You were similarly enamored with Skechers at one point. Was that just on some fashion-troll-stunt-shit?

That was a realization. I was thinking about how everything I own is name brand. It’s not supposed to be about that. It’s about style. Everyone called the Raf [sneakers] ugly at first. They were all like, “Ew, what are those?” But then when they saw that I was wearing them and that Rocky was wearing them, or Bari, then they weren’t ugly anymore. I thought about how people talk down on Skechers when they fucking look the same as Rafs. They’re so similar. They’re the same idea. They’re just different colors.

So it’s performance art?

I don’t wear them anymore but I felt it when I did. I wanted to make a point. I wore these most of the time in Paris. I ate dinner with Kanye West in fucking Skechers. He commented on them but he actually got it. The next week, we were at the A.P.C. party and I had on my Rafs and he goes, “I see you’ve got on your Rafs today. I guess they’re the same as Skechers.”

What was it like meeting Raf?

Meeting Raf was legit crazy. I actually didn’t know that I’d meet him that day, I just had this sense of hope ’cause it was the day of his show. After the show, everyone wants to be on you and take a picture, and Rocky’s like, “We out if there’s a crowd.” He feels the same way about Raf as I do but he knows that if he doesn’t say what’s up he can still catch him for dinner, since they have a personal relationship. Rocky always talks to Raf about my tattoos. When I met him, I lifted up my shirt and he was like, “Oh, you’re Ian. I’ve heard so much about you. You and Rocky and I should get dinner when I get back to New York.” It was so fire because I know Raf stays to himself. He feels the same pressure I do being around a lot of people, but it’s 10 times worse for him. He’s so shy and he’s not going to give you a serious convo unless he knows what you’re about or unless you deserve that. With everyone around him he just feels like they don’t really care or get it, so he stays to himself. Getting those words from him with his smile was so genuine. I was like, fuck yeah. It was right.

You just got new Raf ink on your chest. Is he still your favorite designer?

It’s not Raf anymore. One of my favorite designers right now is Shane Gonzales from MIDNIGHT. Shane is just ill. He gets it.

Aren’t you biased, though, since you work with Shane?

I would’ve said Raf but even Raf is over fashion.

Right. He said in a recent Elle interview that there’s a lack of mystique.

These designers are trying to be pop stars. Riccardo [Tisci] is more focused on taking a selfie with Kim K.

But don’t you hate-follow Riccardo on Instagram like everyone else?

I’ve never followed him. I just have a picture with him. Bari took it. It was so sus. He had his arm around my waist.