Heritage, Legacy and Craft: The Three Teachings of Parenthood

As I delve into the lives and thoughts of these extraordinary individuals, KwolleM and Bafic, I am struck by their unyielding spirit and relentless pursuit of innovation. Their stories are a testament to the power of breaking rules and challenging conventions.

The core values of Barbour are deeply rooted in tradition, heritage, and skill. Over the past 130 years, this British brand has evolved from specializing in weatherproof clothing to encompassing various cultural spheres and multiple uses, providing a diverse collection of robust everyday items.

Moving forward in the dynamic world of fashion, this label focuses on designing enduring, practical items designed for longevity. It resonates with both traditional enthusiasts and modern style advocates. By exploring its rich history, Barbour discovers a variety of distinctive crafting methods and materials that enhance the charm of their clothing.

As a devoted admirer, I’d say that striking a balance between innovation and respecting tradition is the secret behind Barbour’s captivating Heritage+ collection. The tales hidden in the archives and the almost-lost craftsmanship breathe life into these designs, which are beautifully brought to light through sketches. This blend of timeless techniques results in one-of-a-kind pieces that resonate with today’s style-conscious wearer, all while preserving the legacy that Barbour stands for.

According to Barbour, his particular traits closely resemble the ideals of parenting. For instance, wanting to improve their children’s lives, sharing valuable life lessons, and passing on a lasting legacy are common goals among parents. Balancing these responsibilities effectively is something many parents aim to do.

In a lively discussion, TopMob brings together father figures KwolleM (producer) and Bafic (photographer/director), to share insights about their respective fields and how they translate these experiences into their new roles as parents. They also emphasize on passing down their knowledge and skills to the upcoming generation.

The two London artists have a distinct perspective on building their careers in their chosen fields. For KwolleM, being a music producer extends beyond simply creating beats for lyrics; it involves expertly shaping a collection of work that reflects his values and ideas. As he puts it, “In my craft, I’m not just the producer of the music, but also an executive producer, guiding discussions. I don’t express myself through rapping, but rather, I need everyone involved to embody my energy and convey my thoughts.” In essence, KwolleM sees himself as eloquent even without using words, as his collaborators serve as his mouthpiece.

Moving forward in his career as one of the nation’s most captivating photographers and directors, Bafic’s path is still filled with milestones. His impressive portfolio, which includes the acclaimed documentation of Virgil Abloh’s debut Louis Vuitton Men’s show on 2ème Étage, showcases a distinctive visual style marked by bold color schemes and an intimate shooting approach. Drawing inspiration from the trailblazers who came before him, he admits that “music videos were my entry point into this.” Yet, unbeknownst to him at the time, his passion extended beyond just video production, as he was deeply engrossed in graphic design and branding during his early years. Consequently, it was only a matter of time before he would make his mark within the industry.

At its core, creativity stems from a natural sense of wonder. Exploring, questioning, and discovering answers opens up realms of fresh ideas, and uncovering hidden knowledge significantly impacts various sectors of our society. As Bafic puts it to TopMob, “I’m comfortable with not knowing and seeking to learn more. Then, it’s about using what I’ve discovered.” However, this trait isn’t something you are born with; instead, it’s a skill that one acquires. Working with Abloh broadened his perspective, teaching him how to view creativity from a corporate standpoint, which has greatly influenced his professional growth. “To be honest, the revelation was ‘I can exist.’ Watching [Virgil] present his first collection for LV, I watched him question things in meetings, and that’s when it clicked for me.

This confidence is what he seeks to impart in future generations by fostering curiosity and always welcoming questions, even the often-dreaded “Why?” However, teaching is not a one-way street for Bafic; he delights in discovering new things himself through his son’s innocent perspective. As he puts it, “Having a child is like I’m learning again — about the simplest things — but seeing them from his viewpoint makes them seem so fascinating.

Currently, my personal identity encompasses various aspects. At this moment, one significant part of me is being the father of Melo.

Heritage, Legacy and Craft: The Three Teachings of Parenthood

Although KwolleM’s musical releases are less frequent than the current trend, they remain eagerly awaited and receive critical praise, especially for his knack for staying contemporary, both musically and as a public figure. From being part of cutting-edge collectives to displaying a personal glimpse into family life through social media, he is equally revered for his fashion-forward influence as he is for his music. He recounts an instance where a child asked for a photo with him, and upon being asked if he knew his name, the child replied, “I don’t know his name, but he’s Melo’s dad.” This, he says, is a testament to his status. People recognize him as KwolleM, the face of A-COLD-WALL*, from Corteiz projects, even some who believe he owns Places+Faces. At this stage in his life, he identifies primarily as Melo’s father.

