Who Is John Ross?
- Words Scott Santiago
- Date September 27, 2017
If you are one of the many who have trudged through the fashion and music realms of social media in the past few years, there’s a good chance you have seen a seemingly misplaced kid with a curiously long set of bangs next to your favorite rapper. Enter John Ross, the mysterious wunderkind with mind-boggling industry connections and the exclusive streetwear-meets-high-end garments to match. But how has he infiltrated this exclusive industry at such a young age? To find out, Grailed sat down with the budding creative to learn who he is and what exactly it is that he does. Read our illuminating conversation with John below and then shop select pieces from his personal archive.
Photography by Scott Santiago.
For starters, can you tell us a little bit about who you are, where you’re from and what you’re up to?
I'm John Ross. I'm 17 from Los Angeles, CA. I do creative direction, designing, modeling and consulting for different brands and artists. I'm launching my own brand 'SEVENTH HEAVEN' later this fall.
What’s the typical day like for John Ross?
It's mainly the same as any normal kid. I might be designing or be in the studio unless I have a shoot. Other than that, I'm just running around, shopping, playing video games, trying to get into adventures and such.
What’s the deal with Sake? Can you let us know about the store? How involved are you with the brand? It seems to be having a bit of the moment, but I’m not sure people know much about it.
Sake was my friend's Jack Phoenix brand before he passed away. We wanted to continue it 'cause he left a bunch of his art. His family runs it. I was working on it, but I stepped away due to person differences with some of the people involved. I'm planning on having some tributes to him with my new line, though.
You’ve been hanging out with guys like Chief Keef and Playboi Carti for quite some time. What is your relationship like with them? Do you work on projects together or do you guys just kick it?
I met Carti a while ago right when he moved to L.A. and we've been close friends ever since. I've helped him with outfits and designed some merch for him. He helps me with my brand too. He's like a big brother to me.
With Chief Keef, that's my favorite artist ever since I was like 13. When he moved out here from Chicago, that's when I met him. We're just on the same shit I feel like, mentally and creatively. He's the most under-appreciated artist. He's like a new Cobain type figure to me. I'm helping with some Glo Gang collaborations and such with my boy Cas who runs it with him. We're gonna make some crazy shit.
It goes without question that you have an affinity for fashion and style. What or who initially sparked this?
It came in cycles. It started from skating and hanging out on Fairfax. Then, after meeting some of the guys I looked up to, like Bari, that's when I started figuring out my favorite designers and such.
Style-wise, I think I take the most from Kurt Cobain. He's my all-time favorite. Then, some of my favorite skaters and just my friends.
Are there any designers or brands right now that you’re particular feeling?
Bari and VLONE. Gianni Mora's line Helder Vices. Greg Lauren is killing it. Rick forever. Some different Japanese shit. Oh, and Matt Williams' Alyx Studio. That's my favorite if I had to pick.
But honestly, I feel like it's just dry right now. That's why I think it's the best time for me to drop my own brand. I think it's something kids like me would really appreciate at this time.
How would you describe your personal style?
My whole thing is just like high-low. It's a trend right now, but not necessarily how I like it. I'm a kid, so I'm directly inspired by what I see in the streets first hand. It feels authentic when I do it because I'm not just an older type figure who's in it for the wrong reasons, trying to understand what kids like. Even the guys that are idolized and are "for the youth," are still like fucking 25. I just turned 17, so I'm just a kid and I can relate to other kids and what they want to see both style-wise and design wise, so it's real.
I don't even really care about fashion, to be honest, I just like nice shit. I could go from wearing full Raf, Rick—all higher-end fashion—to wearing Glo Gang sweatsuits for a week. I just like what I like.
What’s next for you? Any projects coming up that you can share with us?
I'm working on new VLONE with Bari, new projects with different artists. I'm working on a label with Tay-K. And my brand, 'SEVENTH HEAVEN,' is dropping as well.