Dolor is Defining Itself as a New Chicago Movement

A closer look at the dress of the unruly and the restless

The city of Chicago has been recognized as a nucleus for art and culture in America for years, and as time passes it continues to evolve, spawning numerous subcultures. The rising fashion line from Chicago, Dolor, is separating itself from the herd, as the designs synchronize with the unruly heritage of the city.

Creator and owner of Dolor, Lilbossmeme, is using fashion as his medium and tool for persuasion to express himself and mold a world of his own for those who can draw a connection to everything Dolor represents. When describing the context of his art he states, “I didn’t have an easy life what so ever, so I try to incorporate that by making very off-putting statements,” describing how “it’s really an evolution of character while also correlating to my past.” Though the statements shared through the designs are off-putting, they hold a strong truth to them. Phrases such as “Life is Never Kind” and “Greed is Good” may not be so blissful, yet the phrases paired with dark figures embrace these cold truths, turning the pieces into cold gems to be worn with pride.

Bossmeme refers to the current status of his brand as a period of foundation building for Dolor’s heritage, as it paves its own way. Bossmeme’s current mission is to further deepen his own definition of what Dolor is, beyond the sorrow and distress the designs translate to. With the help of other creatives in the city, Dolor is bringing together and tempering the unruly identity to make sure the Chicago underground scene becomes inevitable to the public eye.

Recently, Dolor hosted an event in Chicago that was shut down by police due to issues of capacity and rowdiness within and outside the venue. A video surfaced online showing individuals climbing on top of cop cars retaliating against what seemed like an ambush of cops arriving to shut down not only the event but the entire street. Bossmeme points out a moment amongst the rioting behavior when he saw kids, who had never met before, wearing Dolor coming together, which is what he had always wanted for his brand.

The representation of Dolor both online and in the city, continues to establish the brand as a rebellious movement at the forefront of Chicago culture, rather than just another fashion line creating collections of dark garments. “What I was trying to incorporate in my brand was nightlife, darkness, and some hurt … I feel like that’s a good representation of my art.” Dolor’s pop-ups and parties have been gaining traction one after the other within the underground community in Chicago, making it hard to avoid the disruptive brand whether it’s scrolling through social media or an event taking place.

Dolor’s newest collection exhibits reflections of current events in Lilbossmeme’s life while also featuring pieces that play on tour merch designs for the brand’s series of chaotic parties called the “Death Rave Tour.” Bossmeme explains how his designs for Dolor can be influenced by anything that catches his eye, from the blandness of greek life tee shirts to vintage Chicago Police Department designs, he blends what interests him with the attitude of Dolor making it his own.

You can shop Dolor’s first collection online featuring the Life is Never Kind zip-up hoodie and Greed is Good tee.