This episode is an unedited talk that I recorded over the summer with my friend and life guru Mukul Bhatia. It's a raw and vulnerable conversation with my puppy Bijou barking in the background. I talk with Mukul from Bali about all the important topics that intersect with living in a Post-pandemic world including sustainability, fashion, consumerism, society, trauma, relationship, and personal growth.
Mukul Bhatia who is an award-winning visual artist from India based in Bali focused on sustainability, travel and fashion. Mukul has been featured in Forbes, The New York Times, GQ and TEDx, and winner of Cosmopolitan India’s 2020 Blogger Award for ‘Sustainable Fashion Influencer of the Year’.
This episode is dedicated to the legacy of Virgil Abloh (1980-2021) who sadly passed away this week at the young age of 41. 💔 Virgil was a prolific zeitgeist cultural communicator and forever left his footprint on the world. His visionary work intersected many spaces including art, media, fashion, design and music. He didn't prescribe to bias, boxes, labels or limits; but lived and created with freedom of thought that birthed a new cultural code rooted in acceptance, kindness and inclusivity.
Virgil left a legacy built by a superhuman work ethic filled with risk, failure, success, collaboration, accessibility, conviction, criticism, friendship, love, passion, vision and clarity. He opened doors and paved the way for future generations because he believed that his voice as a black man needed to be heard.
I had the privilege to hear Virgil speak during the 2018 Vogue Paris Fashion Festival and these are my notes from his talk:
Youthful outlook of Paris.
Friendship.
Organic.
Authentic.
Transparent.
Design for a need to exist.
Intrigue.
Controversial.
Collaboration.
Transparent-shows who you are--Is harder and takes more time.
Transparency allows for people to make a connection. Creates a dialogue. Meeting someone half way.
Understand the ecosystem we live in.
Blurred lines.
Luxury is old word-new word is coveted!
Emotional connection is the NEW luxury!!!
Youthful approach with respect to Heritage.
Adapt to environment and not industry.
Image and text based culture.
People see when things are fake.
Biggest success is when organic happens!!
Advertising is about relevance and importance.
How do you create Desire?
Fulfil dreams.
Cutting corners cuts artistic vision.
Branding and iconography signifies history and importance.
Bestow meaning.
Art & fashion collaboration.
CORE-has beating heart.
Experience over transaction.
Untraditional ideas may be relevant and update the industry.
What is exciting and relevant?
Thank you for dedicating your life to being a cultural change maker. The world desperately needed you, Virgil. Rest in peace.
