Cover Story: Fire Questions With Victor Ray And Walé Adeyemi
On Friday 6th September, the collectives behind issue two, Staples and Statements’ production and our cover stars, Victor Ray and Walé Adeyemi united to bring forth the alluring creations you see today. The day was wholesomely consumed by laughter, music - creating a space that enabled us to fire quick questions to the music sensation and fashion icon. Here, we delve into their favourite fashion staples, how to make a statement, their main influences and more. It’s time to get into it - these are our December 2024 cover stars.
Victor Ray [left] wears blazer, trousers FKA CLOTHING, vest CALVIN KLEIN @calvinklein, loafers GRENSON, watch ORIENT STAR, necklace KOLT LONDON and ALICE MADE THIS, bracelet GIOVANNI RASPINI, rings GIOVANNI RASPINI and VITALY. Walé Adeyemi [right] wears blazer and trousers SANDRO, shoes GRENSON, beanie and socks LE BONNET and watch ORIENT.
Walé Adeyemi
What makes a good fashion staple?
I would always say classic pieces, classic materials. I think when you have classic things you can’t go wrong - you can accessorise it with other things that you like. Whether it’s a pair of shoes, a shirt, you can always flip it and add things to it. It’s kind of transeasonal as well.
Your go-to throw on outfit.
It depends what season actually! If it’s the winter seasons, I’m really into puffers.. I never used to be but once you put the right puffer on, it’s like wearing a durag. It’s just so comfortable! But I’d also say grumpy coats, always a great pair of sneakers and a hat. That’s what I always gravitate to throughout the seasons. During summer, I find it quite difficult because it’s just really like a t-shirt or shirt. I like layers. Obviously during the summer period you can’t layer, so winter is my season.
Top 3 cities or countries for great street style?
London is definitely there, Tokyo, New York, Paris. That’s more than three isn’t it (laughs) but yeah, they’re the ones that stand out for me.
Digital design or sketch?
Sketch! Yeah, I’m a sketch guy.
An exhibition that really stood out to you?
Wow, so many exhibitions. I go to exhibitions quite a lot. I saw the The New Black Vanguard one at the Saatchi Gallery, which was amazing - amazing photography! So that’s one that stood out for me “today”.
Victor Ray [left] wears blazer, trousers FKA CLOTHING, vest CALVIN KLEIN @calvinklein, loafers GRENSON, watch ORIENT STAR, necklace KOLT LONDON and ALICE MADE THIS, bracelet GIOVANNI RASPINI, rings GIOVANNI RASPINI and VITALY. Walé Adeyemi [right] wears blazer and trousers SANDRO, shoes GRENSON, beanie and socks LE BONNET and watch ORIENT.
Victor Ray
Top 3 casual fashion brands.
ASOS, Adidas and All Saints.
A song you wish you’ve written.
Ohh, Jealous by Labrinth. Banger!
Top 3 concerts that you’ve been to.
J Cole, John Legend and Little Simz’s.
When or what makes you feel the most creative?
I just like to go out and kind of be inspired. l like to go different places whether it’s Brixton, South London, East London, Hackney. Just being with people that I feel inspire me, push me - people inspire me.
A quote you live by.
The fastest way to get to where you want to achieve is slowly.
Victor Ray [left] wears blazer, trousers FKA CLOTHING, vest CALVIN KLEIN @calvinklein, loafers GRENSON, watch ORIENT STAR, necklace KOLT LONDON and ALICE MADE THIS, bracelet GIOVANNI RASPINI, rings GIOVANNI RASPINI and VITALY. Walé Adeyemi [right] wears blazer and trousers SANDRO, shoes GRENSON, beanie and socks LE BONNET and watch ORIENT.
Victor Ray [left] wears blazer, trousers FKA CLOTHING, vest CALVIN KLEIN @calvinklein, loafers GRENSON, watch ORIENT STAR, necklace KOLT LONDON and ALICE MADE THIS, bracelet GIOVANNI RASPINI, rings GIOVANNI RASPINI and VITALY. Walé Adeyemi [right] wears blazer and trousers SANDRO, shoes GRENSON, beanie and socks LE BONNET and watch ORIENT.
INTERVIEWS: Jonifa Ewanga - @jonitrill and Charlene Haylette - @charlenes_media
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Raissa Coulibaly - @therealraissa
PHOTOGRAPHER AND RETOUCHER: Satori Cascoe - @toricascoe
LIGHTING AND PHOTOGRAPHY ASSISTANT: Alex José - @alexjose.photo
STYLIST: Anastasia Busch - @ana.sta.sia
FASHION ASSISTANT: Tele Awo - @teleolaaa
HAIRSTYLIST: Lucy Muyanga using Babyliss Pro - @thehair.co
MUA: Jumoke Ajayi using Danessa Myricks and Charlotte Tillbury - @jmksignaturemakeup
