Every year, Forbes releases its highly-coveted, much-anticipated 30 under 30 lists. Covering everything from business to culture, this year the specific Art & Culture list played host to a couple of familiar faces. One of which being Khaby Lame.
Although you may not have ever heard him speak, you’ve most likely seen Khaby’s face at some point in the last couple of years. After losing his factory job in Italy due to the pandemic, Khaby downloaded TikTok – making silent videos where he would react and respond to ‘life hacks’, pointing out their absurdity and over-complexity. They say a picture paints a thousand words – and Khaby’s TikToks take this concept and run with it: relying on his facial expressions to craft a narrative that is understood, and liked, universally.
After several viral videos, Khaby is now the second most-followed creator on the app – amassing 137 million followers. Add a starring role in Hugo Boss’ rebrand and campaign and a seat on the jury of Cannes Film Festival, and Khaby Lame has come to symbolise the modern day Gen Z celebrity – so it’s no surprise that he is the face of Forbes’ Art & Culture 30 under 30 list this year.
Another inclusion on this year’s list is Asal Tehrani – founder and CEO of fashion brand Susamusa. Initially starting as a vintage reseller on Depop, Susamusa built up a huge following on the app for its carefully curated collection of vintage pieces and sought-after trend items. One of her loyal customers? Bella Hadid – who is regularly spotted in Susamusa finds.
Since then, the brand has put on a number of pop ups, and gone on to release their own designs, now identifying as a ‘vintage inspired label’. Dropping lines that make up every it-girl’s dream wardrobe, the brand is stocked in Selfridges’ HURR rental service, as well as still being seen regularly on Bella Hadid. Asal’s inclusion on this year’s list is a win for Depop Girlies everywhere.
In the arts sphere, photographer Christina Ebenezer continues to make big moves. The creative was named as one of the NEW WAVE talents to watch late last year by the BFC, who appear to have forecasted correctly as she now makes the Forbes list. Photographing the covers of major magazines as well as producing countless eye-catching campaigns, Christina’s place in the fashion photography scene is not to be minimised.
As is Chet Lo’s – the CSM and Fashion East alumni designer whose designs have been spotted everywhere over the last year. From Kylie to Doja, Chloe Cherry to Tayce, Chet Lo makes pieces for the modern day fashion icons. Known for his signature knit technique (inspired by durian fruit), vibrant colours and maximalist silhouettes, Chet is producing some of fashion’s most exciting emerging work, something Forbes has recognised by including him on its list.
These four creatives are in good company, too, with the rest of the list spanning everything from fashion entrepreneurs to chefs, poets and more. With Depop success stories to TikTok’s brightest talent making the list this year, it’s clear that Forbes’ focus has shifted into the digital sphere, spotlighting creativity from internet corners as well as traditional arts spaces. Check out our picks and the full list here.
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