AYSM Published in INDEX Magazine

It is the case that in the modern sphere, rarely does one encounter a true artist. 

This is not to say that art is not abundant. There is a remarkable and overwhelming amount of content by self-proclaimed creators populating the contemporary scene. Too often, the art one is apt to encounter is created not by an artist but by a sort of dilettante, someone too focused on the immediate act of making rather than the authentic essence of what it means to create. Art, that is to say, true art, reveals itself plainly and without insistence. A true artist, few and far between, is at once and immediately recognizable. 

For this interview, Vim, creative director and voice of AYSM® (All You See Matters), subsequently provided a stylized, expertly crafted presentation, complete with archival photos and his signature touch of avante beauty. It was an astounding gesture, one that perfectly summarizes what Vim brings to the table in any context: intense and unbridled creative vision. He is the brains behind a thought-provoking, obscure, otherwise motif-filled fashion collection. Yet, it would be nearly impossible to define the scope of Vim’s talents. The enthralling, wide-varying art produced by a single person is entirely irrefutable. Vim is a veritable one-man army within the space of cultural creation, as he has not only taken on the world of fashion but also that of, art, film, music, and furniture design.

As it could be the perception that AYSM® has a particular essence, Vim weighed in on how he feels his brand falls in a world of increasing subcultures and genres. He says, “Depending upon the medium I choose to present at the time, an essence of sub-culture is most definitely important in the creative process. However, I hope that people who like my work don’t try and pinpoint it to one specific subculture.” For a brand as compelling and versatile as AYSM®, there is a clear, decidedly unique blend of styles. “It’s a blend of many subcultures that I either grew up in or was inspired by. These elements will always be a part of who I am. As I grow, I learn new things and subtract others that may not serve me anymore.” 

Of this response, Vim mentions growing up and his early references. In speaking of these early influences, Vim detailed, “As a kid, I was a skater, but I also played basketball. My playlist would be both Gucci [Mane] mix-tapes and Bad Brains. That reflected in my friends. I was cool with the nerds and the punks and skaters… I just like pure people.”

In speaking on more recent influences and inspirations, Vim says, “As of lately, I’ve been drawing inspo from old things. Old feelings and ways of life. As we enter the new age, I want to make sure I’m connected to new technologies without forgetting about the past. I don’t think any of this is new, anyway. We are experiencing this life we live as if it was an infinity symbol.” Indeed, there is an innately timeless nature in AYSM® clothing, evident in the designs, images, and silhouettes, which often transcend uniformity entirely. 

Despite Vim’s ready-to-wear lines being a striking first impression, there is another high-end offshoot side of AYSM® that deals entirely more with the avante-garde. Silhouettes take on abstract shaping; the pieces themselves encompassing spinal denim corsets and pillowy neckpieces. In answering if he views the creation and marketing of these two distinct sides differently, Vim says, “When I create my more avante garde pieces, it’s strictly to show I can compete at that level if given the resources. It’s good to have in the archive. Give me a YSL budget. I’m going crazy, for sure. But for now, I think it’s important to create independently so I can garner those types of opportunities in the future. Virgil dropped Pyrex Vision at my age. I’ve shown what I can create right now. With no investors, no backers, or anything. I’m very excited about what the future is going to bring. The sacrifices have already been made. The work is there. The consistency is there. My ready-to-wear pieces are to generate revenue to put into more ideas.”

Herein lies one of the most noteworthy and commendable aspects of Vim’s place at AYSM®: he does it all himself. For those who haven’t tried their hand at screenprinting, this is an intensely difficult thing. Vim is not a stranger to this notion, saying, “Man. It’s very difficult. I feel many people think my brand is run by a team and staff. In reality, it is just me for the majority of the time…People who will criticize you are either projecting or, deep down, have an insecurity within themselves. No matter what, I will be a creator, the life lessons along the way make me better. There is no losing because I’m attempting things that have no road map, no blueprint.”

This concept is decidedly striking as it accurately assesses the types of art that ought to be promoted more. Art that has no blueprint. Art that is forging a new and altogether more intriguing road for everyone. Vim also spoke on this and the subsequent challenges that ensue when breaking into the fashion world or reaching higher echelons of success. 

“Most definitely. Let’s get it right, though. I enjoy the process and making of the art. The business end is a whole other thing… Whatever medium I’m working in, I just like the process or experience over anything else. Every time I’m walking in my purpose, opportunities do appear. As my character improves as a person, so do the opportunities in my life. They go hand in hand.”

In speaking on art, Vim touches on something fundamental here. There is an unspoken but genuine link between purpose and personhood. Where in finding what truly drives and motivates a person, there should be a natural semblance of energy, or rather a feeling of intense drive, to learn, grow, and experience authentically. This sense of authenticity is mirrored in Vim’s sentiment about the youth of up-and-coming creators. 

“I see young kids at these shows. They almost seem to idolize characters. But they should know that these characters are made up. Not real. In all honesty, most fans would not want the lives of the people they idolize. So if you are going to put yourself out there, make sure you have intention with it. You don’t want to create a character you don’t want to play. Leave yourself room to evolve. All the best artists evolve over time. In regards to sub-cultures, don’t try too hard; you will naturally get drawn towards what intrigues you. Shit, you are straight up born into certain sub-cultures.”

In looking at Vim’s work at AYSM® and beyond, there is a clear element of artistry in everything attempted and everything succeeded. Throughout, there exists an undercurrent of what true art is: a sincere appreciation for the process, pain, pressure, and passion that exists within all creation. 

Vim cites a Nipsey Hussle verse, “Red Rose in the grey pavement, Young black N***a trapped and he can’t change it. Know he a genius, he just can’t claim it. ‘Cause they left him no platforms to explain it.”

In speaking on this quote, Vim says, “Hear me now, I have these gifts. Even though the circumstances I was born into made the road a bit more difficult, the talents I was blessed with most definitely have given me the ability to change the direction of the future.”

Here, it is immediately apparent that witnessing Vim is not witnessing the ordinary. This is not uninspired, not superficial, not nearly inauthentic. With AYSM® and every subsequent endeavor, Vim seals his fate as a true talent, a rising star, and, above all else, an artist.   

EDITORIAL PHOTOSHOOT (Directed and Styled by Jagger van Vliet)