Mitch Modes talks XO, Carti, Life is War, Networking & Styling (Interview)

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While The Weeknd was touring in Vancouver, Arshan caught up with Mitch Modes, renowned stylist and creative director, for his first interview ever. Originally from Virginia, Mitch first got into fashion through music, listening to artists like 50 Cent, G-Unit, & Dipset. He’s done styling/development for artists like The Weeknd & Playboi Carti, and also XO and Opium.
Starting their conversation, Mitch reveals that he set up one of Ken Carson’s first shows in LA, and how Arshan met him during Ken’s KTO interview. He mentions touring with The Weeknd before talking about his country roots in Virginia, getting into fashion through music,
& finding his purpose. Mitch says that clothes were always his focus & explains how he started styling for artists before moving more towards creative direction. He talks about styling XO, linking with their creative director, Lamar Taylor, and how to network with big names by being organic. They discuss how XO is creating opportunities for the youth (like with their creative incubator, Hxouse) and Mitch names his favorite project he’s worked on: the Bape & XO collab.
Mitch talks about how he connected with Opium, Carti reaching out for the first time “on some real vamp shit”, similarities between Opium & XO, and how he only works with game changers in music. He says that filming the “Sky” music video was one of his favorite moments with Carti, and mentions that he’s always been a huge fan of Carti’s music. Mitch talks about embracing the next generation, saying he’s always supported rappers like Ken Carson & Destroy Lonely, before revealing that he specifically wanted KTO to be his first interview. Arshan & Mitch agree that creatives need to take risks to make money, and Mitch gives advice for how to get in his position before talking about the meaning behind his brand “Life Is War”. He details his lowest moments before giving advice for creating a brand and listing mistakes he’s seen brands make. Lastly, Mitch gives styling advice to Arshan, mentioning that the most important thing is to be comfortable, and says he hopes this interview can be a resource for upcoming creatives. Kids Take Over is based in Vancouver, Canada.
Timestamps!
0:00 - Arshan met Mitch at Ken’s first LA show
1:10 - Mitch set up one of Ken Carson’s first shows
1:32 - Touring w/ The Weeknd
1:55 - Mitch’s first interview ever, Virginia roots
2:40 - Getting into fashion through music
3:44 - Finding his purpose, clothes were always his focus
4:27 - Started styling then creative direction for artists
5:08 - Styling XO, linking w/ Lamar Taylor
5:32 - How to network w/ big names, being organic
6:44 - XO creating opportunities for the youth
8:04 - Bape XO collab
8:30 - How Mitch connected w/ Opium
9:00 - Carti reaching out
9:54 - Similarities w/ Opium & XO
10:35 - Sky music video, favorite moment w/ Carti
11:09 - Always being a Carti fan
11:29 - Embracing the next generation, Destroy Lonely & Ken
13:27 - How he actually makes money
16:20 - His brand “Life Is War”
18:27 - His lowest moment, coming back from that
20:00 - Advice for creating a brand, mistakes he’s seen
21:53 - Mitch’s styling advice for Arshan: be comfortable
Tags (ignore)
Mitch modes mitch modes ken carson ken carson ken carson opium opium opium destroy lonely destroy lonely destroy lonely no stylist no stylist no stylist homixide gang homixide gang homixide gang Playboi carti sky music video playboi carti sky music video playboi carti sky music video hxouse hxouse hxouse lamar taylor lamar taylor lamar taylor the weeknd the weeknd the weeknd xo xo xo life is war life is war life is war fashion fashion fashion a$ap mob styling styling styling creative direction creative direction creative direction opiumoo opiumoo opiumoo bape bape bape stop breathing stop breathing stop breathing slay3r slay3r slay3r teen x teen x teen x beno! Beno! beno! kto kto
#KTO #KidsTakeOver #MitchModes

[@KidsTakeOver]

