Unc is Ready to Distort Your World
Words by Malik
photos by Jxvnni
Unc in a custom Distorted two piece suit
Showcasing a preview of what to expect from Distorted, on his birthday at the first Jefferson Black Student Union Fashion Show in 2019, we were eager to see what was to come next from Unc. With the first drop from Distorted in 2020, being reintroduced to the brand with new energy and perspective, “What if we shot first asked later” this statement adorns one of the upcoming pieces, this putting the shoe on the other foot. We spoke briefly with Unc before his release on the 28th to find out a little more about Distorted: its origins, mental health, finding meaning in dark times, and music.
How long have you been operating?
I came up with Distorted and released my first promo for the brand on my birthday last year in 2019. I cannot remember the exact date that I released and sold my first piece of clothing under the brand name, but the first collection was reconstructed hoodies (with the help of my friend Talia) that I showed at the first-ever BSU fashion show. But that was the beginning of the vision.
What was this collection about?
In the beginning, Distorted was simply a cool idea I had for a brand, there was no meaning behind it, just cool clothes. So, I stopped releasing pieces because at the time it was too expensive but also because it had no direction and no meaning to me. Also, at the time I was dealing with a lot of my issues, so the brand took a back seat. Why I decided to bring it back is because I found its meaning again and knew the impact I want it to have on the world.
What inspires you to create?
My inspiration came out of my depression. From 2018 to just about now, I have been dealing with depression. To find my happiness or some normalcy, I looked to my past. I fell in love with skateboarding again, found my love for the bike life culture, took a deep dive into visuals, and studied other designers and artists. Distorted is the brainchild of all those things. My brand is also inspired by my depression but fueled by the environment I have made for myself. Why it is so important for me now to push my brand is because I want to be able to impact my community. In a way, Distorted is not for me but for others! My long-term goal for Distorted is to be able to hold charity events and create programs in its namesake all while creating clothes, visuals, and other things to push the brand.
Music that represents this collection.
I am heavily inspired by rap collectives right now the collective I'm inspired by visually is Jackboys. Travis Scott's visuals and fashion sense are out of this world and his work with the great Rayscorruptedmind is out of this world and to me the future. Don Toliver is a big inspiration for me as well when it comes to style and visuals. If I had to pick they are the two that I could look to and say inspire me visually with this collection.
I want to thank MSKF Mag for giving Distorted its first column in a publication. This means the world to me and I couldn't thank you enough for the opportunity. Peace and Love.
-Unc