The parallels and intersectionality of fashion and music can globally impact popular culture – think streetwear and house music pioneered by DJs Larry Levan, Ron Hardy, and Frankie Knuckle in the late 1980s, which has been a cultural and global phenomenon.

Today, in New York City, DJs like Stylist Golden “Butchish” Balenciaga, Founder and Curator Kenni Javon of DA, and SOHO House Resident BMAJR contribute to fashion and music through authentic storytelling derived from experiences of isms such as classism, racism, and homophobia.

Here, each tells us about how fashion and style influence them, the brands they’d love to deejay for, the lasting power of legacy house music, and more.

How does fashion and style play a vital role in how you curate music?

Golden “Butchish” Balenciaga

I have discovered a lot of freedom by becoming open-minded and experimental. My style’s aesthetic is versatile. It is simple but avantgarde. I am comfortable in how I present myself. I tend to challenge listeners by intertwining multiple genres people would not think could be combined. As someone who is a part of the new age, creating new sounds that are also progressive around is the only way to push house and ballroom music further.

BMAJR

I believe that my style elevates my DJ sets. I always wear signature pieces like my cowboy hat and leopard boots, that are vibrant and authentically me. I have been intentional about curating a vibe where you dress up to let loose. My DJ sets are an ode to carefree and self-expression, the essence of house music.

If you could DJ for any CFDA’s brands, which brands would it be? How does the brand values mirror the emotions that your musicality exudes?

Kenni Javon

It would be Luar. I see a lot of my community represented throughout the brand’s DNA, which I feel is special. The founder is someone from our community. Many brands tend to change as they grow internally and externally, so it is always inspiring to see representation.

Golden “Butchish” Balenciaga

I believe that LaQuan Smith and Rio Uribe are two of the most liberal artists in fashion. I can see myself curating music with unique genres throughout their entire fashion presentations and afterparties as I relate to their brand’s aesthetics.

BMAJR 

It would be my dream to not only DJ an afterparty, but also curate the runway music for Rick Owens. The brand has become my signature uniform. Rick has never followed trends and carved out his own lane just as I have as a DJ. Every season I am inspired by Rick’s ability to consistently evolve, maintaining a distinct brand identity.

Which pioneers’  legacy of house music has influenced your artistry? What do you believe these pioneers – Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, and Ron Hardy -would appreciate the progression today?

Golden “Butchish” Balenciaga

My grandparents heavily played Ron Hardy. He is one of Chicago’s first House DJs that I knew of. Larry Levan is one of the first DJs that I heard in The Black and Latinx LGBTQ ballroom culture. Larry had a very versatile sound that is able to be mixed with many genres. I am pushing the boundaries in music sounds and I know they would be very appreciative seeing their legacies continued.

Kenni Javon

I was not aware of them until later in my career. Yet my journey is inspired by a nightlife brand that became a collective  DA I created back in 2019. The need for self-expression drove me to become well-versed in numerous music genres. I do believe these pioneers would be very glad to see the talent, growth, and amount of DJ’s who look like us.. If it were not  for them, today’s story would be different. 

BMAJR

 These three legends are The Godfathers of House Music, and their legacies have influenced my drive to be a well rounded DJ who explores and appreciates a wide range of musical styles.

These pioneers would be pleased to witness DJs like myself striving to be positive ambassadors for our cities and music communities. Upholding a positive image and actively countering negative stereotypes about our hometowns would truly resonate with their vision. I have always been in awe of people who enter the music scene and bring about revolutionary changes, creating something entirely new.

As a native of the Midwest, the origin of house music, what makes you more inclined today than ever to be your ancestors’ wildest dreams?

Golden “Butchish” Balenciaga

As a Black man from Chicago, I am innate to be gifted in House Music. To have a strong connection to my roots and music is a blessing. To have artists who dedicated their time, education, and energy into pioneering a genre is a blessing. To have the opportunity to be progressive within it is a blessing too. I push myself every day to one day be monumental.

Kenni Javon 

Growing up in a small town in the Midwest I was exposed to mainstream Rap and R&B music. My introduction to electronic music came when I relocated to NYC from Ohio. I am grateful for the exposure although it seems as if it has always been a part of me.

BMAJR 

As a native of Detroit, I take it upon myself to be a positive representation and pay homage to Larry, Frankie, and Ron. I am determined to shift the narrative of Detroit. I aim to showcase more positive light than what people see in the news. Without Detroit’s thriving community, the world would be devoid of music. The city’s musical legacy has an indelible mark on the world.

Why is it important for stories of those before you in the arts such as music and fashion to be highlighted regularly?

Golden “Butchish” Balenciaga

We do not give enough credit to the influencers, pioneers, and creators who came before us…the cultural influencers who worked tremendously…now we can articulate new ideas. For decades, Black people in fashion and music have created lanes globally that people claim as their own today. Our influence has culturally impacted the world. Artists like myself deserve to succeed and progress.

Kenni Javon 

I believe it is important to highlight, share, and give flowers to the ones before us outside of pride months because we/they deserve it. We should be celebrated throughout the year for all that we have created, accomplished…even the doors we open for the artists behind us.

BMAJR

I am proud to be celebrated every day and not just when the world recognizes it. We should forever give credit to Willi Ninja and André Leon Talley who have made it possible to have influencers of today.

As I reflect on the hate crime against O’Shae Sibley for vogueing and expressing self-joy, it is essential to recognize our continued resistance and resilience. It is possible for the next person who happens to be Black, queer, innovative, gifted, intellectual to reach new heights. I know my visibility, platform, and passion will reach beyond the universe.

Talent: Kenni Javon | @ kennijavon, Golden Gucci | @goldenguccci, and BMAJR | @BMAJR

Photographer: Sean Manuel | @seancmanuel