Deftones in the 2010s: Merging Alternative Music and High Fashion

By the 2010s, Deftones had become more than just a nu-metal band—they were now an alternative metal powerhouse with a deep connection to modern fashion trends. Their merchandise started incorporating high-fashion aesthetics, oversized fits, and collaborations with independent designers. With albums like Koi No Yokan (2012) and Gore (2016), the band embraced a sleek, atmospheric visual identity, influencing how their merch was designed. Many of their newer hoodies and T-shirts used pastel color schemes, abstract imagery, and Japanese-inspired aesthetics, reflecting Chino Moreno’s personal interest in avant-garde fashion. Some Deftones merch pieces even appeared in streetwear circles, with fans styling them in a high-fashion-meets-grunge way—layering oversized hoodies with ripped jeans and designer sneakers. Their influence on alternative streetwear culture became undeniable during this period.