ASAP Nast Talks Purpose and Success

Photography by Ricardo Gomes

Styled by Rita Melssen and Jordan Beckett

Born and raised in Harlem, ASAP Nast was one of the first members to join the A$AP Mob collective in 2007. Since then, he has generated an impressive catalog of music steeped in '90s East Coast hip hop.

L'OFFICIEL: Who are your style influences?

ASAP NAST: My mom and grandmother. My grandmother was a very elegant woman with a strong sense of style; she always wore feathers and a pearl necklace. My mother, on the other hand, wore Spandex, oversized bomber jackets, and Nike Air Maxes, Diadoras, or Reebok Classics. I’ve always admired how she mixed and matched, even without expensive pieces. I grew up in Harlem, so I love innovative street style, especially sneakers, which for me are the most direct connection with my roots—I spent a lot of time on basketball courts. I love Michael Jackson’s constant innovation—he’s a true style icon—and Tupac, who always represented the relaxed style of California. Many of my influences also come from classic 1940s Hollywood actors like Gary Cooper, who was elegant and sophisticated yet contemporary. He always wore a nice pair of trousers, which are also essential to my own wardrobe, with a nice pair of shoes. As for jewelry, I like unique gold pieces that I buy from artist friends.

L'O: Who are your favorite designers?

AN: Prada and Comme des Garçons. Also Yohji Yamamoto, for his minimalism. The person I admire most, though, between the music and fashion crossover, is Pharrell Williams. I have always been a fan of his music and his style; it’s different from everyone else. He’s a media mogul who transcends a single profession—a Renaissance man. Many try to imitate his lifestyle, but none have his talent. In that sense he’s a bit like Kurt Cobain, who made cardigans, ripped jeans, and t-shirts famous, and defined the grunge style of Seattle. I think his motto was something like, “Don’t oversell yourself, because if you have personality you don't need to draw attention to what you wear."

L'O: What is your motto?

AN: Follow your dreams, not money or fame. I grew up in a poor environment where people were just looking for money. But in life you need a purpose. Follow your dreams and success will come. As for my future, I’m seeing a bit of everything. I don’t like to reveal too much; it spoils the surprise.