“Fashion is a dynamic space, and as a creator, I believe it’s all about personal self-expression.”
What do you enjoy most about collaborating with culturally impactful brands like PUMA? How has your relationship with the brand influenced your perspective on streetwear and sportswear?
My previous collaboration with PUMA was almost 10 years ago, and it was a significant milestone for me as a small-budget artist. Now, coming back to collaborate with PUMA on this sneaker design feels like a full circle moment. PUMA has a strong presence in both sports and streetwear categories, and the plexus model they chose for this collaboration fits perfectly in the streetwear space. It’s a brand that has grown a lot, and it’s an honor to work with them again.
Considering your strong connections to the fashion world, what would you like to see more of in the current fashion space? Are there any experimental concepts or designs that align with PUMA’s mission that have caught your attention recently?
Fashion is a dynamic space, and as a creator, I believe it’s all about personal self-expression. I’ve always looked at clothing through a genderless lens, integrating different styles into my own. It’s exciting to have the freedom to choose how I want to dress each day based on where I need to be. Living in LA, I enjoyed the thrill of creating different looks for various occasions, whether it was going to the gym, attending a work meeting, or an art show opening. It’s a shape-shifting experience that fulfills my need for self-expression.
How do you see fashion integrating with digital art? What developments are you excited to see in the future and how will it impact pop culture?
When you mention digital art, are you referring to NFTs? It’s a sensitive topic for some people, including myself. As a person, I find AI and its implications nerve-wracking and scary. However, as a creative, I see its potential to integrate seamlessly into a creator’s toolkit, just like Photoshop or Final Cut Pro. Fashion designers using digital art resources to produce exciting creations is always fascinating. Although there are concerns, such as photo shoots featuring AI models, when considering it purely from a creative perspective, the possibilities are thrilling. I’m currently working on a project that integrates the NFT metaverse with real-life fashion products, specifically in the sneaker space. It’s a collaboration with stadium goods, and while I can’t provide details yet, it’s going to be a fun venture.
Additionally, the concept of owning and valuing artwork is being translated into the digital world, and it’s an interesting dynamic to explore.