CONCEPT

Arahant thrives in the space of liminality....at the nexus of totem, function and form. Urban goth core chic for the modern self determined being. Ideas, symbols and silhouettes drawn from disparate sources such as the sacred, urban, archetypal, punk, ritualistic, underground and the psychedelic and imbued into wearable statements of intent. In a time where mass media and global corporations impinge on our attention in order to define the perfect consumer Arahant paces the outer rim of identity where all is fluid, all is becoming, in search of freedom and meaning. It is the revolution that you wear next to your skin and a commitment to yourself and your path.  

“Arahant” is a Sanskrit word meaning “The Deathless One” or “The Slayer of Demons”. It is an honorific title given to someone who has attained Buddhahood. Anthony Traynor, owner of Arahant Designs resonated deeply with the name as it mirrored his own personal journey to find meaning in life after death, heartbreak and loss. During the early 2000’s he came across Vipassana meditation which seemed to offer everything he was looking for. After a series of intensive silent retreats spanning 6 months he was on the brink of what is termed “taking robes” i.e. becoming a monk. He didn’t feel like he belonged in this world and that to partake in its illusions and senseless game was in itself exacerbating the suffering. 

It was at this point (2002) that he was introduced to the Burning Man Scene with its DIY artist ethos. Here, surrounded by people who were intent on living as artists he found a middle path between mainstream culture and becoming a monastic. Owning his life as an artist allowed him to be in this world but not of it. Arahant represents that liminal path.

Fashion he believes is transformatory. It invokes the transcendent ideal whether that ideal is a flag, a societal status or a shamanic entity. Arahant is a desire for the transcendent in the everyday whilst bypassing the trite expressions of what we now call modern spirituality.