3 Minute Thread: Adébayo Bolaji
Kicking off a new series with an artist whose fashion choices are as bold and magnetic as his paintings
Happy New Year! I’m starting 2025 with a new weekly series called ‘3 Minute Thread’ - a shot of quick-fire inspiration where I ask someone interesting to share one outfit, and tell us a bit about their style and point of view. First up, artist Adébayo Bolaji.
I met Adébayo last year, and was immediately drawn to his green ostrich Gucci sandals. We all know artists have great style, so here’s Adébayo in one of his many excellent looks.
Who are you?
I’m the one with all the answers. Lol. No seriously, speaking of answers I’m always looking for those, so I guess I’m a curious person who likes to make things.
What are you wearing?
A coat from Balenciaga, vest from Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry trousers and George Cleverley shoes.
Why did you choose this outfit?
I like how it makes me feel. The coat especially, I’m a sucker for the drape. It has to hang and have some weight on the body - you know, that substantial feeling.
Where are you planning to wear it?
Just out on the high street, ha. No future plans. I’m definitely a spontaneous, ‘pick-up what feels right in the moment’ person. But I was recently in Paris and the coat was my go-to. I don’t know why, it just seemed to provide all the styling solutions. Sometimes you get that one item that does all the work, so it almost doesn’t matter what else you wear with it.
What’s the best style lesson you've learned over the years?
Always start with feeling, then if necessary, edit.
One person you think has great style?
A person where what they wear feels like it’s an extension of them, or how they are feeling. Interestingly, James Baldwin comes to mind. He always had great shoes and a pair of trousers that worked together so well whenever he would sit and cross his legs. And then when he speaks, his outfit becomes the supporting cast. A 1960s/70s Miles Davis comes to mind too, for sure.
Best life hack?
Never assume, always clarify.
Your favourite person to follow?
It’s different every day. Honestly. Ideally someone who likes to think or challenges my thinking. I’m also a big music fan so shout out to @sleepingongems and @pigsandplans for undiscovered artists and good throwbacks
One recommendation to read/ watch/ listen/ see or do?
To read, someone with an opposing point of view. This helps you check what you really stand for, and challenges one to grow. I’m currently reading ‘Chanson Douce’ by Leïla Slimani, so well-written. I think the English version is called ‘Lullaby’. It’s a page-turner, vivid and cinematic as a read. It also won the 2016 Prix Goncourt.
Watch: something that genuinely makes you happy and not necessarily to impress others socially. Also, anything so visually captivating that you can watch it without sound. I always say Spike Lee’s ‘Do The Right Thing’, just as a must-watch piece of cinema.
I’m a spontaneous listener, so I listen to everything depending on how I feel. But, just as a must-listen, I’d say ‘Illmatic’ by Nas. That’s a classic hall of fame hip-hop album.
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So gorgeous, loved this and excited for more of your new series. 'Never assume, always clarify' needs to be my mantra for the year. 💕