SUMMER AND STYLE WITH KOJ: LOOKING CLEAN AND FEELING FRESH

The last time I caught up with KOJ, we were lounging on the sun-kissed grass of Stanley Park. Today, we’re in the heart of Anfield, not amidst the roaring stadium crowd but surrounded by the hum of laundry machines at Kitty’s Laundrette.

This community hub, nearly as iconic as the nearby LFC ground, transforms into our photography studio. KOJ, an emblematic figure of urban fashion, emerges with a statement.

His night-wash look suits the colder-than-usual summer, where waterproofs and hoodies are essentials for late evening adventures. This piece delves into KOJ’s unique fashion journey, blending past influences with present trends.

KOJ is notorious for rocking the freshest outfits, and today’s look showcases the North-South fusion of Liverpool’s street fashion. The Greenbank-born rapper, a head-turner in the Scouse rap scene for years, holds a box of Flash washing powder, embodying a playful yet polished vibe.

Draped in a Gore-Tex jacket, KOJ exemplifies the “Gorp” style—utilitarian, functional, and outdoorsy. “It’s a nod to North Liverpool’s old-school style,” explains Rhys, our on-scene stylist. KOJ got his Lowe gear from local reseller Karlos.Kargo, maintaining a relationship that sustains the community fashion space.

Collaboration is KOJ’s game these days, working with local creatives across Liverpool. “I jump at any chance to work with the people I vibe with,” he tells us.

His cap, from the Liverpool Outsider Store, is part of the Gramicci x and wander collection—tough, light, and quick-drying. “It’s techy and up-to-date,” notes Rhys, highlighting its reflective design for added safety.

Rhys draws inspiration from Goldie, a Stussy icon. “KOJ is having fun, looking street, and embracing his scally roots,” Rhys laughs. Goldie’s tough-guy look with a smile influences KOJ’s balance of edge and approachability.

KOJ’s wardrobe is about more than staying dry; it’s about staying relevant. His mix of brands showcases a metamorphosis from old-school influences to modern streetwear. The festival-ready outfit ensures he’s prepared for any weather while maintaining a crisp, fresh look.

His pants are from Palace, a UK-based skateboarding and clothing brand, reflecting KOJ’s skateboarding past. Rhys acquired them from another local rapper, adding an edgy streetwear staple to KOJ’s ensemble. “This project is about being a villain with a conscience—a loner with a tribe,” Rhys muses.

KOJ’s journey is solo, but it takes a community to thrive. One of his upcoming singles involves producing three separate videos for one track, a testament to his collaborative spirit.

Rhys highlights KOJ’s evolving style, shifting from past favorites like Supreme to current loves such as Palace and Stussy. The Nike NT trainers, a three-way collab between Nike Air Max Plus, F.C. Barcelona, and Patta, flaunt a gradient of Deep Royal Blue and Noble Red, representing Barcelona FC’s colors and KOJ’s childhood love for football.

The Berghaus jumper is a throwback. “Growing up, you always had a hoodie on, and grey is nostalgic of youth,” Rhys explains. Berghaus, a middle-ground brand before North Face took over, serves as a mid-layer under KOJ’s jacket. The nostalgia factor is strong, merging technical wear with fashion.

We’ve moved from lounging on the grass to washing our clothes and cleaning up our image. A paisley North Face hoodie sits in the washing basket, part of KOJ’s evolving look. Sunglasses add to the ‘ready for anything’ vibe, paired with his waterproof coat.

KOJ’s ensemble tells a story. The Patta Barcelona trainers, reminiscent of his ‘Wavy Joe’ days, paired with a Lowe Alpine coat from the 90s, represent the regional influences shaping his look. His purple hat adds a distinctive touch, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge style. KOJ’s look today is a masterclass in balancing function and fashion, perfect for England’s unpredictable weather. His ability to blend past and present trends while staying true to his roots makes him a standout in Liverpool’s streetwear scene.

Written by Iona Fazer

Photos by Kieran Irvine (@aka.keeks)