Most of our readers are familiar with Black Spade as being one of St. Louis’ hottest MCs, who also pioneered the underground, hipster scene as we know it.
When I first met Black Spade – or Veto Money, as I like to call him (which is actually his birth name) – about 15 years ago, I was instantly captivated by his ability to balance the ‘hood and the avant garde. We first connected through our love for fashion, when he had a studio in Downtown St. Louis, before it was the “Wash Ave.” that we know today.
He and his crew would bring visions to life using vivid color, random fabrics and instinctive style. He visualized his music through his sense of style. His trademark gold tooth and New Balance sneakers are a representation of his balanced approach to fashion. With his ability to mix high and low genres of style, he is able to be himself and have that be cool. And he still is one of the freshest cats in the Lou and worldwide.
Danie Rae: How long have you been fashionably inclined?
Black Spade: Fashion has been an influence on me as long as music has. Growing up, I would look at album covers of different rappers and get style cues from their costume approach to fashion. During the ‘80s, hip-hop artists weren’t afraid to be creative when it came to the way they dressed. From Grand Master Flash to LL Cool J, each rapper had their own signature style that was a direct reflection of their music.
Fashion has always been able to reinforce the lifestyle that music depicts. When you see videos, the artist’s wardrobe solidifies the lifestyle that they portray in the songs. That’s what initially drew me to love fashion.
Danie Rae: Most of our readers know you from your music. How would you categorize yourself in the fashion world?
Black Spade: I don’t tend to put myself in a box. My style and fashion expression is a direct extension of my music. I don’t really separate the two. I look at my designs as a reflection of the musical vibe I’m on. If I just did a hard rap record, I might construct an army fatigue kimono, just to have a visual reflection of my musical vibe.
I truly care about the art of fashion. When in fashion school, I was captivated by my costume design classes and viewed it as a visualization of the story. To look at fashion for financial gain is cool and all, but fashion is an art form.
Danie Rae: What has been inspiration for your design perspective? And is your creative process the same as the one for your music?
Black Spade: I’m ultimately inspired by American Classic style. Classic Ralph Lauren is always a reference when it comes to my design influence. I incorporate denim, and classic blue into a lot of pieces that I create.
Danie Rae: As long as I’ve known you, you’ve been a part of a collective or crew, from Soul Tyde to The Force to Hawthorne Headhunters. How has that affected your end result when it comes to creating and cultivating your style?
Black Spade: My partnership with Brandin Vaughn of Classic Couture has been priceless. Beyond the music, we have a good working collaboration understanding, and where I lack, they pick up the slack, and vice versa.
Danie Rae: What is your fashion creative process?
Black Spade: This is where Brandin and I clash. I’ll have a vision that I want to see come to life so bad, but he has the technical background and knows what can and can’t work. Even when he tells me that something is impossible, I have to go against the grain and test it out anyway. And he’s usually right.
Danie Rae: So where does someone of your style inclination shop?
Black Spade: Shoot … Right here in the trap (aka studio)! But, I get my staple pieces from anywhere. Thrift stores have been my go-to since forever. And I research different fabrics and patterns to come up with designs and silhouettes techniques.
Danie Rae: What are some trends that are on your radar now?
Black Spade: You know, I really don’t follow trends. I’ve always had my own interpretation of what was trendy. Now, you can’t help to pay attention to what is popular, but in terms of my own personal style, I just do me!
To keep up with Black Spade, follow him on social media @Blackspade. Follow Danie Rae, Style Broker for the hip!
