BTS: Niko #3

If you don’t get it, it’s not for you.

I styled Niko in a “Canadian Tux”: a denim overcoat and jorts. His shirt is a “Theory” polo and he wears his own “Balenciaga” trainers.

Niko’s view of my styling has progressively expanded. He allows me to do what I do because I see the pattern in his signatures and mix them with my own vision. Niko has always been a fan of collard shirts such as polos, ever since he had his mom purchase a lilac polo from Zara at the age of nine. One summer, while in Barcelona Niko was allowed a budget at the flagship Zara. He selected lilac, leather sneakers with a Converse silhouette; lilac, skinny jeans; a lilac polo shirt and a purple and blue, argyle sweater-vest. Hyper coordination and elements of preppy-ness make up his personal style, which I reflect in the slim-fit, pima-cotton, “Theory” polo and matching denim short and jacket. Niko wears a silver, nylon belt which compliments the light-grey, “Balenciaga” sneakers.

I create audacious outfits that coincide with the personality of the individual. Niko is the striker— the top goal scorer on the team, therefore a look that differentiates him from the rest of his équipe is in order. His style of play is flamboyant and creative. He is effortlessly the center of attention so it is only natural that the way he presents himself reflects that very characteristic. He likes a classic, clean look- not a fan of prints nor gaudiness. I merely acknowledge his trademark and combine it with the sufficient edge in order to produce a product that highlights his nature .

I am aware most of his teammates are not fans of this one ensemble and it is expected. They do not present themselves in a manor that compels me to believe that they would appreciate a look this daring, dapper, current yet classic. While they soak in their comfortable graphic T’s and stretch trousers- break at the ankle, they hate from outside a place they cannot fathom approaching. This brings me to reflect on men’s fashion. I have developed my perspective of menswear in an environment where gender-lines are not crossed, but blurred; color is embraced; proportions are analyzed; textures and materials have rules and regulations and the more polarizing one dresses is the more praised they are. This bubble of personal style floats cluelessly in major cities, on Tik-Tok, at fashion week and between trend cycles. Niko’s fellow teammates are the mainstream, main consumers and the majority of the world— perched on a high horse named “Tradition”. That isolated, fashion-forward state of mind works with the transcended generations, rarely to touch the previous.

While I need to maintain Niko’s brand, I have never been a fan of outfits that do not make sense. I do not refer to practicality, but rather optical pleasure. This outfit, while viewed on the daring side by those who surround him, is for both Niko and I, a launching pad. I deeply look froward to the next major look, whom it will frighten and whom it will inspire.