If Looks Could Kill

Frev, Amirul and Putera have a knack for capturing attention in any crowd - a single glance cast towards them and one is hooked on their distinct fashion.

Avant-garde and streetwear are fashion camps that have long existed as buzzwords in the scene. The genres are not novel, but when merged together, the union presents a niche subculture. Meet Opiumcore - a term proliferated by rapper Playboi Carti, whose record label Opium lent its name to the genre. The journey took flight in 2021, birthed by another metaphorical union between himself and Erik Arteaga (better known online as @burberry.erry). Arteaga was brought on board Opium as a creative consultant and stylist; shedding the skater-boy image of his online persona for an embrace of what truly catapulted him to fame: his unique approach to skatewear. It is difficult to imagine Carti's intent of redefining the streetwear landscape via signing Arteaga, but the blend of gothic, punk and street pillars has transcended, and Arteaga's dress choices have ultimately paved the way for an entirely new wave of fashion.