Fresh off the momentum of Fall & Winter 2024, DeVaughn Wagner, creator behind the streetwear brand Good Problems, has spent the past few months doing something rare in the fast-paced world of fashion: slowing down, living life and soaking it all in.
Last week, the Denver-based designer stepped back into the spotlight with a Spring & Summer 2025 collection that promised to hit hard and leave a mark.
The name? “A Beautiful Crashout.” The energy? Pure chaos, emotion and style brought to life.
“It’s just a small breath of how I’ve been feeling,” Wagner said. “Beautiful souls that have been handing out and receiving ass whoopin’s.”
With roots in fashion that trace back to his father, Wagner credits his dad for instilling in him not just a sharp eye for clothes, but a sense of style that goes beyond fabrics. For Wagner, style isn’t about labels, it’s about authenticity.
“He really got me into having style. Fashion to me has always been beyond the clothes, it’s really if you have style. Streetwear for me has always been just that. It’s my culture’s culture.” Wagner says.
Wagner lives by that truth, especially as an Aquarius, someone he describes as driven by honesty and instinct. This latest collection is personal, intuitive and unapologetically bold. There are no rules this time around.
“I’m an Aquarius to truth so this is just an idea I needed to bring to life, and I’m so appreciative of my amazing models that trusted and executed the vision,” Wagner shared.
While some familiar streetwear silhouettes appear in the Spring 2025 collection, Good Problems sets itself apart with a commitment to cut-and-sew craftsmanship. Every garment is designed and manufactured by Wagner himself, a rarity in an industry flooded with mass production.
“I have given myself no rules. This collection, I’m simply designing from what I have been liking for myself,” said Wagner. “I will say ‘streetwear’ tends to stay within the realms of printed shirts and hoodies etc. While you will see some of that, I always focus on all the garments being cut & sewed. Everything has been manufactured by yours truly.”
Each piece starts with a story. Wagner’s process involved casting models not just for their looks but for the energy they bring, ensuring that the final runway moment was just as much a performance as it was a presentation.
“My creative process starts with a small story of what I want to portray. I usually try to find a model who not only looks the vibe but has their own energy that correlates to the idea,” Wagner noted. “From there I like to focus on how the wearer will feel in my piece. I feel as well for myself that the confidence you feel in your outfit is what makes people really take in the experience.”
READ: Streetwear Marks Halfway Through Denver Fashion Week
Wagner is equally passionate about repping his roots. Born and raised in Denver, he’s quick to shout out Montbello and the “Real Five Points,” and he’s determined to uplift the scene and put his city on the fashion map.
“I think Denver has potential. I would truly and honestly love to see more happening for the scene. I want to put the city on. I’m still one of the last people from here I think,” Wagner says.
While Wagner is focused on his own journey, he makes it clear that community and collaboration are all at the heart of everything he does.
As the dust settles from Denver Fashion Week Spring 2025, GOOD PROBLEMS will be remembered for more than just walking the runway: Wagner’s collection was instead a beautiful crash out, just as it’s name promised.
Wagner’s not chasing acceptance; he’s creating from the gut. He wants you to feel something.
“I just want my audience to enjoy themselves. Appreciate the hard work and appreciate my models. I’m not here for acceptance: I’m here for creativity. I want you to love this so hard it hurts. That’s a Good Problem.”
