My City | Luka Sabbat
Tom Ford made his prom suit, he goes for dinner with Kanye West, walks for Yeezy and counts Virgil Abloh, Jaden Smith and Kylie and Kendhall Jenner as his homies. Sometimes model, sometimes stylist, sometimes creative director... we're hanging out with NYC's multi-hypenate of the moment.
You have lived in Paris and New York, which city do you prefer?
New York of course. New York has so much more inspirations for me on a daily basis; the people, the vibes, the style, the culture and so much more.
Paris inspiration is different, it's about the crazy-beautiful architecture and the past of the place.
What are your favourite hangouts in NYC?
Well, I can't speak on some of these things just because I wouldn't want to get any clubs in trouble! I'm underage here, you have to be 21. But I eat at The Mercer a lot, I also like this spot called Republic, but I don't want to give away too many places.
t-shirt by BALENCIAGA,
trousers and shoes by HAIDER ACKERMANN
Which neighbourhood do you hang out in most?
I end up in midtown believe it or not, because my agency (ReQuest), my girlfriend and a lot of studios are there. But I still come to Soho a lot to eat, hang out and shop. I spend a lot of time at home too: I live in Gramercy Park East.
You studied drama, do you still act?
I still act, I love acting, it's really fun. Hopefully soon I will be in a series or movies. I didn't decide to make the move in fashion, that happened by accident and then I started taking it seriously.
When was your big break?
I was scouted by Noel from ReQuest while I was out with my Dad. The first big break was after a Vogue editorial and an adidas campaign, those were huge and boosted my career like crazy.
You don't like being called a model, how would you describe your profession?
A creative entrepreneur.
Tell us about your magazine and your role there?
Editor-at-Large means that Kevin [Amato] and I just bounce off ideas. I curate a bit, I pitch ideas, I make some things happen and it' a bit all over the place but it's fun.
Do you come from a creative background?
Absolutely! Both my parents were and still are in the fashion industry. My dad has been a fashion designer since before I was born and my mom basically became a chef with a lot of fashion clients. She was once a fashion stylist [full disclosure: she worked for Galliano and Dior] and also worked in show production.
First fashion memory?
Being backstage at some show in Paris and Katoucha Niane had me in her arms and a bunch of models were crowding round me and they were kind of passing me around but I was over it so I started running around.
You seem really connected with the young creative of your generation, how do your friends influence you?
My friends inspire me because they are as cool as I am to me, some of them even cooler, they put me on to new things, say things, wear things that inspire me and vice versa.
What are your thoughts on the role of social media in the fashion industry?
It plays a huge part nowadays, I remember going to castings and them asking for your social media handle. People cast from Instagram now and people lose opportunities because of what they say on Twitter etc
Jumper by MAISON MARGIELA,
Trousers by RICK OWENS
How important do you believe collaboration is amongst young creatives right now?
Very important, that's how you keep the culture going and the ideas flowing.
Who are your favourite designers?
Haider Ackermann, Wales Bonner, Virgil Abloh and a bunch more.
How would you describe your style? Do you dress according to trends?
Negative. I don't dress according to trends, I dress according to my moods.
How do you put an outfit together?
Well, my jewelry is always on so I definitely don't work around that but it's really random, when I wake up I get a vibe and I work around that.
Who's your ultimate style icon?
My ultimate style icon is Steve Jobs, I want to reach his level of uniform and comfort one day
What are the things you couldn't live without?
My rings, my chains, my girlfriend, my little brother, my watch, my wallet and my family.
Do you have any tattoos? What's the meaning behind it/them?
I have a bunch of tattoos I just got two new ones on my arm since you guys shot me! My back tattoo is a shinigami which is a death god, that one on my back is from naruto specifically. My flowery scythes don't really have a meaning, I guess you can say life and death? Uhm maman and papa because I love my mom and my dad, my two 7's are my lucky numbers, the skeleton and half dead bugs bunny just look cool. I don't know, I don't like my tattoos to have too much meaning because I don't want the meaning to change in my life.
What is the best advice you've ever been given?
Too much to pick from, I can't choose.
What are your biggest career milestones so far?
Making it this far.
What does the next 5 years hold for Luka Sabbat?
I've been playing everything week-by-week but I'm starting to have a plan. Luka in 5 years will have a lot of projects out, maybe even some spaces, I don't know, but it will be good.
shirt by MIHARAYASUHIRO,
trousers by ANNE DEMEULEMEESTER,
shoes by MAISON MARGIELA
Photography ANDREW WOFFINDEN @A&R Photographic
Photographer's Assistant ODED SHOSHAN
Make Up Artist FLORIANE DAVID
