Fashion has always been more than just clothing; it's a lifestyle. And in today's digital landscape, where social media reigns supreme, the intersection of fashion, film, and influencer culture has never been more prominent. Enter Jean-Luc Lukunku, a 28-year-old aspiring actor and musician, a visionary who seamlessly melds humor, clout chasing, and a love for the sartorial into an inspiring narrative that's as captivating as it is relevant.
FORM: A lot of your content has focused around making fun of clout chasers and influencers in the fashion community, and clearly, it's a prevalent subculture in the industry. How do you think these people impact the fashion scene? Are they a necessary evil because they are the ones with the influence?
JEAN-LUC: It's such a weird time in fashion. I love it, though. I think I definitely make fun of it because I love it versus making fun of it like “this shit sucks”. I'm friends with a lot of fashion influencers, and not even just the influencers, but the writers that I’m working with at GQ. You know, for me, it was just kind of a funny world to be in. I think it's just kind of like, we're all getting stressed out about clothes. There's got to be a point where we kind of just see what's going on right now, people are dying. We are literally like, “Yo, bro, like, my fit is brick, but I only got 10 likes!” or “bro did you see my Grailed? Someone beat me out of it!”, you know, it's just so dumb.
Jean-Luc’s journey began in the realm of music production, but it was his knack for blending comedic flair with fashion that truly set him apart. In a world where TikTok has become the new television, he found his niche, carving out a space where authenticity and individuality reign supreme.
FORM: In a world crowded by micro-celebrities and brands with the rise of social media, how do you find the space to create your own lane? What advice do you have for someone who is trying to?
JEAN-LUC: I think it's figuring out the best way to be different and be yourself. Don't be afraid to try different ways to find that thing that’s going to help you pivot to your goal. If your vision is to make a following on TikTok as yourself or if you have a brand and you’re trying to get it out there on TikTok don't be afraid of just pivoting different ways and pivoting a lot. I've been trying to do this for a minute, and would have never thought that I would have gotten famous for being funny, [...] Sometimes sticking to that thing that you really want to do, if you really want to make a certain type of content, stick to that, it just may not work for a little bit, don't think that because it's not working for you, you're bad, or you're not talented, you just haven't figured out the best way to get it to the right people and that's where I'm still at. I’m trying to get my music to more people and I'm trying to get myself to more people.
In an era where the lines between influencer and artist blur, Jean-Luc stands out as a beacon of creativity. His ability to infuse music with fashion is unparalleled, drawing inspiration from icons like Lenny Kravitz and Mick Jagger, as well as the gritty allure of 90's rave and rap culture to make dance music with a rock and roll twist to it.
But it's not just about the clothes; it's about the story they tell. For Jean-Luc, fashion is a visual manifestation of his music, a means of conveying different eras and moods within his career. From the rebellious spirit of rock-and-roll to the sleek sophistication of 90's Tom Ford, each outfit serves as a chapter in his ever-evolving narrative.
FORM: What is the relationship that fashion and music have in your view? Where do you get the inspiration for your music from?
JEAN-LUC: When I first started, you know, I've been making music for a bit now. When I first started making music, YouTube was still the biggest visual method of getting a music video out. Half of what I love about music has been the music videos, I always loved looking at Prince, Madonna, Michael Jackson, these classic artists that would have these crazy music videos. Michael Jackson's relationship with Balmain, like back in the day he was one of the first OG’s to wear those types of things. Kanye as well, everything that he's done in the fashion and music industry as well. What you're wearing can kind of signify, a certain era of your career and so I've always loved that. I'm always thinking about the fashion but it comes less when I'm making the song, it'll be definitely after the songs done but when I'm making the song I'll think the visuals, not necessarily as specific as an outfit. But then after the song is kind of done, and I'm always thinking about the outfits.
Discover Jean-Luc's newest song, New Baby:
Yet, amidst the glitz and glamour of the influencer world, Jean-Luc remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself. As he aptly puts it, "Be yourself, be different, and don't be afraid to find your own lane." In a landscape saturated with trends and fleeting fame, his words ring truer than ever.
But with this newfound accessibility comes the challenge of authenticity. Jean-Luc recognizes the fine line between inspiration and imitation, advocating for a nuanced approach that pushes boundaries without sacrificing originality.
FORM: How do you differentiate between being inspired by something versus copying it?
JEAN-LUC: If you can push something forward and figure out ways to tweak it and make it yours, I think that that's a way that you can be inspired by something and also mixing things together. Maybe you're not overtly copying one collection, or one look, but you're able to kind of make a mood board spread you’ll be able to kind of mix everything together, is, I would say, the best way to do it.
In essence, Jean-Luc embodies the art of pivoting in the digital age. He reminds us that success isn't measured by fleeting fame or viral moments but by staying true to our passions and embracing the journey, one TikTok video at a time. So whether you're a budding influencer or a seasoned fashionista, take a page from Jean-Luc's playbook and dare to carve your own path in this ever-evolving landscape.
