Hot Picks is a column in which fashion insiders reveal their latest obsessions–sharing their recent purchases and must-have pieces.
Adekunle Gold hasn’t met a color, texture, or garment that hasn’t agreed with him. The Afrobeats star embraces all types of clothing–and perhaps that’s what makes him a compelling artist. There’s an edginess that is a part of his overall packaging alongside his lively and energetic music. While many artists appear a bit lost when it comes to signature style choices, he is thriving. He explains over a Zoom call that he regularly wears pieces by Orange Culture, a Nigerian luxury brand, Marni, and a personal favorite of his Y/Project purchased by his manager who is also his stylist. The artist feels that his style boils down to the term eccentric. “I like to just wear anything, if I like it, I’m going to wear it,” he adds. This earnestness is downright inspiring.
In Nigeria where he is originally from, the singer and songwriter grew up immersed in the arts. When his father was alive, he says he was a painter and a graphic artist. “[When] I went to school, I studied art and industrial design,” Adekunle Gold said. He also studied textiles for two years in addition to picking up on drawing motifs and working with fabrics during this time in his life. “I would say I’m deeply rooted in art, [since I was] a child. So it [has] gone on with me all these years [later].” As a self-professed painter, sculptor, and graphic designer, he feels all of these artistic means of expression point to his fascination with clothing.
The ‘70s are a constant source of inspiration for him too. Flare bottoms, thick denim pieces, oversized sunglasses, and the other retro inclinations he’s constantly wearing (rambunctious patterned two-piece sets) are proof of his fixation on this stylish era. He tells me that the flamboyant and edgy period is awe-inspiring. The artist says he prides himself on being an old soul who embodies the energy that was infectious during the ‘70s. Before we move on to another topic he expresses that his willingness to experiment with graphic shirts is pulled directly from the ‘90s. “Sometimes I want to be a cool kid wearing snapbacks, like the ‘90s,” he said.
Tequila Ever After, his latest album which follows Gold, About 30, Afro Pop, Vol.1 and Catch Me If You Can is an immersive experience and it parallels well with his fashion choices. The 18-track compilation is punchy, well-produced, and breezy at times. His songwriting on it is also profound, overall it’s a depiction of his swift-paced life and travels. Adekunle Gold tells me that while touring last year, he was wearing pieces that he could hit the stage confidently in. “I never wear anything I’m not comfortable in because, knowing me, you can tell on my face when I’m on stage,” he says. He adds that Michael Jackson’s performance outfits were so intentional that he often looks at them when piecing together his tour looks. “I borrowed some ideas from him, [he’s a] style icon.”
When I ask him what makes his style unique he notes that he communicates through his pronounced and regularly color-filled outfits. He also shares he is unafraid to try new territory and if items fit him well, he’s going to wear them. “I think I’m expressive, I feel like people can tell that I’m comfortable wearing anything, just like my music, whatever I’m feeling, I do it,” he adds.
“My most recent purchase. I’m known for my accessories. This ring gives the right amount of flash but [is] also edgy [and] classy.”
Available at Louis Vuitton
