New York Fashion Week was a big moment for rapper Offset.
On day one, he served as an ambassador for CFDA’s NYFW Live at Rockefeller Center, a partnership that brought an open-to-the-public streaming of the American collections for the first time. Throughout the week, the artist was also seen on the runway as a model, first at the highly-anticipated Luar show, then at Melitta Baumeister, the first runway presentation of the 2023 CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund winner and the closing show of the week.
We caught up with the rapper post-fashion week to see how it all went, and what to look out for next.
Can you describe your approach to fashion and how you pick which designers or brands you wear?
My approach to fashion is based on what vibe I feel like the designer is on. I always look for the designer to have something new and something fresh but also something recognizable. I’m big on cuts and the structure of the clothing and I feel like I’m always looking for somebody new that’s coming up that might not be the biggest face in the game. Sometimes those ideas get taken so it’s good when you catch the vibe or that wave of that person prior to them becoming this big person. I’m always searching for smaller brands because that’s where you’re really going to get it from—the people.
What excites you about the American collections and being a part of New York Fashion Week?
We always lead the way! I feel like we’re always ahead of the curve when it comes to designs or shapes or sculptures of how the clothing should fit. And also like a said before, the underground people that aren’t the majors are the most creative because they’re coming from a place of more passion when you don’t have it all. I remember those times were the hardest times where everyone might joke that your idea wasn’t going to be a great idea and then it becomes a great idea and it’s like that support system behind it.
Being a part of New York Fashion Week…man, I’m one of the flyest in America so you know I got to step foot in and show love to our own people! It’s the vibe of New York. New York is a fashionable place, I love the energy and the vibe when you walk outside. On a regular basis you see stylish people, so I gotta do it in New York!
What exciting things can we look forward to from the Offset universe?
Some fun things you can look forward to is a film I am directing, some more music of course, but also a great picture painting for you for the delivery of the music. Because me as an artist, I always want to come and give everything, put everything on the table so it all aligns aesthetically. I’m working on becoming a better me at all times too.
What are your thoughts on Melitta Baumeister’s collection?
I like it a lot. The collection is bold, trendy, and it tells a story.
In your own words, describe the Melitta Baumeister look you are wearing for the runway.
My look is very forward. When Melitta presented [it] to me, I said “yeah let’s go all the way.” The shapes are crazy and different. The fabric is quality. The hair and eye contacts are beyond different compared to any look I’ve ever worn.
