Why Wisdom Kaye Is This Generation’s Fashion Icon
Image Courtesy: Teen Vogue
Fashion is ever-evolving and develops with each passing generation. It serves as a representation of the way each generation has lived and expressed itself. There is always a new way in which fashion is used to communicate specific messages with its audience — almost like another language. Thanks to its popularity, TikTok has become an influential aspect of Gen Z fashion and culture and influences the way it is shared.
While TikTok is known for its dance trends and challenges, there are individuals that have taken the platform by storm, sharing their fashion, accumulating a community of creatives that shape the fashion trends of the current youth. One of the most influential fashion creators is Wisdom Kaye, a 22-year-old who went viral on TikTok after joining the app in January 2020.
Originally, Wisdom began filming his TikToks in Houston, Texas in front of blank walls, creating “aesthetic” shots with a dichotomy between the minimalistic background and his unique style and clothing pieces. Wisdom has amassed over 9 million followers on TikTok and over 2 million followers on Instagram through his creative and innovative video ideas. Wisdom has posted content designing outfits based on anime characters, cartoons, country flags, etc. His innovation, style, and fearlessness in exploring men’s fashion have inspired a multitude of individuals and influenced multiple trends.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Not only does Wisdom have a distinctive sense of style with fashion, but he also incorporates his style into his videography. Wisdom spoke to Vogue Magazine regarding his love for “cinematography and making videos or photos look like they’re from movies”. He noted that putting so much thought into these shots has allowed him to catch the attention of really big names in the industry.
His videos caught the attention of not only those on social media, but also sparked interest with IMG Models, who scouted Kaye in 2021 and have continued to grow his career. Through this opportunity, Wisdom has been able to work with brands such as Coach, Dior, Boss, Ralph Lauren, and Balmain.
Image Courtesy: View the Vibe
Wisdom explores the limitlessness of styling and pushes the expectations in men's fashion. He truly shows that men don't have to be limited by the binary that has been set and can explore clothing, rather than feeling constricted by it. Wisdom explained to Vogue how “Men’s fashion is slowly changing and becoming more expressive. But when I say slowly, I mean the same speed of earth’s tectonic plates”. With the help of his large following, Wisdom aids in normalizing men experimenting with fashion and, while he isn’t the first to do so, has impacted the fashion industry. The way Wisdom is constantly testing new looks or aesthetics brings to light and presents a new generation that wants to see a push for innovation and expression in men's fashion.
Strike Out,
Writer: Emily Montarroyos
Editor: Jayna O
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