Milano The School of Fashion

«Be yourself, no matter what they say», sings Sting in a famous song. And IB Kamara, who would surely agree with that refrain, might add: «Don’t be afraid to push your ideas forward, defend them, step outside your comfort zone and embrace everything – even criticism». These are the words of advice from the mentor to third-year students of Fashion Styling & Creative Direction and Fashion Design during a highly attended Front Row talk, delivered with the inspired emphasis that has made him one of the most brilliant creatives in today’s fashion system. As the Creative Director of Off-White, Stylist and Photographer, IB Kamara transitions between these roles with a spirit of continuous discovery, constantly inventing new codes and languages.

«But how do you move from one role to another?», a student asks. «They’re different artistic dimensions. As a stylist, there are no limits to expression – there’s an endless space for dreaming. A designer, on the other hand, must consider many technical details as well as commercial aspects. Balancing creativity with entrepreneurship takes real talent», he says pensively.

«And how do you carry forward the heritage of an icon like Virgil Abloh?», another student asks. «Off-White is a unique brand with very strong codes», Kamara replies. «I try to stay true to Virgil’s legacy, so I don’t focus on trends. Instead, I constantly introduce new languages. Taking risks doesn’t scare me – in fact, I encourage you young people to head in that direction». He looks the students in the eyes: «We all have something to say, and each of us expresses it differently. What matters is not repeating what already exists. Don’t take inspiration from magazines. Do something new. Steven Meisel and Paolo Roversi have their own styles. Don’t copy it – find your own. Being an artist means constant research. Even when something works, keep refining it, keep pushing it. You young people have the internet at your feet – it’s an immense reservoir where everyone is searching for something new. If your work contains original elements, it won’t go unnoticed».

In the conversation, moderated by Kacion Mayers, Editorial Director at Dazed & Confused Magazine, Kamara speaks candidly. He mentions his childhood, which taught him what war is; his arrival in London at 16; his travels, which are a continuous source of inspiration; and his relationships with the great photographers he works with. «Your origins make you unique, special. To assert your point of view, you must know where you come from and accept who you are. In terms of taste, there’s no such thing as right or wrong. It’s up to you to decide. That idea has always guided my work».

Art, music, books, travel, and observations of daily life nourish creativity – a sort of collage that flows through his mind and takes shape in artistic expressions linked to wardrobe and image. «I’m a sponge. I absorb everything. I love what I do – I find it wonderful to be able to think of anything and then create it».

«What about the blank page syndrome; does Kamara know about it?», another student asks. «If it happens, don’t give up. Take a break, go outside, look around you, and then return to work and move forward».

For someone who works with teams all over the world, collaboration «is essential. Thanks to the internet, we all have access to the entire world – connecting with others is crucial for finding ideas and gaining recognition. In my work, I prefer to collaborate with local teams and artisans who understand the country and its traditions better than I do».

«What do you expect from the students who will be working on the projects?», asks someone in the audience. «A curious spirit, the ability to develop an idea in different ways, out-of-the-box research, freshness».

Mentor Kamara will assess the students’ projects in May, which will include concept mood boards and design proposals, resulting in a selection of 3+3 projects that will be photographed and developed for the final phase of the programme. In June, the garments created and photographed by the finalists will be presented in a mini-exhibition.

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Un post condiviso da Istituto Marangoni MI Fashion (@istitutomarangoni_milano)