Griffin Mark @shoutoutyahweh is a 17-year-old boy from Beloit, Wisconsin and also an upcoming fashion designer with his own clothing line “Off The Mark” @offthemark.coI whose own line of shoes will be released later this year. He makes fashion-oriented content on social media by bending gender norms and styling tips and has been involved with the fashion and sneaker industry since he was twelve years old from reselling high-end bags and sneakers as he told us.
Q: How would you define yourself? And your style?
A: I would define myself as a creative, I do a lot of different things, fashion and business-related. I run and operate my own clothing line, Off The Mark. I design, style, and model as well. My style is hard to describe because it is constantly changing and evolving into new looks. My style at the moment could be described as a vintage take on 1970s high-fashion.
Q: How do you think your style evolves?
A: My style has evolved through different periods of my life, you can see how I’m feeling through the clothes I’m presenting. I try to better myself every day with new looks and ideas. As I grow as a person my taste and style grow with it.
Q: What does art and fashion mean to you?
A: It’s an outlet I use to express myself. Without fashion, I’m not sure what I would be doing. It’s my life. There is art in everything in the world and it’s truly beautiful.
Q: You told us that you’ve been involved with the fashion industry from a very young age. How did all start?
A: I was first introduced to the fashion industry when I was twelve years old through reselling shoes, vintage pieces, high-end bags, hype things like that. I was always just intrigued by clothes and everything related to fashion… I realized early on things that I like other people like as well, and I could profit immensely from that.
Q: Which are some of your favorite designs and why?
A: My favorite designs to date are definitely in my upcoming collection, Rocket Failure. By presenting a story of success and failure through shoes, it’s one of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on. I took inspiration from the legendary streetwear designer, Nigo. I portrayed his failures in life to show how even the greatest of all time have failed.
Q: Best styling tips at the moment?
A: You have to have a pearl necklace, it’s a great accessory to make your outfit stand out. Also, the 1970’s vintage wear is going to be really big soon with outerwear and pants.
Q: What do gender norms mean to you?
A: I don’t believe in gender norms, especially in fashion. The whole concept is made to create differences and inequality. I’m always open to new things and experiences, overall a progressive thinker. Wearing “feminine” or “masculine” items doesn’t define you as a person. I wear whatever I want and everyone else should too.
Q: Tell us about any lesson life has taught you or any tip you’d like to tell our readers.
A: I was always looked down upon coming up through the fashion industry because I was very young. It taught me to be more confident and dedicated to my work. I believed in myself and I never stopped working, and I never will until I’m the best. Always try to better yourself every day, big or small. If you believe in yourself, that’s all you need.
Exclusive interview for Vanity Teen online!
