Krull magazine’s Dream Chasers – Talent Watch List is a recurring series consisting of short interviews and/or reviews of young emerging talents that we predict will become future Scandinavian “movers & shakers” of their industry.
We kick off by introducing you to Richard Ntege.
Richard Ntege is a multitasking, fashion student who in his young age, has managed to accumulate quite the resumé. This includes gigs modeling; styling for SVT’s Så ska det låta; a nominee of Finest Awards 2015; a radio correspondent on East FM and an event organizer for Disturbing Stockholm Fashion Show.
We caught up with Richard to find out about what inspired his path, where he gets and how he sustains, his creative energy.
Name: Richard Ntege
Age: 22
Location: Stockholm/London
Ancestry: Uganda
Family: Mom, sisters and brothers
Social Media Outlets: Instagram, Youtube, Blog
Krull: Hello Richard. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background.
R.N: Well, I grew up in Tensta with my wonderful mom and 3 siblings. 13 years later, my parents got divorced and we moved to Linköping, 3 hours south of Stockholm. The contrast was HUGE. It was literally like comparing two different worlds. Coming from one of Sweden’s most notorious marginalized suburbs, to what felt like one of the whitest neighborhoods in Linköping, I had to adjust the way I spoke, acted and thought. It was tough at that age. But I learned a lot from that experience.
Krull: So, with regards to your development (personal and professional), how did you get where you are today?
R.N: While in the 7th grade, I remember coming home from football practice, and finding my uncle and his friend, who was a rabbi, visiting. I had dreams of being a professional [he laughs]. I humbly greeted the guest who gave me a sort of strange and observatory look before he said, “I see you in the fashion industry”. Being an inspiration and doing [sic] clothes.” As you can imagine, I was shocked, because I didn’t see myself in that business. At all. After all, I was busy chasing my football dreams.
I guess his statement planted a seed. A while after I started blogging. Mostly about music, but fashion as well, from time to time. At the time, there was never a master plan to do what I’m doing today, but some things just came along the way and I just naturally gravitated towards them and found that they were a good fit for me.
Krull: Was it the circumstances of life that lead you to the place you are today or would you say that your path was based on 100% actively conscious choices.
R.N: I would say it was a bit of both. I just think that I was determined to to this. My destiny.
Krull: Your Facebook profile reveals that you are a fashion student at Stockholm University. When did you seriously become interested in fashion as a possible career path?
R.N: I would say that I discovered Fashion as a career at the age of 18, when I was invited to model for a designer. It was after that experience that I decided to pursue Fashion as a career. Prior to that I had very little knowledge of the industry as such, and I wasn’t certain of which concentration I was interested in. However, I just knew that fashion was my lane.
I decided to apply for the Bachelor of Arts Program in Fashion Studies, at Stockholm University. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made, as it gave me a deeper knowledge and new level of understanding, which I apply to the work that I do today.
Krull: How did your studies develop and enhance your understanding of fashion as an art and industry?
R.N: The main reason I wanted to study fashion, was my lack of historical reference to fashion as an industry and also the art of it. I think knowing the history of fashion is incredibly important. To know the history of fashion, is to understand and appreciate it more. It puts things in perspective and also gives deeper meaning to the current shifts we see in today’s fashion. Believe me when I tell you. When you know the history, seeing a 250 USD price tag on a Chanel t-shirt, will make more sense. Because you will know its history and why.
Krull: You are also interested in Public Relations, (applied to Berghs), how do these fields intersect/mesh?
R.N: Yes! I realized that everything I’m doing is in many ways related to marketing. However, the catalyst of me pursuing it as a field of study, was an internship I did at a fashion-related PR agency. I liked how creative and ambitious you had to be. I see myself as a creative individual that love the art of creating.
Krull: What is your ”Fashion/Style Philosophy”?
R.N: I’ve got [sic] this question a lot from family and friends, and I’d say expression. I posted a quote on my Instagram the other day that says, “your style introduces you before you even speak.” I really believe in it. Dress as you want to be addressed.
Krull: What, in your opinion is the biggest challenge of the fashion industry? Especially in regards to menswear.
R.N: I’ll have to say breaking through the industry.
Krull: Who is your greatest role model and why?
R.N: Hate it or love it, but I’ll say Kanye West. I’m aware that he is seen as an arrogant man however, his creativity is what inspires me. He doesn’t adhere to the rules of being labeled or boxed in as a “rapper”. Which concurs with how I see myself. I don’t want to be labeled exclusively as a designer, youtuber, blogger or PR guy. I want to use my creativity wherever I find joy and satisfaction.
So yeah, the answer to your question will be Kanye.
Krull: What’s “bumping” in your headphones/speakers right now?
R.N: To say Drake would be so basic, so I’ll have to say Kent Jones-Don’t Mind
Krull: So if you could reflect on your personal taste, with regard to creating, what inspires you?
R.N: I get inspired by everything near me. From my mom, to Skepta (artist).
But mostly my mom, how determined and consistent she is, no matter what.
Krull: Describe your personal style. What is your favorite brand?
R.N: My personal style varies quite a bit. I’d say my personal style is combined with the 3 main styles of fashion, which are: street, class and comfy. I like street more than the others, because it’s a twist between class and comfy if you ask me. My favorite brands, I’d say Kevin Mukuri and Fear of God. Two different silhouettes and styles which I fell for. One stands for street and the more edgy and the other simplicity and minimalism.
Krull: Which projects are you currently working on? Of course we would love you to expound on Disturbing Stockholm.
R.N: [Hearty Laughter] You guys are keeping tabs on me. But yeah, Disturbing Stockholm is a project that my dear friends Kevin, Angelo and I started. It is created by young and creative minds for the purpose of expressing ourselves through fashion.
Krull: In your opinion, is artistry something one is born with or do you believe it is a skill/set of skills one works at developing?
R.N: Nothing is inborn, but you have to have a passion to have artistry.
I always say that, if you can go a whole year, doing what you do, without getting paid for it, then you have a passion for it. Regardless what it is. And I found my passion.
Krull: Please tell us about your latest trip to London. What was the purpose of the trip?
R.N: To be honest, nothing special. Just travel, meet my family, a change of environment and to live life.
Krull: Which place on earth is your favorite destination of travel? Where do you go mentally/physically to gain inspiration?
R.N: I’d love to travel to several places, Tokyo would be a place I’d really like to see. It’s so “un-American/un-European”, which I like. And they have cool fashion as well.
Krull: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
R.N: Doing what I love and I loving what I do. Successful; traveling the world; taking care of my mom and family.
Krull: What would you consider to be the ultimate goal? In which way(s) do you dream of influencing/changing the world?
R.N: I want to be an inspiration to the youth. They are the future. Show them how to believe in themselves and not let people limit their beliefs in themselves. “No one can determine what you can/will achieve but you/yourself”. And of course, become an icon in the fashion world, haha. R
