To Be #8

To Be #8

‘Multi-hyphenate’ and ‘multi-disciplinary’ are labels for individuals who embody numerous roles. Yet, the idea of excelling in various fields contradicts what we’re taught growing up: choose one profession, follow one path, be one thing. In fashion—and the creative world at large—that simply isn’t possible. Writers are artists, musicians are graphic designers, directors are actors. Why is this the case? Partly because our industries are under-resourced and largely under-funded, requiring people to take on multiple roles. But more fundamentally, creative people can indeed do many things. And, more importantly, they want to. This issue of to Be explores this very impulse to adapt and redefine our positions, our inclination to shapeshift into the many roles we play.

Issue 08 features Michelle Zauner, lead singer of Japanese Breakfast and bestselling author of Crying in H Mart, a memoir exploring the death of her mother. As Sean Gilbert writes, Michelle moves between her professions seamlessly, fully inhabiting each one to show that “identity can be both various and joyfully mutable.” German photographer Norbert Schoerner explains how he navigates photography, film and book publishing, using these various mediums to bring his many ideas to life. David Lane, practically a chameleon, moves between creative director, editor and manager as if playing musical chairs, hopping and dancing until he hears a pause. Artists Sarah Drinan, Lucas Blalock and Eric N. Mack—each extraordinary in their own right—reveal and obscure ideas through their painterly, digital or textile works. We also hear from Australian fashion designer Edward Cuming and British jewellers Nichola Farnan and Ben Chaplin of CC-Steding, the latter who alters metals into unexpected forms. The issue includes a two-part interview with musicians Spike Fuck and William J. Canning who together reflect on the evolution of their personal and professional lives, showing how adaptability is key to longevity in any creative field. Fashion stories by Maximiliano Dal Masetto, Rose Guiheux, Levon Baird, Stephanie Cammarano, Maria Koutroumpi, Lilli Waters and Jan Philipzen explore the art of concealment through storytelling, illusion and, of course, clothes—the very articles we use to exemplify the sundry versions of ourselves.

In some ways, this magazine has been shaped—perhaps even challenged—by its name, always questioning what it wants to be or not to be. In this issue, however, it feels closer to finding its identity, thanks to the incredible individuals who have contributed to its pages. If this issue has one message, it’s that it’s acceptable to say, “Fuck Off” and not apologise for who you want to be.