IN CONVERSATION WITH VIKTOR & ROLF
“We want to surprise ourselves:” …
Interview by Sina Braetz
THE TRUE ICONS OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE: THE NORTH FACE ICONS REMASTERED COLLECTION
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Where are true icons born?
For The North Face, they come from the depths of the mountains, defying the harshest conditions, exposed to constant evolution to be truly exceptional. True icons don’t let anything get them down. And they are willing to learn, to expose themselves to new development and to surrender to burgeoning technological innovation. Thus, The North Face icons are experiencing their own unique catapulting into a new, next even stronger, even more powerful future that has been ripened by the heritage of the actual icons and allowed a basis for evolution in the first place.
Thus, the ICONS RMST form a tribute to the past, embracing the future and defies any challenge in the present, no matter what the hurdle may be, because true icons brimming warmth, protection, ease and strength and thus the willingness to go out and be ready to make a difference.
Because why are you here when you could be out there?
And this is a question we should ask ourselves more often, because what is holding us back? What are the things that limit us and make us feel like we can’t do it? What great opportunities and outstanding changes we could bring about are we perhaps losing?
These icons we speak of, who move, shape and change our daily world, can be found everywhere. They defy the headwinds they face, they stand up to what they disagree with. Icons vouch for their values and their opinions – and we encounter them every day.
But what makes our icons of The North Face and what values they combine? First and foremost, they stand for the fact that icons remain the legends they are deep within themselves and never shed these inner occurrences. But they learn, they complete in themselves and they grow. They give themselves to a growth in which they do not lose themselves but only step out of it stronger. Innovation and intention, combining elevated technology and the best materials that give us every day the support we need in our journeys of daily life. Icons are trust. Trust in waterproof FUTURELIGHT™ technologies, trust in the protection from the cold by 700-fill, trust in the mission, remastered.
And if we talk about the icons of our time, one can not be missing:
LITTLE SIMZ
The music scene is one of the most male dominated industries, especially in rap, consequently we need a lot more female legends to come into focus to break down old, stale stigmas forever.
Already as a child being 11 years old, she dedicated herself to music and has since enjoyed the freedom and continuous experimentation she finds in her music.
We talked to her about her most formative experiences, true freedom, what makes real icons for her and her key to feeling save.
How would you describe yourself as a person and artist?
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert.. lol nah I would say I’m a pretty chilled person, a simple babe. Growing as an artist is important to me, I like to challenge myself and do things I haven’t done before.
Your music not only reflects experimentation in music, but also a fusion of different styles – to what extent does a musical complexity enrich the artistic end result?
It just depends on what kind of artist you are. Music has always been a very visual thing to me. I see colour in songs. When I’m creating I like to imagine I’ve got a whole palette of colours and brushes to pick from. I’m not too concerned with the end result while I’m creating, the idea is to trust the process.
What were your most personally formative musical moments?
Making my albums for sure. I’m in my purest most natural state of being whilst I’m making music. It’s a spiritual experience. I really have to tap in and allow myself to be used as a vessel in order for me to make the music I make.
To what extent has your music changed over the last few years? And how has this change affected you as a person and the other way around?
I think my music has matured but I’ve also matured so it updates in real-time. I’m experiencing a lot more in life so I naturally have things to draw from and talk about. It’s exciting to know my sound will keep evolving but it will always be me.
What does real freedom mean to you?
Real freedom to me is living without fear. Doing what you love with pleasure. And inspiring others to do the same.
You had the honour to perform in Berlin as part of The North Face Icons Remastered launch. What are the values you hold dear in a brand like TNF and where do you see similarities in your visions?
The North Face to me represents life being an adventure and gearing up for the journey in style. I’m big on exploring and making the most of our limited time. It’s great to work with a brand that appreciates artists trying to break the mould and do something different.
What makes a true icon for you?
A true icon to me is someone that embodies love, and does what they do with class and grace. Uses their gift for the greater good and instils belief in people that the impossible is possible.
What do you always want to feel equipped for and what gives you security? What does clothing have to have so that you feel secure, protected and comfortable in it?
I always want to be myself and bring myself to any space I walk in. What I wear does not define me but it does give me added confidence and makes me feel like I know who I am. My style can be subject to change at any point and that’s okay, as long as it just always feels likes I’m being true to myself.
What makes you feel good and what is the place to breathe through for you?
I really enjoy helping others to actualise their dreams. I enjoy being of service in any way I can.
CREDITS:
PHOTOGRAPHY Alex Brunet & Olga Varova
STYLING & PRODUCTION Sina Braetz
CREATIVE DIRECTION Götz Offergeld via OOR STUDIO
HAIR Sachi Yamashita via Agence Saint Germain
MAKE UP Christina Lutz via wise and talented
CASTING Remi Felipe
STYLING ASSISTANT Orlane Melza
MODELS
MOHAMADOU DIAKHITE & RAOUL UZAN via Success Models
YAEL via Premium
CORY via MAKERS
All Looks The North Face Icons RMST Collection Fall/Winter 2022
