A$AP Rocky on Rihanna, Virgil Abloh, and Redefining Fashion Norms

From his iconic "Fashion Killa" video to blurring gender lines with his bold fashion choices, A$AP Rocky is redefining what it means to be stylish in 2025.

Complex UK

Hey Talkers, if you’re a fan of A$AP Rocky’s fashion, you’ll love this little breakdown Vogue has for you! Recently, he sat down with Vogue to chat about his style evolution, his friendship with the late Virgil Abloh, and how he’s never been afraid to break the rules when it comes to fashion. He’s a trendsetter who’s continuously pushing boundaries, and that’s why I can’t wait to share some of his best fashion moments with you.

A$AP Rocky’s Fashion Identity: From “Fashion Killa” to Met Gala Co-Chair

First off, let’s talk about how fashion has always been a huge part of A$AP Rocky’s identity. His style wasn’t just a random thing that came with fame—he’s always had a deep connection to it. Remember his “Fashion Killa” music video? In case you missed it, this was in 2013, long before A$AP and Rihanna became the power couple we all know today. He wasn’t shy about making it clear that he was talking about her in the song. “I just hit up the flyest chick that I knew,” he says with a grin. And even though they weren’t a couple yet, Rocky knew there was a spark.

But it wasn’t just about Rihanna’s style in the video. The legendary Virgil Abloh, who directed the project, was also behind the scenes, helping Rocky craft that iconic aesthetic. “We were kindred spirits,” he says of his relationship with Virgil, describing their working relationship as easy and seamless. And let’s not forget that Rocky, like many of us, was inspired by Abloh’s fearless approach to fashion.

Rocky’s Iconic Looks: Hits and Misses

Now, let’s get into Rocky’s fashion evolution. We all know he’s had his fashion risks, but that’s part of the fun, right? Some outfits worked, and others were, well, a little… memorable. Take that yellow Balenciaga puffer vest from 2017, for example. He laughs, recalling how he was roasted online for it, but in typical Rocky fashion, he owns it. “That’s my Flavor Flav era right there,” he jokes. It may have been a bold choice, but Rocky has always embraced those fashion risks—and when it works, it really works.

Then, of course, there was his “babushka era,” where he made floral scarves a whole vibe. He said, “I’m a firm believer that you can’t use clothes as masculinity anymore. Those lines are blurred.” Rocky’s use of scarves and feminine touches on menswear shows how fluid fashion can be, and he’s more than happy to play with those boundaries. It’s all about embracing style without worrying about the traditional gender norms.

The Rise of the “Murse” and Rocky’s Love for Bags

One of the coolest things about A$AP Rocky’s fashion journey is his love for bags—yes, bags. But don’t call them purses. “I prefer the term satchel,” he says, but he’s not shy about carrying what some might label a “murse.” His Gucci look from Milan’s spring 2020 show even featured a bag that had everyone talking. For Rocky, carrying a bag isn’t about gender; it’s about practicality. “We’ve got stuff to put in bags!” he laughs, listing off his essentials like phone, Chapstick, and comb. So, yes, gentlemen, if Rocky can rock a bag, so can you. Fashion isn’t about what others expect—it’s about expressing yourself.

GQ Italia

A$AP Rocky and Blurring the Fashion Gender Lines

Rocky isn’t just about shocking fashion choices for the sake of it—he’s trying to make a statement. By embracing elements of traditionally feminine fashion, from scarves to bags, he’s challenging what’s been expected of men’s fashion. “Look at us now. Fellas, we’re holding it down with our murses and our satchels,” he says proudly. In 2025, Rocky is leading the charge in making fashion more fluid, where masculinity and femininity aren’t confined to certain items or looks.

It’s clear that A$AP Rocky is more than just a rapper—he’s a cultural force, shaping the way we think about style, gender, and how fashion can be a personal form of self-expression. Whether he’s rocking a silk scarf or stepping out with a bold bag, he’s teaching us all that there are no limits when it comes to what we wear.

Final Thoughts: A$AP Rocky’s Fashion Legacy

So, what can we take away from A$AP Rocky’s fashion journey? It’s simple—fashion is about confidence, creativity, and embracing the things that make us feel good. From working with Virgil Abloh to experimenting with gender-fluid looks, Rocky continues to challenge the norms and redefine what it means to be stylish. Whether you’re into bags, scarves, or anything else that falls outside traditional fashion lines, Rocky’s message is clear: wear what makes you feel great, and don’t be afraid to break the rules.