404 STUDIO: READY TO ‘HACK THE SYSTEM’

Drawing from 90s cyberculture and a deep love for craft, the Valencian label returns to 080 Barcelona Fashion with a collection that rebels quietly.

For 404 Studio, fashion has never been about following rules — it’s about rewriting them from the inside out. With Hack the System, their latest collection unveiled at 080 Barcelona Fashion, founder and designer Anaïs Vauxcelles leans into chaos with purpose, channeling the DIY grit of 90s cult film Hackers into a knitwear-led universe of deconstructed silhouettes, metallic yarns, and digital-age disruption. But this isn’t just aesthetics for aesthetics’ sake — it’s a love letter to underdogs, to rebellion, to building something meaningful with limited resources and infinite imagination.

In a landscape dominated by fast trends and digital perfection, 404 Studio carves out space for slow processes, emotional storytelling, and a proudly handcrafted approach. From repurposing decade-old materials to collaborating with local artisans and iconic labels like United Nude, every decision in the collection is intentional — a quiet resistance to disposability and sameness.

We sat down with Vauxcelles to talk about cinematic inspiration, the politics of craft, and what it really means to make fashion that disrupts the system — not with noise, but with soul.

What drew you to the film Hackers as the narrative axis for your collection Hack the System?

I was drawn to the storyline of the underdog fighting against powerful corporations – something I relate to, as in fashion it’s very difficult to grow and carve out a space when you’re up against giants. Also, the costumes in Hackers, with many references to Vivienne Westwood, reflect that rebellious and avant-garde attitude that’s still a huge source of inspiration for me.

What captivates you about cinematic narratives when conceptualising each collection?

They’re stories that resonate with me on a personal level – whether it’s because of their message, their aesthetics, or the way they challenge the norm. I’m interested in how cinema creates visual and emotional worlds that can be translated into fashion, crafting pieces that don’t just dress the body but also tell a story.

How did you translate the chaos and aesthetics of cyberspace into the fabrics and silhouettes of this collection? In which pieces is this inspiration most clearly reflected?

It’s a truly eclectic collection, where the chaos of cyberspace comes through in vibrant colors, bold combinations, and a range of characters coexisting in the same universe. I translated that into fabrics by mixing shiny textures with more traditional materials, creating a visual contrast that evokes the digital aesthetic of Hackers. The silhouettes also play with exaggerated volumes and unexpected cuts, reflecting the energy of cyberspace. You can clearly see it in pieces like metallic-thread knit tops, asymmetrical dresses, and garments that look almost improvised, like glitches in the system.

How did you strike a balance between oversized, deconstructed shapes and sleek, fitted pieces that nod to the hacker world?

In a completely intuitive way, but always maintaining cohesion in shape and color. I like to play with contrasts without following strict rules, letting the pieces speak to each other naturally. The oversized, deconstructed forms bring the chaos and energy of the hacker universe, while the more fitted, structured garments bring balance with a cleaner aesthetic. The key was finding harmony within that apparent contradiction, creating a system where everything coexists naturally.

How was the collaboration process with United Nude in blending technical footwear and conceptual design?

The entire collection started from the shoes – they were the starting point and the core of the concept. We met with United Nude Spain to explore their most iconic models and reinterpret them from our point of view. From the start, I knew I wanted to keep the essence of the Loop because its futuristic design fit perfectly with our vision. From there, we worked on how to incorporate it into the collection’s universe, blending its structure with the colors, materials, and textures that define Hack the System.

What challenges do you face when reinterpreting traditional knitting techniques with a more experimental approach?

It’s quite a complex process, especially when it comes to production. I use crochet in a more contemporary way, and I often find that both the artisans I work with and the suppliers aren’t used to that approach. Their first response is often a no, or they struggle to visualize the idea I have in mind. It takes a lot of patience, trials, and adjustments to get the result I want, but that’s also what makes each piece so special.

How important are circularity and material reuse in Hack the System and the overall philosophy of 404 Studio?

For this collection, I’ve been reusing leathers, threads, and trims I’ve been storing since my first collection, materials that were left over and collecting dust in the studio. Some scraps of fur I’ve had for ten years, never quite knowing how to use them. I challenged myself to give them a new life, pushing creativity to its limit. I’ve always believed that the fewer resources you have, the more creative you become. On top of this focus on circularity, this year we also wanted to give back in another way – we worked with fabrics from a Valencian company affected by the DANA storm. It’s a way of closing the loop not just sustainably, but also in solidarity.

How would you define the relationship between pop culture, art, and fashion within your brand?

It’s the foundation of 404 Studio. I come from a fine arts background, and I think that really shapes my creative process. Pop culture, art, and fashion are completely intertwined in the brand – they function as a shared language. We’ve always loved collaborating with international artists who, in some way, are part of today’s pop culture. These collaborations enrich every collection, bringing new perspectives and fusing different disciplines within a single creative universe.

How do you think digital and hacker aesthetics are influencing fashion today?

I think for all of us millennials, this concept hits close to home. We lived through the transition from analog to digital, and we’re still fascinated by the digital world, without losing sight of the analog. That blend is what interests me most – how the digital influences fashion, but also how tradition, craftsmanship, and art remain essential. The hacker aesthetic, with its chaos and rule-breaking, feels like something always present in our lives and, at the same time, something that can be reinterpreted in a deeply personal way through design.

What barriers need to be broken to take an independent Spanish brand like yours international?

Honestly, I don’t think it’s about breaking barriers. We live in a globalized world where anyone can connect with someone else in real time. More than barriers, I think it’s about standing out with a message and an aesthetic that’s genuinely your own. If you create something unique and authentic, people will seek you out and find you. The key is staying true to your vision and not being afraid to share it with the world.

Do you feel that craftsmanship gives you an edge when showing your collections abroad?

Absolutely. 404 Studio has a very personal aesthetic, but it’s also deeply rooted in Spanish craftsmanship, which is highly appreciated abroad. I like to think that this mix – rather than a contrast – is what gives the brand its strength. Craftsmanship brings unique value to the collections, and in such a globalized context, that authenticity and attention to detail always stand out.

How do you see the contrast between global mainstream fashion and the more artistic, handmade approach you take with 404 Studio?

I believe there always needs to be a contrast between the mainstream and the underground. I feel comfortable in that more experimental space, where the vision is more artistic and manual. At 404 Studio, we don’t follow mainstream trends, but we understand that both worlds exist in parallel and, in a way, complement each other. Each has its own place. My focus is always on creating value within the industry.

What current cultural or artistic references inspire you beyond cinema and fashion?

Mostly the art and artists around me. I’m inspired by their approaches and how personal and varied their processes are. I’m also heavily influenced by the materials I work with and everything that comes from personal experience. I believe each piece carries some of that – things I’ve lived, felt, or observed. Creation is always fed by those elements – not just the visual ones, but the emotional ones too.

What message would you like the audience to take away after seeing this collection at 080 Barcelona Fashion?

I’d love to provoke a reaction. I don’t care if it’s good or bad – what matters is that it stirs something inside the viewer. I’ve always believed that the things that really touch you are the ones you remember. I want people to take something with them – that a connection happens, even if it’s just a fleeting impact. That’s what gives a collection its value: that it leaves a mark, even a small one.