The best looks of A$AP Rocky, Ray-Ban’s first creative director

Over a fifteen-year span, A$AP Rocky has established himself as one of the leading figures in men’s fashion. For each of his public appearances, the member of the New York hip-hop collective A$AP Mob is vying to be the most elegant and imposing himself with an impeccable style, combining streetwear and luxury brands. As he has just been appointed new creative director of Ray-Ban, Numéro takes a look back at the artist’s best looks…

by Nathan Merchadier.

Publié le 1 march 2025. Modifié le 3 March 2025.

A$AP Rocky, US rap’s major fashion icon

Since the release of his debut album Long. Live. A$AP in 2013, Rakim Mayers, aka A$AP Rocky, has established himself as one of the most influential and respected rappers of his generation. Beyond his musical talents, the Harlem-born artist has also made a name for himself in the fashion scene.

Like his fellow members of the New York collective A$AP Mob, he has always had a keen eye for clothes, navigating between luxury and streetwear with disconcerting ease. In some of his lyrics, the rapper expresses his huge admiration for fashion designers, singing the praises of Belgian designer Raf Simons in the track RAF (2017) or of designers Jil Sanders and Ann Demeulemeester in Fashion Killa (2013).

Among his other main sources of admiration, the multi-talented artist also cites the famous American stylist Rick Owens and shows a keen interest for the world of fashion… Within a decade, A$AP Rocky has undeniably established himself as a true reference in terms of style.

A$AP Rocky’s style at the crossroads between luxury and streetwear

Yet, it is hard to pin A$AP Rocky down to a single aesthetic, given his many influences. From his earliest music videos to his most recent red carpet appearances, he has always mastered the art of layering, while combining striking accessories with daring looks.

His obvious love of luxury brands, notably pieces by Raf Simons, Givenchy or Balenciaga, is combined with an obsession for vintage and cutting-edge looks. Whether he is wearing a Prada tracksuit or an oversized suit for the Bottega Veneta pre-spring 2024 campaign, A$AP Rocky’s styling skills have put him at the top of the men’s fashion game today.

Rihanna and A$AP Rocky: an influential power couple in the fashion industry

In 2021, the rapper caused a sensation on the red carpet of the MET Gala, whose theme was “In America: A Lexicon of Fashion”, when he showed up wrapped up in an imposing colourful coat designed by the Californian brand ERL. Two years later, at the 2023 ceremony, he left his mark in a total Gucci look, alongside his partner Rihanna, dressed in a gorgeous, immaculate look by Maison Valentino.

Each of his public appearances is an opportunity for the rapper to take new risks. Among floral prints, kilts designed by Vivienne Westwood and imposing leather boots, he blurs the lines of traditional fashion and asserts his unique aesthetic, thus inspiring an entire generation.

More recently, in June 2024, the Italian fashion house Bottega Veneta celebrated Father’s Day with a moving campaign that plunged us into the private life of A$AP Rocky and his two children, born of his union with Rihanna. The ultimate proof that the couple’s image fascinates us as much as it intrigues us…

When the fashion world joins forces with rappers

Today, A$AP Rocky is no longer merely influencing the fashion scene, but has become a key player in it. In June 2024, he unveiled the first show of his label American Sabotage during the Paris Men’s Fashion Week. And on February 21st, 2025, he was appointed creative director of the famous eyewear brand Ray-Ban, thus joining the limited circle of rappers who have gone beyond their status of simple artists to become key figures on the creative landscape.

Pharrell Williams also marked a turning point with his new position as creative director of the men’s collections at Louis Vuitton in 2023, following in the footsteps of Virgil Abloh and his legacy. Meanwhile, Travis Scott has made numerous forays into fashion, especially through his collaboration with Kim Jones at Dior.

The “Jack Dior Cactus” collection, presented for the Spring/Summer 2022 season, was a first in the history of the house. Never before had a musical artist co-signed an entire line with them. Blending the heritage of couture with streetwear influences, the collection has redefined the boundaries between luxury and urban culture, perfectly illustrated in the way artists are shaping the fashion industry today.

Still, A$AP Rocky is not a newbie in the fashion industry. His collaboration with Puma on the Mostro sneaker in September 2024 was remarkable for its avant-garde approach and the merging of a retro sportswear heritage with a resolutely contemporary aesthetic.

A$AP Rocky – Tailor Swif (2024).

Don’t Be Dumb: an album scheduled for 2025?

In addition to his meteoric rise in the fashion world, his musical comeback is eagerly awaited too. The release of his fourth record, Don’t Be Dumb (2025), had been announced, then postponed many times, but could finally see the light of day this year. Besides, his recent acquittal in a court case that could have put a damper on his success is another sign that A$AP Rocky is about to make a resounding comeback…

Traduction Emma Naroumbo Armaing.