Guè, the wardrobe of memories: «I am nostalgic in fashion. As in rap»

A worn-out pair of sneakers, a flamboyant chenille tracksuit, an always-ready fisherman’s hat. Look inside your closet do it carefully, it’s a bit like leafing through the album of memories. Guè, in his, has all the colors. He pulls surprises out of the cylinder to which he knots life anecdotes.

«I think that especially in these times, with fashion that is somewhat fast food, it is important conserve iconic pieces who you are romantically attached to. That’s why I have suits and jackets in my wardrobe that they have over twenty years», the Milanese rapper tells us as he presents the new capsule collection by 5tate of Mind, company in which he actively joined after having been its supporter and testimonial. “However streetwear has always fascinated me, I was a fan of all the historical brands of the nineties».

What prompted you to enter the company?
«Feeding my passion, in fact. With 5tate of Mind we have been friends for a long time, I had this chance and I took it with enthusiasm, a very sincere thing. For me it is a sort of return because ten years ago, following the lesson of some famous artists, I created my own brand. So yes, the love for streetwear is at the root of everything».

The collection is called Miracles. Does anyone have one in mind?
«Considering the historical moment, many would be needed (laughs, ed). Breaking away from current events, I like the title because it recalls the miracle of hip hop, of those who have turned their passion into a profession and have grown through healthy competition. In fact, in the campaign there are also two talents like Ernia and Sacky, to represent the whole spectrum and reiterate the message».

The capsule celebrates EMME-I, the city of the Madonnina. If I say Milan, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
«Parco Sempione, because when I was a kid it was different from now, it was a meeting-clash place, a scenario that really shaped me. Then, of course, I say San Babila, where there was the low wall with the break dancers».

Let’s stay on the subject of memories: what are the garments that have marked your path?
«The Adidas Gazelle, when I was a teenager, were one of my first objects of desire. There have been tracksuits, from triacetate to chenille, especially the sporty one. The Kangol bucket hat, the old Carhartts, Tommy’s baggy jeans. I admit it, I’m a bit nostalgic».

Is it also when it comes to sneakers?
«With the explosion of the resell, there are models that come from afar and come back ugly, but they are remakes. If I look at the last decade, I immediately think of the Jordans: they have characterized it, even as a mass phenomenon».

A rapper who, more than the others, has influenced your style?
«Once again I’m going straight to the 2000s style, when there was Dapper Dan who, before being made official by Gucci, made overalls with patches, cut out the monogram. LL Cool J, Nas, Jay Z, Wu-Tang Clan with the Clarks come to mind. Today’s rappers, all dressed by stylists, don’t thrill me like that period there».

When Club Dogo was in its infancy and Don Joe had his own streetwear shop in Via Anfossi, in Milan. Correct?
«Sure, the Move Out. We were born there with our first two independent records: we went to visit him, he had the computer under him and he did the basics. Then next door we had the disco, the bar where we went to drink: it was a fantastic time, to be honest, I even slept in that shop».

If I ask you for a word related to fashion, what would you say about that period of yours?
“I say baggy. Also because I think back to the WAG, which was the first streetwear shop in Milan, in via De Amicis, with really cool stuff. Besides, next door was Time Out, which was a spectacular vinyl store».

Here, turning to music, how is the Italian rap scene?
«There is so much variety and this is certainly a good thing. For cultural and personal reasons, I can’t appreciate all the outings of the very young, I come from another school. But at the same time I think we must accept the sign of the times. Certainly urban music in general is healthy: just look at the Spotify listening charts ».

Does the parallelism between rappers and songwriters convince you?
«There is a fund of truth, but one must not generalize otherwise one will fall into cliches. In some cases I say yes, I think of Marracash, Bresh and the Genoese school, there they have a songwriting imprint with quality lyrics. In other cases I say no, but not because one is better than the other: there are very young talents who don’t have rhymes but make beautiful melodies, they are still hit makers. It’s back to variety: today, within this genre, you’re free to listen to whatever you want».

Is he also a nostalgic in rap?
“I’m not one to say to others, ‘this yes and this no’. But here, in my car, rap stuff after 2008 is unlikely to play ».

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Guè: “I’m a gentleman in overalls”

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