In “Dream Closets,” I’ll be documenting my favorite closets around New York and the personalities behind each of them.
One could say it was love at first sight, but I tend to think my friendship with Chris started with love at first sass. I was working my first job out of college; he was working his 10th (and only a freshman in college).
Chris is the type of guy who oozes inspiration and motivation. He’s also the type of guy who will unintentionally remind you of how little you actually know about fashion and art. If we’re not debating the validity of a Beyoncé song or re-learning that he looks better in my clothes than I do, then our conversations usually go a little something like this: him talking about some artist, stylist or photographer he’s obsessed with, and me, nodding along, while simultaneously trying to rack my brain to figure out what in the hell he’s talking about.
Perhaps it has something to do with his impressive resume. He worked for Opening Ceremony and VFiles, for stylists Akeem Smith and Simon Rasmussen, and he’s the fit model for the Hood By Air shows. Before turning 21, he made his own magazine and then folded it “because who the fuck needs another magazine. I’d rather have an art show.” And now he’s at Fat Man Magazine, managing their social media accounts. Keeping up with Chris is hard; it’s best if you just pretend to know what’s going on. Everyone say, “Hiiiiiii Chris!!”
“I think the Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2007 show was what first got me into fashion. I was in 8th grade and really into anime and manga back then.
The spacesuits and the theatrics from their show inspired me to stop buying anime entirely and start investing in clothes.”
Givenchy skirt and Hood by Air hair piece.
“I lived in so many places growing up – from the suburbs to the inner city of Baltimore – and I feel like that has definitely influenced my style. I love streetwear and I love luxury too. I’m really into combining both ends of the spectrum and then meeting somewhere in the middle.”
Hood by Air jacket.Chris wearing a J.W. Anderson dress, Givenchy earrings and sunglasses by Freeway.
“It’s rare that I’ll see anyone else who does what I do with fashion – like, balls to the wall fashion looks. Besides maybe someone who has a ton of money or Shayne of HBA, he has amazing fucking style. I take the way I present myself a little too seriously maybe but fuck, everyone should. Style is saying whatever you want to the world and holding up your middle finger in the process.”
Hair piece from the Hood by Air Fall/Winter 2014 show (see below).
Raf Simons.
“The kind of world that Miuccia Prada and Raf Simons have created for their brands is what I hope to do with my art. When I wear their designs I feel unstoppable.”
Alexander Wang runway piece.
“Any editorial by Panos Yiapanis leaves me moist. He creates individual pieces for each project he works on.
I was so jealous when I saw Miley Cyrus in some London club wearing a pair of leggings he designed. She’s not worthy — she doesn’t even care about the man behind them. I, on the other hand, would probably frame them and never touch them again. It’s that serious. My love for him runs DEEP.”
KTZ.Vintage bracelet, unicorn ring by Giza and black Vivienne Westwood ring.
“I’m inspired by my life – just everyday things and situations. But more specifically, Sterling Ruby and Bjarne Melgaard. They both make whatever they want and it’s the world’s job to either get it or not. I admire that a lot.”
Remember that Givenchy septum ring that Kendall Jenner wore as a regular nose ring? Yeah that’s it, on that yellow chair. Oh and you’re lookin’ at a Balenciaga choker too.Givenchy, Saint Laurent, and Raf Simons.
“Women get to wear the BEST shoes, but Menswear is slowly catching on too. Thanks to designers like Rick Owens, Raf Simons, Craig Green and J.W. Anderson, the aesthetically inclined man has something to wear. Thank God.”
J.W. Anderson x Versus Versace top, Raf Simons shorts and Prada leg warmers.
“I don’t want to work for anyone but myself, and maybe Kanye West — I think he’s a genius. I’d only want to work for someone who’s a genius. Oh, and M.I.A. She’s the ultimate badass.”
