To say he’s full of gusto would be more than accurate. To say he’s full of style would be predictable, yet there is something about Mboko Mobutu that makes him all but banal. At just the tender age of 21, Mboko is making his strides to conquer the fashion capital of the world, Paris. As he serves as fashion editor and stylist for GHUBAR Magazine (a Paris based online publication), it’s safe to say Moboko is well on his way. He is one whose personality is just as intriguing as his ultra-chic style.
Sound On Mars had the privilege to catch up with the sure-to-be fashion maven during Paris Fashion Week. From discussing his journey thus far, America’s Next Top Model, the influence of Michael Jackson, and fashion & style of course, I’d say we covered it all. A great read I must say.
Tell me a little about your journey thus far, how you began and where you are currently?
I broke into the fashion industry about two years ago by first interning as a PR assistant with two well-known public relations and marketing agencies in Paris. After that, I was asked to join GHUBAR Magazine’s team. I never really had any proper styling experience but I had been passionate and interested in fashion for some time and with the help of my blog, experience , and personal style, I think she trusted my vision.
Explain the difference between fashion and style?
I guess fashion has more to do with trends and what’s in at the moment at some point whilst style is everlasting (in the words of Coco Chanel and Mr. Saint Laurent).Style is an intelligent and subtle combination that works well together to make a statement. It’s one of the best ways to say who you are or at least who you want to be and how you want people to see you.You can look at a picture from 20 years ago of someone stylish and it will not feel dated,that’s exactly what style is all about.
As a stylist and editor where do you pull inspiration from?
I can get inspired from pretty much everything. That’s the “problem” when you have some sort of artistic sensitivity, you never get to rest, you’re always alert about all the elements of the environment surrounding you. From people in the streets to an advertising campaign, a movie, a book, … Of course mainly editorials and magazines. I’m also often pretty amazed at some bloggers as they produce work of quality in terms of style and photography.
Having seen a bit of your work, I recall an editorial which featured a model posing as Michael Jackson, describe his influence as a fashion Icon?
I feel like he’s one of the few artists that actually took risks with the way they dressed and marked a change in pop and fashion culture. From the bold shoulders to the embellishments, glittering, colored leather and such…all of that established him as a recognizable man of style but also influenced the industry. Many of his outfits were daring and that’s exactly what was needed in menswear fashion. The man of 2010 is much more emancipated and extravagant than before. Menswear has been monotonous for quite some time and I think he played a part in that change. In a way that artists like Kanye West do today.
What is the difference between the style of Paris style and New York?
Just like everywhere else in the world you can find similar inspirations among people involved in the fashion industry I think I’d say that overall New York is more over the top and colorful with tributes to the past and references to street-wear and informality.In Paris, things are much more subtle, chic but in an effortless way with a special attention paid to details and accessories. Simplicity is key.
What’s your take on blacks and the lack of diversity in the fashion industry?
It’s undoubtedly changing. The Manish Arora Spring 2011 show I attended during Paris latest fashion week had black models on the runway just as Lanvin and its all black models finale. But as I stated before, it’s not about having an overload of minorities, just the right balance and representation of what’s out there. Menswear fashion is much more diverse though,think of the latest Calvin Klein campaign starring David Agbodji.
If you had your pick to sit at any front row during fashion week, which shows would you choose and why?
I love that question but it’s a hard one! Well without a doubt, I’d say Lanvin because I’m a big fan of Alber Elbaz’s work. He’s been able to give the brand a DNA without losing a spoon of its original aesthetic. He creates much more than just fashion, it’s an experience. Other favorite picks would include Dries Van Noten, Chanel, Balmain,and Burberry Prorsum.
Who are your favorite models?
I’d have to go with Lara Stone, Jourdan Dunn, Daria Werbowy, Chanel Iman, Anja Rubik for women because they’re more than just models to me, it’s an attitude, a charisma. Concerning the male models, my favorites are Jon Kortajarena, Hans Hatt (a new face I shot an editorial with), Garett Neff, and David Gandy.
Who is your style icon?
I honestly don’t feel like I have one. It’s hard to find a man whose every single looks I adore, it’s all about picking here and there. The guys of the Street Etiquette blog are somehow perfection to me when it comes to style. They always get it right and they would be the closest to what my style “icons” would be.
With the explosion of fashion bloggers thank to those such as Bryan boy & Tavi, do you think it will be something that last?
I think it will be something that lasts for them as pioneers. It’s their craft. But, I feel like it’s going to be harder and harder for new bloggers to set themselves apart from the abundance of others. Bryan Boy and such are established but not every blogger will have that kind of impact. They will have to bring something new to the table that actually gives them more value than the guy doing the same thing behind his computer.
As a blogger what is your goal and do you find it hard to keep up with all that’s going on?
I pretty much report on the work I do with the behind the scenes action going on but I also mainly report on celebrities style, magazine covers, editorials and such but I’d like to develop my blog to something much more personal. The only problem is the time it takes. It’s not especially hard to keep up but you have to be extremely rigorous not to lose track especially for me since I go through Photoshop for every single of my posts.
As your blog {musicfashionart.}covers more than just fashion and often covers music videos and such, what is your pick for the most fashionable music video?
Unfortunately, I feel like few contemporary artists have true genuine style. I’d have to say that GaGa wearing McQueen in “Bad Romance” was a music video fashion orgasm [laughs], Solange’s “Sandcastle Disco” is on point style-wise. That’s a hard one because I don’t feel like I’ve been in fashion heaven watching a music video just yet to this day. Maybe this will change and come when I style one. [laughs]
What is your take on Tyra Bank’s Reality –TV series, America’s Next Top Model with it now having the backing and support of VOGUE Italia, Andre Leon Tally, and many other major people in fashion?
I must admit I’ve stopped catching up with that show since it feels like it’s been on forever.It definitely gives the show more power and credibility from a professional point of view so the same goes for the candidates participating in it.
What is your favorite piece in your wardrobe?
It has to be shoes,my addiction. Vintage leather brown shoes,they’re easy to wear and make every outfit look better because of their 60′s inspired shape. But you’d have to ask me that question every month as I easily get tired of the items I see too much. How shallow is that of me? [laughs]
What is the first item you select when dressing yourself?
The best outfits I’ve worn usually come to my mind as a whole, I know I want to put that top with that pants and so on because when I want to wear a specific pair of shoes for an example and try to build my outfit around it, it often fails to succeed.
Any plans to conquer New York City?
As a matter of fact, I love that city and I’m planning on coming back very soon so you never know what the future holds for you but for now I try to concentrate on where I currently live, Paris.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
As a fashion and artistic director of a prestigious publication such as VOGUE Hommes International or L’Officiel Hommes working between Paris, London and New York. I’d love to contribute to other media as well as both a stylist and an editor.I’ve been thinking about having a menswear fashion line as well,the ambition of youth, let’s cross fingers.
Merci beacoup M.B.
SOUND OFF.
