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Wiz Khalifa is in the midst of a metamorphosis. In addition to the release of his fifth studio album, Blacc Hollywood, the rapper born Cameron Jibril Thomaz is juggling an acting career (the sequel to Mac and Devin Go to High School with Snoop Dogg), his own label (Taylor Gang Records) and — in a nod to his stoner persona — a line of smoking accessories with Raw Rolling Papers. In his personal life, the 27-year-old is undergoing a high-profile divorce from model Amber Rose, 31, on which he refused to comment (their Twitter accounts offer glimpses into both sides of the story). Khalifa also has begun to dabble with fashion design and is at work on collections for Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers and Flat Fitty hats — all the more reason he’s fit to showcase the season’s highly coveted casual-cool pieces.
Where does your style come from?
My dad. My appearance as a kid was always important. He used to make me pick out five outfits for the school week and each was different so I wasn’t just wearing jeans and T-shirts every time.
THE SWEATSHIRT: Midnight Studios crew sweatshirt, $95; FourTwoFour on Fairfax store. Supreme work pants, $118; supremenewyork.com. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, $55; converse.com. 424 Parvus Messiah with detachable thorn crown necklaces, $3,790; fourtwofouronfairfax.com.
What about fashion idols?
During my teenage years, Cam’ron and [Lil] Wayne had a lot of influence, and I can’t forget about Pharrell [Williams]. I also look up to Axl Rose, Jimi Hendrix — I’d love to raid Mick Jagger’s closet.
THE SHORT-SLEEVE JACKET: Rhude elbow-slit “Rhider” jacket, $595, and distressed army shirt, $150; rh-ude.com. Dior Homme khaki green stretch denims, $690; Dior Homme stores. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, $55; converse.com.
Which designers are you loving?
Rick Owens, Alexander Wang, Acne [Studios] and Ksubi are my favorite — I buy a lot of old Supreme pieces, too.
THE SHREDDED JEAN: Ant leather blouson, $1,750, and notch-collar short-sleeve shirt, $300; secondlayer.us. Ksubi Kustom jeans, made to order; 323-888-8838. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, $55; converse.com.
You recently dyed your hair purple. What color are you going for next?
I’m going to keep it this shade for a while. I have a lot of purple in my life — “Purple Rain” is my favorite song. Plus, it took eight hours to make this happen. I had to bleach it first!
THE FLORAL SHIRT: 424 bomber jacket, $380; fourtwofouronfairfax.com. Supreme flowers shirt, $118; supremenewyork.com. Ksubi Kustom jeans, made to order; 323-888-8838. 424 Messiah pendant, $395; fourtwofouronfairfax.com. Chain from Khalifa’s personal collection.
You rap a lot about smoking weed. Does marijuana culture influence your style?
I don’t know if I think about weed culture while I get dressed, but being chill goes into the things I purchase. I like to be comfortable and smoking weed definitely puts you in that mind frame.
THE PLAID BOMBER: Shaun Samson jacket and sweater, price upon request; shaunsamson.co.uk. Shaun Samson pleated shirt, $390; doverstreetmarket.com. Supreme jeans, $198; supremenewyork.com. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, $55; converse.com.
Your breakout hit was “Black and Yellow.” Do you own a lot of pieces in those hues?
I do. Jackets, robes, slippers — real cool stuff like that. [People sent me] a lot of black-and-yellow bongs, too!
THE ARMY JEAN: Rhude elbow-slit “Rhider” jacket, $595, and distressed army shirt, $150; rh-ude.com. Dior Homme khaki green stretch denims, $690; Dior Homme stores. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star sneakers, $55; converse.com.
Khalifa was photographed by Meredith Jenks at 5200 Venice Studios on Oct. 9 in Los Angeles.
This story first appeared in the Oct. 25 issue of Billboard magazine.
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