Thrift stores always provided Diego Audiffred an array of unique pieces to express himself with and make a quick buck from growing up. The Chicago-based designer has evolved how he utilizes his materials to create contemporary pieces that blend nostalgia and comfort. Audiffred has turned early beloved childhood blankets into a collection of puffer jackets that are radiant in not only color, but character.
The collection of jackets are made from various blankets featuring characters from various TV shows and movies. Each is detailed with multicolored exposed zippers and a revolving font shouting “DIE GO,” an ode to Audiffred’s high school nickname. Characters featured in his collections include the Avengers, Dora, 101 Dalmatians, and Spiderman.
Audiffred’s love for fashion started early on. He was only 7th grade when he was already working on modifications for as little as $5. “All my life I’ve been the family tailor. If people need clothes done, they knew to come to me.” Audiffred didn’t hesitate to throw himself into the fashion world, regardless of what clothes he was wearing. He specifically remembers not being able to afford skinny jeans, so he would alter his own baggy pants after asking, “Why don’t I just learn how to do that shit myself?”
In high school, Audiffred expanded his skills by starting Gunda, an online vintage boutique that often had pop-ups citywide. “I feel like Gunda was just practice, and I knew I always wanted to stay doing something. I was always selling work since I was young, I even used to make [and sell] duct tape wallets.” He remembers when he first started having an income from art when he attended After School Matters, a Chicago youth program where teens would get paid to learn new art techniques and mediums in order to keep them out of trouble. Looking back, Audiffred is thankful for the Chicago youth program for not only teaching him the techniques he still uses today, but also for connecting him with other artists he still talks to and works with.
Things are coming full circle for Audiffred as his process remains reputable after years of practice. His art is growing into a pure form as he transforms his nostalgic thrifted materials to reach peak functionality. DIE GO Studios is offering something authentic and heartfelt for “older kids,” and to mark the beginning, Audiffred wanted to challenge himself to “start the brand with a different piece rather than a tee like most brands.” The pieces evoke a timeless moment in our young lives, and Audiffred is reviving our precious blankets as he travels the country sharing the shock and excitement the puffers deliver. His first trip of exclusive pop-ups was at this year’s SXSW, where he exchanged pieces with several notable artists.
Audiffred plans on reaching a point of success where he can have his own program similar to After School Matters, however with a more “for the kids by the kids” spirit. He plans on making House on Knox exactly that, which is currently only a small studio on the Southside of Chicago that Audiffred works out of, alongside his brothers who started the studio and work on music.
You can only purchase the rare puffers in person as Audiffred plans to host pop-ups in every big city, or you can be quick enough to grab yours from very exclusive batches sold online here. Audiffred has various collaborations on the way as well, but for now they remain secret to the public. Until then, reminisce on the past and embrace your inner child by wearing a DIE GO puffer with your favorite characters.