The Cult
“Too weird to live, too rare to die”- Hunter S. Thompson
The Live or Die brand embodies immortality, the idea that creation ultimately lives forever, while being faced with the question of life: do you live to the fullest or die without truly living at all?Our purpose is to be unapologetically fearless and fierce, to drive all communities to embrace every gender, sexuality, ethnicity and race. We are a genderless brand that sits at the crossroads of pop culture, technology and fantasy, -showcasing the inclusivity of queerness and fighting for liberation. Live or Die’s mission is to be universal and versatile while highlighting the signs of the times. We are the trailblazers of the new world order. Be a part of our movement, and join the cult.
Desmond Sam
Community Manager of VFILES, Desmond Sam (@dezordie) is far from a new face in the New York underground scene. His beginnings root in working with legend, Patricia Field, which led to his ongoing ending journey in fashion, nightlife and broader culture. Desmond, also known as Dez, fights for queer visibility, specifically for people of color. He has curated events, fundraisers, and gatherings to help amplify voices of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout New York and Los Angeles. As an active member of the fashion world, Dez has ventured into every nook and cranny of the industry - from being featured in campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein and Warby Parker, music videos for artists such as Alicia Keys and Tinashe, to capturing celebrities on the streets of New York on his film camera. His thirst for uncharted waters never ceases to end as he embarks into a new realm, the world of jewelry.
"This collection is a testimony of queerness, and my way to encourage all black queer beings to never doubt themselves!"- Desmond Sam
Oliver Sheehan
As a trans-masc non-binary individual Oliver Sheehan (@69burial) plans to expand queer and transgender representation. He is an artist of all platforms with a primary focus on visuals and installations created for nightlife spaces. His work centers around ideas of queer identity, celebrity culture and internet culture. As well as being brand manager for Live or Die he is the owner and face of Pariah, a brand focused on normalizing and celebrating the idea of being an outsider. It is his mission to change how humanity views itself as a species, celebrating our differences and appreciating individualism outside of the conventional norms.