T-shirts, outerwear, bold suiting, and accessories, the brand held four fashion shows at Milan Men's Fashion Week between January 2022 and June 2023.
44 Label Group's Spring 2024 Menswear Collection
Antonioli Group will continue to manage and operate 44 Label Group. In its announcement, the fashion company reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a platform for creativity at the intersection of music and fashion.
«44 Label Group was born in Berlin as a space where different voices, energies, and identities could coexist. What began in Berlin quickly spread beyond borders, uniting communities and cities through music, fashion, and culture,» 44 Label Group wrote. «From the very beginning, inclusivity has been at the core of 44 Label Group. A family formed by artists, creators, and people who believe in freedom of expression. Paris Fashion Week in January 2023 was one of those moments that reminded us how far this vision can extend. With friends and artists like Kobosil, Amelie Lens, Matteo Milleri, Somewhen, Sven Marquardt, and everyone who brings their energy and creativity to this movement… Born in Berlin. Expanding across cities, communities, and cultures. Continuing to evolve as a global creative ecosystem where fashion, music, and art come together thanks to the people who make it happen,» the statement read.
To this end, on Thursday, 44 Label Group is releasing a capsule collection developed in collaboration with DJ Tennis, the pseudonym of producer Manfredi Romano, and his label, Life and Death. The collection, titled "Dissent," includes two short-sleeve T-shirts and one long-sleeve T-shirt. It will go on sale on Thursday and July 26th online and in Antonioli Ibiza stores on the Spanish island.
«Dissent is the first in a series of collaborations between artists and creative professionals exploring the relationship between music, fashion, and contemporary culture,» said 44 Label Group.
Long-sleeved T-shirt from the Dissent capsule collection by 44 Label Group and DJ Tennis.
The Antonioli group owns the eponymous stores and fashion house Ann Demeulemeester, as well as the trendy Milanese restaurant Sogni and the influential electronic music nightclub Volt. The latter played a key role in the introduction of Antonioli and Kobosil five years ago.
Antonioli, a veteran retailer and fashion entrepreneur who co-founded streetwear conglomerate New Guards Group, has long understood that DJs and music producers have a lot to offer the fashion world.
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