The Evolution of Playboi Carti’s Style Playboi Carti was voted the best dressed in high school. Years later and the rapper still withholds this title as he is arguably one of hip-hop’s leading style icons. Carti’s initial adoration for fashion was inspired by the rap collective Odd Future, where his early-2010s style would evidently reflect a young Tyler, the Creator wearing mostly snapbacks, bold graphics and tie-dye tees. In 2014, Carti had little funds for his wardrobe and music. He would create homemade music videos to save money while still flexing his style mostly made up of skinny jeans, sports jerseys & the occasional streetwear piece he could afford. In 2015, Carti posted on Instagram a rare Supreme piece that caught the eye of Ian Connor. The two quickly became friends over their shared love for streetwear. Connor helped Carti’s style and career pick up speed by promoting his music & connecting him with A$AP Mob. Carti was quickly noticed in 2017 with the release of his self-titled album, being selected as an XXL freshman, having a verse on the A$AP Mob single “RAF”, & walking the runway at Virgil Abloh’s 2017 debut show for Louis Vuitton. During his 2020 ‘Whole Lotta Red’ era, Carti began wearing horns, fangs, dark makeup and almost exclusively Rick Owens and Raf Simons. Carti exhibited a new dark, punk-rock aesthetic that alluded fans to build the rumour that he may be a vampire in real life. In 2022, Carti stepped out in extravagant makeup, a fishnet top, and a vibrant fur jacket at the Donda 2 listening party. Carti’s new look immediately turned into an internet meme for his attire resembling WWE fighter Jeff Hardy, but fans still marvelled over how bold and unique his attire was. Carti has developed a mass cult following not just for his music but personal style. Fans are obsessed with the corner-cutting, unique attire the artist represents. Carti understands his proportions, colour palettes, trends & how to properly style himself. At the end of the day, Carti’s style is not about owning the most exclusive, high-end pieces in fashion, but about how he chooses to piece together his looks which has given him his own personal steeze.