And Black men have always had to be more excellent than our white counterparts.
Ive seen that with my father and with mewe needed to be overachievers.
Thats why this theme is just so important to me.
THE PACESETTERHamilton wears Fear of God. Lock & Co. Hatters fedora. Tom Ford boots.
So I lived vicariously through magazines and music videos and films.
I saw how their image was so important to them, and how they presented themselves through fashion.
At the same time, I was trying to understand how I wanted to present myself.
They gave me the confidence to show up and say, This is who I am.
THE PACESETTERHamilton wears Fear of God.
Lock & Co. Hatters fedora.
I was probably in FUBU and Timbs.
I remember thinking, Shoot, Ive really got to fit into this mold.
And my dad expected me to fit into that mold too.
I didnt feel comfortable, and I didnt feel like I was able to be myself.
Im here nowyou cant get rid of me or change the way I dress.
And also, I was going to buy the table myself.
When I look at the images of Black men from the pastimages like the ones in the exhibitthey weresostylish.
I also hope people take time to see the exhibit; the storytelling is amazing.
Timing is everything, and to have co-chaired a previous Met Gala wouldnt have been as special.
(Also, I remember watching Pharrell as a kid and thinking, Hes so stylish and cool.
Its surreal for me to now be co-chairing with him.)
The moment is going to be huge.
A testament to our legacy.
A message that it cant be erased.
Produced by North Six.
Set Design: Ibby Njoya.
The May issue is here!
