The Knockturnal caught up with stylist, Marko the Curator to discuss his latest anecdotal coffee table book which highlights iconic pieces and moments throughout hip hop history.
Marko also spoke on his influence while in the fashion and entertainment industry, experience prior to fashion, and what he would like people to know moving forward with his upcoming projects.
Marko has worked with massive players within the hip hop industry including Diddy, Migos, Travis Scott and other celebrities over the years. His personal sense of style along with his archive of rare vintage designer pieces led to him working with some of the biggest names in the industry. In this day and age, a lot of fashion trends are shifting more towards an appreciation for vintage clothing or “curated fashion”. What sets Marko apart is his ability to recognize a timeless piece of clothing. As a true expert of vintage clothing, it’s only right they call him Marko the Curator.
The Knockturnal: What initially impacted your interest in fashion?
Marko the Curator: Well it was a combination of three things. Music was my first passion. Growing up with my brothers and their influence during the CD era, I wanted to not only make music like some of my favorite artists, but also dress the part. Nas, De La Soul, really just a heavy hip-hop influence had played a role as my inspiration. I remember I started bartering my clothes with my producer to borrow for studio time. Then there was my mother, she emphasized the importance of making sure you always looked clean and appropriate. She always looked her best, whether it be work or going to the grocery store. I have to give a lot of credit to her for instilling that in me. Lastly, one of my big homies got me into flipping Jordans during the Mid 90’s. At the time, he was selling vintage wear and Jordans to Japan. He told me keep an out eye for certain shoes and pieces when I come across them to buy them and he would flip the gear and give me a piece of the money. This is when I started building my collection over the years in not only Jordans but vintage pieces as well. I really locked in on the mindset of “wanting to have something different.”
The Knockturnal: Can you speak a little more on not only the influence you have had thus far within the hip-hop industry but fashion industry as a whole?
Marko the Curator: I definitely feel like I had a heavy hand in the vintage wave going on today and I say that very humbly. Throughout the work I’ve done with Usher, Trinidad James, and even people within the Bad Boy camp you can see the impact I have had. I remember in 2013, I was hired by REVOLT TV to help get their wardrobe department going before they launched. That being my first on set experience, I realized I needed to carry my kit with me at all times. Everyone’s bags were so basic and bland. I remembered I had the perfect novelty item that I picked up at a Pasadena flea market and finally had a reason to break out my MCM fanny pack. As soon as I did, I had people turning heads. The following summer, I wore the MCM fanny pack on set at the BET Awards and people were bugging out! The bag was always with me while on set with The Migos. The next thing I know, the fanny packs slowly started making their way back into the fold. Even during a prominent week, I was able to have an impact on the fashion industry and I am very thankful that I was in that position to do so.
The Knockturnal: What is one of your all-time favorite pieces that you’ve obtained?
Marko the Curator: The Moschino Dinner Jacket A/W 1988-89. It is a timeless piece. It can still be worn today with the same everlasting touch of style.
The Knockturnal: I want to go back to that idea of “wanting to have something different.” In your book one of the quotes that really stuck with me and resonated with me was regarding the Yves Saint Laurent Dinner Jacket. During an argument with your neighbor regarding clothing with popular labels you said to her “I’m a design whore. Regardless of who makes it, the design of a piece should be able to stand on its own.” Can you elaborate more on your thoughts on labels and more of what you meant by this quote?
Marko the Curator: Yeah, definitely. What I mean is I don’t rely on just the brand name but the actual design of a piece. When you wear clothes just for a brand name it becomes more of a seal approval. It’s now about “look which brand I am wearing” and less about the actual design and style that went into an outfit. I should be able to take a piece and if I were to remove the label of the designer it should stand on its own. One of the questions I always ask myself when deciding on a piece is: Is it timeless? Is it just a fad or is it something that years from now the meaning will not fade?
The Knockturnal: Which artist were you most excited to work with?
Marko the Curator: Man, there have been so many, so it is hard to choose. If I had to pick one, I would have to say Gucci Mane. Knowing what he has done for hip-hop and his influence it was definitely a blessing. We were on set at the music video for “Slippery” and this was when Gucci first got out of jail so that would have to be up there.
The Knockturnal: What is on the horizon? What should we expect to see next from Marko the Curator?
Marko the Curator: I have an exclusive member’s only boutique opening in the New Year. Expect it to be in the first or second week of January 2020. Members will get exclusive access to over 1,000+ vintage pieces including Gucci, Fendi, Chanel, Versace, Coogi, Margiela, Giuseppe Zanotti, MCM, etc. Each member will pay $500 annually that will go towards your first purchase. Many of the pieces are items that have been worn in iconic moments in both music, and pop culture over the decade.
