Tyler Gregory Okonma, better known as Tyler, the Creator, is many things. He's a rapper, a producer, a director, and a huge influence on pop culture. In under a decade, he's created himself an empire. With (almost) four solo studio albums and three mixtapes with Odd Future, it's hard to not admit that he has created a name for himself.
Aside from music, Tyler has shown that he is capable of so much more. He creates all of the artwork for Odd Future releases and projects. He also has created his own music festival, Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival, which has been held every year in LA since 2012. More recently, he's started designing his own fashion line, complete with runway shows...
...and advertisements.
It's important to note that Tyler has always, since finding fame, been seen as a stylish role model for the children of today. Although Supreme was already a decently large brand, it's known by many streetwear enthusiasts that he has definitely made the brand more popular, and even Tyler himself believes this to be true. After the rising prominence of the LA-based musician, Supreme box logo hoodies were even more highly coveted by streetwear enthusiasts.
Tyler's fashion sense has always been flashy and colorful. Inspired by skateboarding, you can almost always see Tyler wearing an outfit of crazy patterns, complete with slim shorts and skateboarding shoes. Tyler even has his own signature skateboarding shoes, with collaborations from both Vans and Converse.
Since 2011 (the release of his viral music video, "Yonkers"), kids and Odd Future fans around the world have been seen wearing bright-colored hats, crazy shirts with statements, and tall socks. In order to dress like Tyler, however, you have to carry with you the essence of being nonchalant and carefree. It is simplicity and edginess, mixed with skateboarding and the basics of streetwear.
It's important to understand Tyler's fashion and give him the credit he deserves because of the impact his style has had on society. What makes his style, and the rest of Odd Future's, stand out is that it, at the time, was very different from the style of other rappers. While other rappers hyped up a pair of Jordans, a gold chain, and a big watch, Odd Future stayed pretty true to their roots with their style. The reason why this type of style had such an impact on pop-culture is because it's accessible. It doesn't take thousands to recreate Tyler's signature look. It's fashion that is meant for the kid who loves music, but doesn't want flashiness. It's almost minimalistic, in a sense. What you see is what you get, and the clothes on your back are all you need.
Tyler's fourth studio album, "Scum Fuck Flower Boy," comes out on July 21st. Time will only tell where Tyler will take us next.
