Stone Island's München Kollektiv is Munich's Creative A-Team

FASHION DESIGNER CHELO IS THE VISIONARY FOUNDER OF MUNICH’S POPULAR BRAND THATBOII. RENOWNED FOR GRAPHIC TEES, IT PROVIDES HIGH QUALITY STREETWEAR IN LIMITED DROPS THAT SELL-OUT LICKETY SPLIT.

Beyond the fashion realm Chelo also thrives as a DJ and curator of his own show on URD- MUNICH. His passion for music spills into his fashion design in projects like thatboii.wave, online and in exclusive music sets directed at fans of the brand. His creative prowess is hard to miss through his seamless fusion of style and sound.

TALK TO US A BIT ABOUT HOW YOU GOT INTO MUSIC. WHAT DREW YOU INTO THE WORLD OF HIP-HOP WHEN YOU WERE YOUNGER?

Music has played an extremely significant role in my life for as long as I can remember. My mom, who's from Zambia, always had something playing in the background, whether she was cooking or at her Afroshop. My siblings and I also started playing instruments early on, and I chose drums at that time. While I've enjoyed various music genres, hip-hop provided me with many ways to identify, which sometimes felt lacking in the small town where I grew up. As a teenager, I began DJing and used my first holiday job earnings to buy two turntables and a mixer. Hip-hop icons like Methodman/Redman, Pharrell Williams, and Jay-Z had a significant influence on my youth musically and even fashion-wise.

WHY DID YOU START THATBOII? CAN YOU TELL US A BIT ABOUT WHAT IT MEANS TO YOU?

During my studies, I founded my first small fashion label, ‘real/nice/easy,’ which didn't really take off, but helped me recognize my passion and talent for design and taking initiative. I felt the urge to start something on my own, using the modest following I had gained from DJing as a launching pad. I started with a small drop featuring caps with the THATBOII logo. They sold out quickly, which motivated me to take further steps—and voilà, here we are! The best part about THATBOII is that it's not just a fashion label, but a creative collective with a cool community. From secret sessions with thatboii.wave to sundaytapes, I now have the opportunity to express myself on various levels, which is a special feeling as it represents me in a unique way.

RAPPERS AND MUSICIANS HAVE BEEN KNOWN TO LOVE STONE ISLAND CLOTHING. DO YOU THINK THE IDENTITY OF THE BRAND HAS SOMETHING IN COMMON WITH THE HIP-HOP SCENE?

I believe both worlds share some commonalities. Both Stone Island as a brand and the hip-hop scene are continually evolving. They're not static; both are open to innovations and external influences. I would even go as far as saying that their ongoing success is rooted in their ability to evolve and view their surroundings as enriching.

DO YOU WEAR STONE ISLAND OFTEN? WHAT DOES IT SYMBOLIZE TO YOU?

I'm really impressed by how Stone Island has remained relevant for decades. They emphasize textile research, innovative color combinations, and designed in Italy — this combination and the entire brand identity fascinates and inspires me. I would love to explore the Stone Island archive one day!

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT TO GET OUT TO OTHER YOUNG CREATIVES IN MUNICH?

Just go for it. It sounds simple, but seriously — I'm a big fan of taking action without being overly self-critical. While setbacks and disappointments might come along, I believe that in the long run, this approach pays off. Being bold, thinking in small steps, and taking action have, in my experience, always led to success in the end.