Behind the Design: Skull @Oxford Street – A Mixed Media Journey

Three years ago, I walked down Oxford Street in London with my mobile, capturing the energy of one of the world's most iconic shopping districts. The photograph I took that day held a memory—but a photo alone wasn't enough to convey what I wanted to express.

To create something truly memorable, something that would make people stop and think, I knew I needed to push beyond documentation into the realm of imagination.

The Collaboration: Where Reality Meets Fantasy

That's when I turned to the work of Yavuz Basol and his striking black bling skull. By layering his dark, ornate skull imagery over my Oxford Street photograph, I created a mixed media piece that bridges two worlds: the tangible reality of London's streets and the fantasy of something darker, more mysterious.

The skull brings a gothic elegance, a touch of rebellion, and an undeniable edge. It transforms a street scene into something that lingers in the mind—a visual conversation between light and shadow, past and present, the everyday and the extraordinary.

Art That Makes You Think

I'm drawn to images that invite contemplation. I love the idea of creating something where people will look at it and think—where the mind wanders, questions arise, and interpretations shift depending on who's viewing it and when.

The Skull @Oxford Street design embodies this philosophy. It's not just a pretty picture; it's a narrative waiting to be discovered. Is it about mortality in the midst of consumerism? The timeless nature of urban landscapes? The beauty found in contrasts? The answer is yours to decide.

Mixed Media, Maximum Impact

This piece represents my approach to design: combining photography, digital art, and collaboration to create wearable art that tells a story. The denim texture of the t-shirt adds another layer—literally and figuratively—making the artwork feel tactile, lived-in, and ready to become part of your own story.

The dark fantasy vibe, collaboration of Yavuz Basol's bling skull, gives the piece its edge and intrigue. It's for those who appreciate art with depth, who aren't afraid of a little darkness, and who understand that the most interesting designs are the ones that make you pause and wonder.

See the Process on Instagram

Want to see more behind-the-scenes content and the creative process? Watch the reel on Instagram and follow @emily4kurt for more mixed media art, design stories, and creative inspiration.

Wear the Story

Every time you wear the Skull @Oxford Street Denim T-Shirt, you're carrying a piece of London, a collaboration between artists, and an invitation for others to stop, look, and let their minds wander.

Because in the end, that's what great design should do—make you think, make you feel, and stay with you long after the first glance.