how did Ibrahim kamara become the head of two giants in contemporary youth culture?

journalist, stylist, creative director and designer. ibrahim or “IB” kamara cannot not be ignored in menswear fashion right now.

Born in sierra lone and raised in London. Ibrahim has no shortage of cultural references. the current creative director at off-white boasts off a very rich background. not just geographically but in fashion as well.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

It all started in 2026.

Not the future. (although we are tempted to believe that is where he is from because his take on masculinity is what most creative’s are just starting to tap into). 2026 was actually the name of his curated exhibition in London. that first brought attention to him in 2016.

The exhibition was styled by ib kamara. it featured second hand outfits on street-cast models from Soweto.

The theme of the exhibition was black African Masculinity. it challenged all the conventional narratives.

sexuality, race and gender appropriation in fashion. (all of which would become a consistent theme in IB’s work). he also hinted at what menswear would look like a few years from that time.

DAZED MAGAZINE

A certain Robbie spencer from dazed magazine took interest in the young IB kamara. and that lead to his first fashion editorial.

IB’s first issue for the magazine tackled sensitive topics like national health service and working together for change. he had a vision for the magazine. he wanted it to appeal to not just the fashion world.

To have a more global and inclusive voice. that was his vision for dazed.

He went on to become the editor-in-chief of the magazine. it was announced in 2021 after the lockdown.

His focus on representation and inclusivity, justifies his current position.

Dazed wasn’t the only magazine that noticed IB.

He has worked for recognized fashion and pop culture media publications like British vouge, Vouge Italia, system and W. he was also appointed as senior editor-at-large for I-D magazine in 2019.

His efforts in journalism earned him awards like the Isabella blow award presented by the british fashion council.

Fun fact; IB kamara is a graduate of Fashion Communication from Central Saint martins.

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