Halloween is a time when real personalities become worldwide phenomenona and pop culture standouts step out of the land of make believe and into true existence. We live in a world where we may not admit that the aforementioned “cultural ambassadors” influence our style, but it’s hard to deny the effect that some of these people have on fashion. Call it a costume on October 31 or just call it “my style” the other 364 days out of the year. Highsnobiety plays in a space where we encounter everything from outrageous musicians, to innovators, to artists, to fictitious people on a daily basis. If you’re in need of a last minute costume, we’ve got you wrapped like a mummy.
Kanye West
Hands down the most polarizing figure in popular music, Kanye West‘s musical accomplishments are often either complemented by his unique style or overlooked depending on who you’re talking to. West’s tour with Jay Z for Watch The Throne saw the Chicago rapper clad in almost nothing but Givenchy apparel. For West’s latest tour, however, he opted for a healthy smattering of Maison Martin Margiela. It goes without saying then the look will cost you a pretty penny and an unrivaled amount of access to the French fashion house. Just the mask, in fact, will run you a cool $20,000.
Coinciding with the Yeezus tour’s beginnings, the label announced it had produced a number of exclusive pieces at its Parisian atelier based on garments in its archives including an embroidered, elongated bomber jacket, a blanket coat and printed trousers. MMM also developed a special pair of sneakers for West to wear alongside his signature Red Octobers. Although MMM only officially announced its responsibility for some of the pieces, a report in London’s Telegraphcredits the fashion house with all the looks for the tour including 10 couture and 20 ready-to-wear pieces.
On a regular basis, however, Mr. West can be spotted in far more affordable clothing, which for the layman is still quite steep. The good news is, these pieces will last you well beyond Halloween night. visvim‘s popular FBT silhouette are by now a staple of his wardrobe as are leather jogging pants which have been hot for a minute. Let’s not forget Kanye’s style advisor Virgil Abloh whose label PYREX VISION took over your Tumblr feed whether you wanted it to or not.
Brands/designers: Givenchy, Maison Martin Margiela, visvim, Louis Vuitton, Jordan Brand, Ralph Lauren, PYREX VISION
Tyler, The Creator
If there’s one brand that defines the Odd Future frontman’s style, it’s Supreme. In fact, Tyler is often credited with bringing the New York streetwear mainstay to the forefront over the past few years. Box logos on 5-panels and sweaters are a given, while classic sneakers from Vans are another staple.
More recently, the Los Angeles native has been focusing on his own brand done in collaboration with his cohorts. Bold graphics include illustrations done by Tyler himself with others featuring images of cats, dolphins, and camels. Unlike West and others on this list, Tyler’s look is a bit easier to replicate with most pieces available just a few clicks away.
Brands/designers: Supreme, Vans, Odd Future, Thrasher
A$AP Rocky
The only other rapper in the game giving Kanye any serious competition, A$AP Rocky has nearly perfected the art of balancing streetwear with high fashion, reflecting the ever-evolving menswear landscape. Although Rocky’s recent success has given him access to high-fashion’s finest, the New York native can still be seen wearing staple streetwear brands like Supreme and BAPE. Monochromatic outfits featuring cryptic symbols and premium leathers are equally as important to Rocky with brands like Rick Owens, Raf Simons, Black Scale and Hood By Air comprising a healthy portion of his wardrobe. If you manage to get your hands on some #rare pieces, the only other thing you’ll need are some braids and perhaps a pair of RETROSUPERFUTURE flat top shades.
Brands/designers: Supreme, BAPE, Rick Owens, Raf Simons, Black Scale, Hood By Air, SSUR, RETROSUPERFUTURE
Lady Gaga
Just like Yeezy, Lady Gaga‘s accomplishments are often overshadowed by her public image. Whether she’s in the studio with controversial photographer Terry Richardson or on a retreat with Marina Abramovic, Gaga’s fashion choices are always conscious and oftentimes puzzling. Although she rarely wears the same outfit twice, the 27-year-old pop star can often be found in either her birthday suit or something edging right on the border.
Just when you think you’ve pegged her down, however, Gaga surprises with an outlandish outfit blending the flair of Salvador Dali with the stardom of David Bowie.
So what’s the key here?
Simple. Gravitate toward either extreme and you’ve got it.
Brands/designers: Charlie Le Mindu, Saint Laurent, Alexander Wang, Balenciaga, Versace, Armani
Pieces to consider: Balmain Black Leather Gathered Blouse, The Birth of Venus Tee
Pusha T
One half of hip-hop duo Clipse, Pusha T‘s efforts as a solo artist have proven just as successful with his latest album My Name Is My Name garnering both critical and commercial acclaim. With West as his executive producer, some of the Chicago rapper’s natural steeze has certainly rubbed off on King Push who can now be seen clad in the finest garbs from the likes of Marcelo Burlon and Alexander Wang. And the same success can be said for Play Cloths, the American streetwear line he co-founded back in 2008 with Clipse partner, No Malice. In addition, a leather-strap snapback has by now become a signature of the artist in addition to braids and more often than not, gold chains.
Brands/designers: Marcelo Burlon, Alexander Wang, Play Cloths
Pieces to consider: Shemesh Tee, Laundered Quilted Track Pants, Al Et Ange Red & Blue Leaves Theo Hat
Steve Jobs
The man, the myth, the legend. Before you say “too soon,” consider the Apple cofounder’s uniform: three-piece rimless eyeglasses, a black turtleneck sweater, faded blue jeans and New Balance 992 sneakers. Not the most exciting wardrobe choices in the world but easily one of the most recognizable. Never one to overlook the tiniest of details, Jobs opted for the minimal clothing “because of its daily convenience and its ability to convey a signature style.”
In Walter Isaacson’s official biography, it was revealed Jobs enlisted Issey Miyake after visitingSony factories in the ’80s to make him some black turtlenecks. And by some, I mean a lifetime’s supply. You can keep it as legitimate as possible by copping a piece from the Japanese fashion designer’s collection or just grab any old unbranded piece from your local department or thrift store. Just like the man’s products, Jobs’ killer outfit revolves around its simplicity.
Brands/designers: Issey Miyake, Levi’s, New Balance
Banksy
Although Banksy‘s identity remains a mystery, one can approximate his look through the use of stereotypical street artist staples. A hoodie, bandana, loose but not too loose trousers and running shoes make sense for their practicality. A hoodie and bandana for concealment, and loose trousers and running shoes for, well, running if need be.
Of course you can also go the entirely opposite direction on this and opt for an inconspicuous outfit which in reality is probably more along the lines of what the English artist wears when throwing up a new piece.
If you really want to complete the look, get yourself a voice mask and things like, “Graffiti is one of the few tools you have if you have almost nothing. And even if you don’t come up with a picture to cure world poverty you can make someone smile while they’re having a piss.”
Brands/designers: Palace Skateboards, Carhartt, The North Face, Reebok
Miley Cyrus
Miley Cyrus‘s performance with Robin Thicke at the MTV Video Music Awards was one of the most talked about pop culture events of the year. Because of that, the outfit worn by the 20-year-old on that fateful night is now one of the year’s most memorable and is rivaled only by her equally scandalous outfit worn for the lens of Terry Richardson.
Whichever way you decide to go on this one, the key here is minimal. Unlike Lady Gaga, however, the other extreme doesn’t really exist at this point and the only other thing you need to do besides strip down is stick your tongue out. By far one of the easiest costumes of the year.
Brands/designers: Dr. Martens, Marc Jacobs, Atsuko Kudo
Franklin Clinton
One of three main characters in Rockstar Games’ latest masterpiece, Franklin Clinton epitomizes the modern-day Los Angeles gangster. Short-sleeve button-ups over long-sleeve tees and unbranded work pants suspiciously similar to Dickie’s characterize the Grand Theft Auto Vstar on a cooler day, while cargo shorts and a white tank with a baseball bat are staples of warmer days. Since the clothes won’t run you too much, feel free to spend the saved dough on a White Buffalo, which in real-world terms translates to a third-generation Chevy Camaro.
Brands/designers: Dickie’s, Chevrolet, Hanes
Richard Harrow
Perhaps one of the most enigmatic characters on television, Boardwalk Empire’s Richard Harrow continues to blur the line between being mysterious and being a monster. Donning wonderful overcoats meant to take the sting out of cold nights in Atlantic City with signature caps – and of course a war wound that isn’t merely for show – Harrow’s style starts from the core and emanates outward.
Brands/designers: Ralph Lauren, Alden, Brooks Brothers
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