What Does It Mean to Be Opium?
From the clean girl aesthetic to the old money aesthetic, we’ve seen the internet label a plethora of looks and personas. One label that particularly stands out to me is “Opium”— which has garnered so much popularity that the word has even become slang.
“That outfit is so Opium” is one of many comments I’ve scrolled through on an Instagram post of an influencer wearing layered black clothing pieces with punk silver jewelry pieces, and it’s led me to wonder: What exactly does it mean to be Opium?
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The Opium Label
Opium isn’t just slang for such a niche persona. It’s also the name of Playboi Carti’s record label with notable artists like Ken Carson, Destroy Lonely and the Homixide Gang duo. Carti’s label embodies a new era of experimentalism within the hip-hop genre, moving away from traditional trap hip-hop sounds towards a blend of punk rock and rage-type synthesizer beats. With the release of “Whole Lotta Red,” Carti didn’t just drop an album — he unleashed a new era of Opium that spread through social media like wildfire.
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Carti’s Style Evolution
To be Opium is not just about embracing Carti’s musical evolution; it’s about entirely immersing yourself in his distinctive personal style, which has an eclectic blend of avant-garde fashion, gothic and archival pieces. The experimentalism he incorporates into his music and personal style is a testament to his nonconforming approach to self-expression.
Carti typically wears voluminous silhouettes and textured fabrics that are characteristic of the avant-garde fashion movement. This progressive style uses the body as an art expression, shifting from a modern, utilitarian fashion that primarily serves as a practical style for the body. Inspired by designers like Rick Owens and Raf Simmons, Carti frequently implements avante-garde techniques of draping, layering and using dark monochromatic palettes into his personal style. This dark, gothic style parallels the Opium persona of celebrating individuality and rebellion against the norm.
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To complement his bold style, Carti typically flaunts decadent jewelry pieces that are usually silver and chunky. The first fashion accessory that generally comes to mind when I think of Opium style would be Chrome Hearts jewelry. The edgy, gothic look that makes up the iconic Chrome Hearts cross symbol has been worn by Carti so often that the brand’s jewelry has become a staple element of being Opium.
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Being Opium isn't about heedlessly following trends, but it's about setting them and developing your own sense of self while drawing inspiration from Carti's affinity for all things punk and gothic — think leather, rage and angst.
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Replicating Carti’s Style
Influencers or fans who attempt to dress Opium often wear chunky, silver-studded belts, wide-legged black pants with chains and form-fitting black knit sweaters with upside-down crosses.
Realistically, the cost of replicating Carti’s signature looks could easily add up to thousands of dollars, so many younger fans either use DIY alterations or visit thrift stores to imitate similar archival pieces. Rather than spending almost $400 on Rick Owens leather skinny pants, one may choose to buy a pair of black skinny jeans from the thrift store that mocks the slim silhouette.
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Carti’s influence on contemporary fashion is undeniable, but I still wonder if the Opium niche created by the internet is just a micro trend or if it will prove to be timeless. While he sources inspiration from timeless fashion designers, the internet finds ways to morph trends and subcultures according to what’s viral.
So, what does it truly mean to be Opium? It’s about embracing Carti’s spirit of rebellion and identity through creative experimentalism, whether that be through fashion or music. In a world where conformity is the norm, being Opium is a bold declaration of individuality — a celebration of one’s freedom to be themself, no matter the cost.
Strike out,
Writer: Melody Gu
Editor: Denisa Fluturas
Gainesville
Melody Gu is the Web Coordinator for Strike Magazine Gainesville. She spends her free time thrifting, making a playlist for every new emotion experienced, or quenching her thirst for a matcha latte with oat milk. You can reach out to her on Instagram @melodyygu or by email at melodygu8@gmail.com.
