IDENTITY SERIES: TYLER MAZAHERI
Next up in this ongoing series where we explore the concept of identity we talked to Tyler Mazaheri. We´ve been following Tyler for a while now and we love his sensitivity and how he pushes things forward through his aesthetic. Clothing is so much more than the garments you wear and Tyler inspires us to see things in a new way and highlight important issues through his expression. Read the full interview here.
You were born and raised in the American Mid West. How much of your upbringing do you think has shaped who you are today?
As hard as it was to grow up where I did, I wouldn’t have it any other way. The eighteen years I spent there gave me the perspective and work ethic I carry with me now, and I cannot fathom any privileged upbringing in LA or elsewhere would’ve been able to do the same. I am who I am today because of where I came from and I don’t want to ever forget that, that’s the whole reason why I have ‘Smalltown Boy’ tattooed on my forearm.
Do you think that the premises of what we build our identities on are changing with the younger generations today?
100 percent. I think today’s generation is much more concerned with forming their own individualistic way of expressing their identity than any other generation before us. With the rise of social media and the explosion of creative industries in the past two decades or so, standing out as your own person is more incentivized than ever.
Historically, traditional ideas about gender have been a major indicator when it comes to Identity. How do you think breaking free from these norms will change how we look at identity in the future?
I think as we stray from traditional concepts of gender and let people express themselves in a more fluid manner, we can begin to evaluate and understand one another in more nuanced, less rigid ways. There are far more significant facets to a person than how outwardly masculine/feminine they dress, so let how we look at others follow suit.
How important is fashion in communicating who you are?
I’ve always said this, but I seriously believe that when you enter a room, what you’re wearing is your first, and maybe your most important, introduction. Before you even get the chance to say anything aloud, you’ve already told so much about who you are by what you chose to put on that morning. I know this is scary to think about and puts a lot of pressure on something that seems so menial and mundane, but in many ways fashion is a lot more serious than just pieces of clothing.
We love your aesthetic and sensitivity in your work. What are you working on next?
Thank you so much, I’m so flattered.
That’s a great question—I’m really just going with the flow right now and seeing where the world takes me. I will say, I’ve been missing what it felt like to put together more produced creative projects since taking a leave from university so I hope to attend more to that side of myself creatively in the coming months. You know, dust off the old photo & design chops haha.