Ali Abdi aka La Beaste is the chief executive of The Fashion Label also known as Thrift Trendy, a fashion enterprise he created at the age of 19. He dresses to impress and is known for his trademark trendy streetwear. He talks to Chebet Korir about his journey into fashion and style

How did Thrift Trendy come into existence? 

I’ve always had a passion for fashion since I was a small boy. I never liked the clothes my parents bought for me, so I told myself that I will one day go over and beyond to make sure that I looked good.

As I grew older, I decided to expand my creativity to fashion and design, and in the course of this expansion, Thrift Trendy was born in 2019.

Who is your target clientele? 

My target market is mostly the millennial male, but I am trying to penetrate to the female market too by introducing something for them too. This 2021 will see the label expand further.

What are some of the challenges you faced when starting off? 

Getting finances to kick-start the process was the main challenge. I still have a lot of projects and ideas, but I can’t finalise or realise them without the funds. 

Has the upsurge in online shopping, especially during the Covid-19 era, boosted your business?

It has been great, I’d say. During this time of the pandemic, my online clients have supported my hustle without holding back. I hope the trend continues even after Covid-19.

A majority of them have the ‘sneakerhead’ culture, so shoes have been the top selling items over the period. 

What’s your fashion advise this season? 

First, do not overdress and always match your clothes and blend the right outfits. Secondly, watch the weather. This time is mostly hot, so I would recommend shorts, rubbers, light shirts and pants.

Which were your highlight street outfits in 2020?

My La Beastie cream and baby pink hoodies and sweat pants, Louis Vuitton monogram jacket and shorts by Virgil Ablohthe and Thrasher Magazine (a skateboard brand) hoodie and sweat pants that I wore with Prad Cloudbustsall-white that launched in October.

Then there was the Supreme hoodie and shorts that I matched with Supreme Airforce kicks. 

Do you have a favourite dress up routine?

I mostly dress according to the themes that come with the different days of the week. But almost always I match my shoes with the top. My style is generally creative, simple and street.

It boils down to my personality because I am a man of the people and I love socialising.

Is there one specific item you always wear?

Yes. I have a ring that I was gifted by my mother as a charm. Can’t miss it.

What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?

Jordan 4’s Metallica. I treasure them the most.  

If you had to pick a personal designer, who would it be and why?

Virgil Abloh, the creative director of Louis Vuitton and CEO of street brand Offwhite. He is the role model for every designer and stylist and has genius street styles. 

We’ll never catch you dead wearing?

Safari boots. They are too outdated. 

What is your style secret weapon?

Matching my shoes and tops.