Sunday, June 21 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
NYC, June 24 2026 – The animated short film Dres the Thief, marking the cinematic debut of New York City–based independent menswear brand Descendant of Thieves, premiered at the Dances With Films: LA on Sunday, June 21 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Recognized for its non-conformist approach to modern luxury, the brand celebrated the occasion with a VIP reception following the screening. Playing to a full house, the film drew an enthusiastic audience response and sustained applause.
Descendant of Thieves caters to a discerning clientele that values rarity, intention, and personal expression—principles that extend seamlessly into its storytelling.
Official Trailer: DRES THE THIEF – TRAILER B | Videos & Movies on Vimeo
Dres the Thief is a dark, visually rich animated short centered on Dres Ladro, the elusive designer behind the brand. Inspired by formative moments from Ladro’s life, the film follows his early creative awakening as he begins stealing and reconstructing his father’s shirts—an origin story that foreshadows the distinctive design ethos now synonymous with Descendant of Thieves. The project serves as the first chapter in an expanding narrative universe, deepening the mythology surrounding both the character and the brand.
The film was conceived by founder Matteo Maniatty and co-owner/COO Suwana Perry, who served as Executive Producer and guided the project from concept to completion. Acclaimed director and animator Tomas Vergara joined the film following a chance meeting with Maniatty in Barcelona, where a shared creative vision quickly took hold.
Long held as an internal concept, the story of Dres Ladro was only realized when the right artistic collaborator emerged. Known for its small-batch production model and meticulous attention to detail, Descendant of Thieves approached filmmaking with the same restraint and intentionality. Vergara’s distinctive, hand-crafted animation style—favoring artistry over large-scale studio production—aligned naturally with the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and originality.
Dres the Thief screened as part of Competition Shorts Block 4, a curated selection highlighting films distinguished by strong character-driven storytelling and artistic merit. The film is eligible for the festival’s Grand Jury Award, one of its top honors, alongside awards for documentary and narrative features.
Founded by Matteo Maniatty alongside the enigmatic Dres Ladro, Descendant of Thieves was built in direct opposition to mass-produced fashion. Each collection is produced in tightly controlled, limited batches, while the identity of its creative force remains deliberately undisclosed. More than fifteen years later, the brand continues to define itself through exclusivity, craftsmanship, and a commitment to individuality—now extending that vision into film.
Photo Credit: Tshombe Sampson for Descendants of Thieves
