VVarholla is a chameleon of sorts, adapting to new roles and places. The Berlin-based figure has pretty much done it all from a music career in rap, DJing, modelling and now, making his name as a stylist and digital curator. Recalling his fond memories of his mother purchasing his first pair of Air Max 90 – his favourite sneaker, it’s no wonder the sneaker giant has looked to VVarholla for the new Nike Air Max partnership, with both proving to be masters of evolution and finding common ground on versatility.
For the launch of the new Nike Air Max, VVarholla sits down with us to talk us through style, inspirations and his favourite sneaker.
VVarholla wears Nike New Air Max Terrascape 90 Sneaker available on Zalando.
Sleek: Your name “VVarholla” is taken after Andy Warhol’s real name “Andrew Varhola”. Are you still inspired by the artist? Are there similarities in your approach to work?
VVarholla: Andy Warhol remains an inspiration to me when it comes to the production of art and the importance of icons. But, I feel more connected to what Warholla means in Nigeria, where I’m from. It’s written a bit differently and derives from Pigdin English “Wahala” but it’s simply how my name “Warholla” is pronounced. It means Drama. But I’m that good drama. The one that spices up your life.
S: What else inspires you?
VV: The real question would be inspired for what? I can feel inspired by all types of things because everything has its intrinsic importance. But when it comes to doing music, art or fashion most of my motivation to start lies within me. I just love to play and express myself.
S: Besides music, you’re known for your sense of style. What is your approach to dress?
VV: I haven’t really released any music in the past four years, thus I don’t really know if I’m known for that anymore. I still do music for myself and maybe I’ll release something soon. Fashion and music are both forms of expression that I enjoy. Both, if done well, showcase your soul, your essence, and in times of social media and very surface-level relationships. Music and fashion allow you to connect deeper with a person.
S: You once said that fashion is “infinitely important to [you] because it is a non-verbal language.” I found that comment interesting as you rap, using words to express. Can you elaborate more on the importance of “non-verbal language”?
VV: Verbal or non-verbal language, I believe the purpose of language is to connect like-minded people with each other. I think it’s important to wear your soul on your sleeve, show yourself and don’t hide, in order to make real connections with people.
VVarholla wears Nike New Air Max Terrascape 90 Sneaker available on Zalando.
S: You’re Berlin-based, can you tell us your observations of the Berlin style at the moment? How does it differ from other cities?
VV: Berlin’s style is a funny beast. I feel like Berlin’s style is not too colourful, slightly oversized and vintage, vintage, vintage, in my opinion. Of course, here and there are some peacocks who embrace new school fashion silhouettes or like to make an appearance. Berlin’s looks and fits remain unique in Europe, as they combine an uncertain melancholy with a thrilling playfulness. But I must say, (I hope I don’t offend anybody) but the Berlin group of “stylish” people is tiny, compared to the rest of Berlin who I believe don’t seem to care too much about that non-verbal language called “style.”
S: And you’re known to mix high fashion with street style. How do you describe your style?
VV: I think high fashion and streetwear have blended almost completely together. I wouldn’t describe my personal style, but if you forced me to do so in three words, I’d go for contemporary, fresh and street preppy.
S: Let’s talk a little bit about your Nike Air Max partnership. Firstly, what’s your favourite era of Air Max?
VV: My favourite style has to be the Air Max 90, as I have a very fond memory of my mum buying me my first pair which I wore for a whole year straight. Then later when Ye popped up the Hypefuse, I had to get two new pairs in white and blue. I also enjoyed the Vapormax when it came out.
S: Air Max has undergone numerous transformations and has been the poster for innovation in the world of sneakers. Your partnership seems fitting as you have also evolved through various roles; rapper, DJ, model…how has each experience affected you? What’s next?
VV: Thank you, each experience made me who I am today. I feel strong and focused. I was never a person that wanted to be put in a box because I know I am way too big for any of those. I know about my essence and my truth, who I am and I wouldn’t call them roles more like just things I do.
VVarholla wears Nike New Air Max Terrascape 90 Sneaker available on Zalando. All Images Courtesy of Nike and Zalando.
S: What draws you to certain items? Take us through your styling selection process.
VV: The most important thing when I style myself is the shoes. For me, they are the foundation of every look. From there, the look is already defined, whether that’s sporty, preppy, classy, rough etc. The shoe also defines which pants come on top, and the pants define what kind of top/jacket will be chosen. In terms of colour, I always tap into my mood but when it has to be quick, I mostly go for all black.
S: If you were to “remix” a pair of Nike Air Max, how would it look?
VV: I guess it would be mostly black with red elements, but I’d need to draw that for you.
S: Lastly, if you’re DJing for Nike Air Max, what songs can we expect on the playlist?
VV: I’d add to the playlist:
Unknown T – Often
Yeat – Monëy So Big
Semi Tee, Mdu – Isingisi
Lojay, Sarz – Monalisa
Adekunle Gold, Davido – High
Check out VVarholla wearing the new Nike Air Max in the video below: