ASAP ROCKY ACCEPTS APPLAUSE AFTER THE AMERICAN SABOTAGE SPRING SUMMER COLLECTION SHOW (VIANNEY LE CAER/INVISION/AP)
ASAP Rocky announced the release date of his much-anticipated new album during the debut of his AWGE runway collection American Sabotage at Paris Fashion Week.
The US rapper brought his zeitgeisty style to the global stage before announcing his new music, titled Don’t Be Dumb, is set for release on August 30 – six years after his last album release.
On June 21st, a significant moment in fashion unfolded as A$AP Rocky and AWGE introduced American Sabotage, a groundbreaking brand that blends art and activism, shaping an engaging fashion realm where every stitch narrates a tale and each strap questions the established norms.
Delving fearlessly into contemporary issues using ghetto expressionism, the lineup comprises 30 intricately crafted ensembles designed by A$AP Rocky with creative input from Joshua Jamal, Bede Marchand, and Coucou Bebe. American Sabotage exemplifies A$AP Rocky’s artistic vision and his unique flair, pushing the boundaries of conventional fashion definitions across various communities and societies.
PUMA supplied the featured footwear, while the well-known eyewear brand Ray-Ban provided the sleek Olympian styler. American Sabotage collaborated with Roc Nation, Hennessey, and Armand de Brignac.
The highly awaited collection will be available for purchase online at www.AWGE.com
A$AP Rocky and his creative agency AWGE made their highly anticipated debut at Paris Fashion Week with their inaugural fashion show, titled “American Sabotage.” The collection, featuring 30 meticulously crafted looks, delves into the concept of ghetto expressionism. With design support from Joshua Jamal, Bede Marchand, and Coucou Bebe, “American Sabotage” offers a glimpse into Rocky’s creative instincts and vision. As a “Fashion Killa,” Rocky challenges conventional definitions while bridging communities through culture.
The show, set to three unreleased tracks from A$AP Rocky’s upcoming album, blends art with activism. Designed with a clear purpose, the collection includes footwear from PUMA and eyewear from Ray-Ban. Upon entering the venue at the Hôtel de Maisons, guests are greeted by three Alpine-sponsored supercars and a group of AWGE misfits standing guard with flags reading “Don’t Be Dumb,” setting the tone for the collection.
In an interview with Hypebeast before the show, Rocky explained the inspiration behind the title “American Sabotage.” He stated, “America itself has a lot of historical values…I’m shedding light on my American story, my American horror story, my American sabotage.” Reflecting on his experiences in New York, he added, “I pull inspiration from everything I see, from people of different ethnicities and classes, from wealth to poverty. Refugees, incarcerations, mass incarcerations—I’m familiar with all those things. This is me sharing my ghetto expression.”
The collection’s designs are purposeful and evocative. Pieces feature phrases like “POLITICAL SATIRE” and bomber jackets adorned with the American bald eagle and flag, weaving together Rocky’s narrative. A rebellious take on the iconic Uncle Sam poster, showing two middle fingers with the caption “F$CK YOU!,” adds Rocky’s distinct touch. Oversized silhouettes dominate the collection, dramatizing New York street scenes. Elements inspired by NYPD and paramedics’ uniforms nod to Rocky’s concept of “ghetto expressionism.” The multi-layered pieces add volume, reflecting Rocky’s signature style.
