PAUSE Highlights: Skepta’s Style Journey

From Grime legend to fashion icon.

From Grime legend to fashion icon, over the years, Joseph Junior Adenuga, better known as Skepta, has proven himself to be more than just a talented rapper and grime pioneer. With his distinctive style and fashion-forward mindset, Skepta has solidified his position as a true fashion icon. From his early days in the grime scene to his recent ventures with clothing label MAINS and his latest venture, Big Smoke Corp, Skepta’s style evolution has been nothing short of remarkable. In the world of music and fashion, few artists have managed to bridge the gap between the two industries as effortlessly as Skepta. With his influential contributions to the grime genre, Skepta has not only made waves with his groundbreaking music but has also become a true fashion pioneer, inspiring a whole new generation of British rappers to embrace luxury fashion. Throughout the years, his style has evolved and adapted, reflecting his growth as an artist and his keen eye for fashion. This is Skepta’s style evolution.

Image Credit: Getty Images

Then:

Skepta’s style journey began alongside his musical career in the vibrant grime scene of London. Kicking off in the early 2000s, Skepta emerged as a prominent figure in the grime scene. Sporting a raw and gritty street style aesthetic, representing the underground nature of the genre, Skepta was a trailblazer. He embraced a unique sense of individuality that extended beyond his music. Paying homage to the urban culture that birthed grime, his outfits often featured a uniform of tracksuits, hoodies, and Nike trainers. Soon enough he would be known for his streetwear-inspired fashion choices, as he combined bold colours, oversized silhouettes, and expressive accessories to create a signature look that resonated with his audience. This distinctive style not only set him apart from his peers but also laid the foundation for his future endeavours in the fashion industry, and perfectly complemented his energetic performances, establishing him as a leading force in the grime movement.

As his popularity grew, so did Skepta’s influence on fashion. In 2014, he teamed up with sportswear giant Nike to release a collaborative Air Max shoe which took over London, catapulting him into the world of sneaker culture. This partnership showcased Skepta’s ability to merge his musical and fashion sensibilities. With a focus on bold designs and intricate details, the Skepta x Nike collaboration became an instant hit and one of the hottest sneakers to come out of London, solidifying Skepta’s reputation as a style icon among sneaker enthusiasts worldwide. 2017 would see Skepta launch his clothing brand, MAINS. With the aim of merging fashion and functionality, MAINS quickly gained attention for its unique streetwear aesthetic and commitment to quality craftsmanship. Skepta’s vision was to create garments that reflected his own personal style while empowering individuals to embrace their individuality. MAINS became a platform for self-expression, offering a range of apparel that seamlessly blended urban influences with contemporary design elements.

Image Credit: Getty Images // Shirlaine Forrest

Image Credit: Getty Images // Nasir Mazhar //

Now:

Skepta’s style evolution represents more than just a shift in fashion trends—it showcases the growth and transformation of an artist who has never been afraid to push boundaries. In the late 2010s, Skepta’s style took a noticeable shift, reflecting his Nigerian heritage and cultural pride. He embraced traditional African prints, incorporating vibrant patterns and colours into his wardrobe. This fusion of Western streetwear and African aesthetics became a defining aspect of Skepta’s style, and he used his platform to celebrate and promote African fashion on a global scale. By blending his personal heritage with contemporary fashion, Skepta showcased his ability to transcend boundaries and inspire cultural diversity in the industry.

In recent years, Skepta’s fashion journey has seen him collaborate with renowned luxury brands, further cementing his status as a fashion-forward artist. From partnering with labels like Louis Vuitton and Dior to being the face of major campaigns for maisons such as Burberry, Skepta has embraced high-fashion with his distinct streetwear sensibility. His outfits now incorporate tailored suits, statement accessories, and a mix of high-end and streetwear pieces, demonstrating his versatility and ability to seamlessly transition from one style to another.