Henri Alexander Levy founded Enfants Riches Déprimés in 2012 as a reflection of his personal angst and disillusionment with societal norms. The name itself, translating to "Depressed Rich Kids" in French, is a nod to the privileged, nihilistic youth that Levy was both criticizing and embodying. A self-proclaimed tortured artist, Levy created ERD as a way to channel his chaotic energy and artistic vision into something tangible.
The brand started with Levy designing and producing extremely limited runs of pieces that he described as "anti-fashion." These weren’t clothes designed to fit in or appeal to the masses—they were raw, polarizing creations that screamed exclusivity and rebellion. The hand-painted leather jackets, frayed sweaters, and graphic tees bore slogans like "Destroy the Future," each piece exuding a sense of contempt for conformity.
Despite its abrasive ethos—or perhaps because of it—Enfants Riches Déprimés quickly gained a cult following. Its earliest fans were those who saw themselves in its irreverence: underground artists, musicians, and creatives who wanted to wear their defiance on their sleeves.
What really set ERD apart, however, was Levy’s refusal to compromise. The brand was marketed not just as fashion but as art, with price points that soared into the thousands for pieces that often seemed intentionally imperfect. This created a sense of unattainability that resonated with those looking to buy into a feeling rather than just a product.
What makes Enfants Riches Déprimés culturally relevant isn’t just the clothes, but the philosophy behind them. ERD thrives on juxtaposition: between wealth and nihilism, beauty and destruction, art and commerce. Levy’s designs are unapologetically provocative—forcing people to confront their relationship with privilege, rebellion, and identity.
Today, Enfants Riches Déprimés stands as a beacon of avant-garde fashion. A brand that refuses to play by anyone’s rules but its own. Its influence extends beyond clothing racks—infiltrating music, art, and the broader cultural dialogue. ERD is an attitude, a way of confronting the world with cynicism, creativity, and a healthy dose of chaos. Whether you love it, hate it, or simply don’t understand it, Enfants Riches Déprimés has commanded its place as a brand that dared to be different—and succeeded.