In their own words, taking on parenthood means embracing one’s authentic self more deeply and standing firm because that’s what their children require to see. Witnessing friends grow and start families has sparked this journey towards fatherhood for them. As KwolleM adds, they observe peers in the industry who balance parenting effectively while remaining true to themselves. Rather than focusing on the aspirational aspects of parenthood, such as making up for missed opportunities or living vicariously through their children, these creatives strive to share valuable lessons from their own life experiences – like the joys of nature and exploring new destinations.

It’s quite clear that being connected with these circles means their children will encounter other inspiring artists who share a love for the arts. This exposure is likely to instill a refined appreciation for culture within them, as they naturally absorb the creative talents of Walid [Labri], Gabriel Moses, and Clint [419]. KwolleM explains that this unique upbringing will offer them opportunities they may not have had before.

Despite their reservations, they are reluctant to forgo sharing the music industry experience, as Bafic puts it, “As a child, you hope your kids become artists, but as time passes, you understand that beauty comes from hardship.” KwolleM agrees, “I don’t wish for her to encounter the industry’s pressure and anxiety. There’s a sense of burden she’ll have to shoulder. Honestly, I’d prefer if she avoided it altogether.

At its core, craftwork involves trying new things and pushing boundaries by creating something novel.

Heritage, Legacy and Craft: The Three Teachings of Parenthood

KwolleM emphasizes that rules are often meant to be challenged in his pursuit for individuality. He explains that conforming to these rules restricts one from reaching their full potential, as it confines them within predefined expectations. Instead, he believes that achieving personal goals and acquiring desirable possessions requires thinking outside the box set by society. This philosophy of bold ambition is passed down to his daughter, who he encourages to understand her path to success and pursue her dreams with confidence. He approves of her actions as long as she knows how to navigate the journey and has self-assurance.

Craft encompasses a variety of subjects, all revolving around complex techniques and traditions. No matter where it is applied, the key to progress in these areas lies in understanding the past and figuring out how to move forward. According to Bafic, at its core, craft involves trying new things and venturing beyond existing boundaries. With a strong emphasis on curiosity, he encourages everyone to challenge, question, and innovate within their respective fields. Essentially, this means taking traditional concepts and transforming them into something fresh and original – from making a unique type of jacket or turning grapes into wine, to composing music for an orchestra. It’s for those who aren’t content with doing what everyone else has done before; it’s about pushing the boundaries, creating something new that others will eventually follow.

“…the best things happen when different environments come together to make something new.”

As a gamer, I’m all about pushing boundaries and creating something fresh. Just like KwolleM, I’ve been experimenting with a unique blend I call “chilled grit.” It’s got that raw, fast-paced energy of grime, but mixed with mellow beats that give it a whole new feel. There are no hard and fast rules here – innovation thrives on breaking the norm. I knew this mix was unconventional, like oil and water, but that’s what makes it exciting. It’s these niche areas that keep our creative scene vibrant, evolving, and birth new genres. Collaboration is key in my book. The most amazing creations happen when different worlds collide to form something entirely new. I love the idea of sharing resources and knowledge, because each contributor brings a unique perspective to the table.

As a dedicated fan, I’m blown away by KwolleM’s latest EP, “Melo,” which serves as a heartfelt tribute to his new role as a father. The title itself is a testament to his daughter, from the straightforward opening track “GIRLDAD” to “Talk to Me,” a poignant exploration of a breakup that he believes his daughter will one day experience herself. This album truly showcases KwolleM’s skills as an executive producer. In his own words, “I want Melo to come to the concert, bring the CD, and say my dad made this.” His vision was always to create something that would make his daughter proud, serve as a cherished memory, and inspire her aspirations.

Bafic muses thoughtfully over a quote about parenting that suggests a strong father is content to sow a seed from which he won’t be able to enjoy the shade. He wonders, ‘Is a sign of good parenthood when your child encounters challenges during their twenties and seeks your guidance?’

Heritage, Legacy and Craft: The Three Teachings of Parenthood

Observe KwolleM and Bafic delve into the subject of innovation via tradition, inheritance, and skill in the complete video available above. For a chance to acquire items donned by these artists, browse through the galleries. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the entire Heritage+ line on the brand’s official website right away.

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