Timestamps! Should we do a Destroy Lonely interview next btw? 0:00 - Arshan met Mitch at Ken’s first LA show 1:10 - Mitch set up one of Ken Carson’s first shows 1:32 - Touring w/ The Weeknd 1:55 - Mitch’s first interview ever, Virginia roots 2:40 - Getting into fashion through music 3:44 - Finding his purpose, clothes were always his focus 4:27 - Started styling then creative direction for artists 5:08 - Styling XO, linking w/ Lamar Taylor 5:32 - How to network w/ big names, being organic 6:44 - XO creating opportunities for the youth 8:04 - Bape XO collab 8:30 - How Mitch connected w/ Opium 9:00 - Carti reaching out 9:54 - Similarities w/ Opium & XO 10:35 - Sky music video, favorite moment w/ Carti 11:09 - Always being a Carti fan 11:29 - Embracing the next generation, Destroy Lonely & Ken 13:27 - How he actually makes money 16:20 - His brand “Life Is War” 18:27 - His lowest moment, coming back from that 20:00 - Advice for creating a brand, mistakes he’s seen 21:53 - Mitch’s styling advice for Arshan: be comfortable

[@antdevilleee]

WEEEE NEEED THE LONE INTERVIEW

[@safi9398]

DO ANYTHING FOR THAT LONE INTERVIEW

[@rigothakidd]

NEED DAT LONE INTERVIEW BRU !

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

thx

[@00schmitt8]

Joy divizn or lone

[@minimack1000]

Met Mitch at the Boston show of Abel’s tour. Venue security tried to stop me passing but he said nah it’s cool and let me say what’s up. Bro was smiling and was nothing but good vibes. He deserves what he’s gotten for sure

[@onyoblocca6304]

This interview inspired me more than I thought it would lmao

[@KidsTakeOver]

🙏🏽

[@freeproblemchild5357]

Nah fr bro

[@DavidG-kw2ur]

Fr

[@jwalls1223]

MITCH BEEN AROUND SINCE THE (2010-2014) AKA THE REAL GOLDEN ERA , HE KNOW THE GAME..

[@DoobeeDoug]

Yeah same, I was curious about finding more about him just by his authenticity like he said.

[@azreal8169]

I thought this dude didn’t even talk. He more pure than I thought. 😂

[@KidsTakeOver]

He actually dropped hella gems. A lot of people just need a space to talk so you can really get to know them beyond what they post online.

[@azreal8169]

@@rikuwru it’s not really about how he or anybody dresses or look. It was just genuinely shocking to actually sick down for 30minutes and here him talk. I thought bro was evil

[@larrythelemon2913]

For real but he real asf tho

[@pnamek691]

a lot of people are like this, people are the key.

[@SilverrrCityyy]

People just be thinkin like that and then they dont be understanding the intricacies that go into every part of creating stuff not just music there is gonna be people never getting the recognition they deserve because they jus don’t get the spotlight they deserve thats a different topic tho

[@hendryherrera7781]

thats crazy been following mitch since early 2020 never thought he was gonna end up being bros w carti. huge inspiration too

[@KidsTakeOver]

Fire how did you discover his work?

[@hendryherrera7781]

@@KidsTakeOver saw someone on twitter wearing a life is war shirt and I found him through that

[@fysoos]

Same bro it’s dope seeing him where he is now

[@WowShooting]

been following mitch since like 2014. shits beyond inspiring.

[@User61918]

@@WowShooting real

[@unkitom]

i love how mitch puts meaning behind everything, pushes the value of what u produce

[@ulquiorra9909]

This guy is so down to earth

[@zach3222]

mitch was lurking in the back of the venue in gainesville fl during carti first wlr tour. i noticed the ricks and his balled head. i had to run over and i didn't even say his name but we sang every lyric to go2damoon. dapped up and he dipped back into the shadows.

[@bookswithbenjamin8902]

😂😂😂

[@vor946]

and go2damoon wasnt even playing

[@gersonv.9367]

bro threw so much game in this interview this is a gem fr

[@KidsTakeOver]

Yup you know

[@neilk]

Easily one of the most down to earth guests you’ve had, dude was super well spoken, really enjoyed this one

[@MrScellaneous]

This was a really good interview, I can tell there is so much work that really goes into this. Also homie dropped some really helpful gems. Y'all stay up.

[@MONEYMAY_yt]

2 Goats 🖤 Mitch so dope. He just seems like an overall sick creative. From “Life Is War,” to Opium, XO, Creative Direction, Styling, etc. KTO really taking over. KTO on top of the game rn !!

[@KidsTakeOver]

🤍 love y’all !

[@dshiestt]

Genuine soul. He really putting on and inspiring the youth thank you Mitch. I’ll be seeing you guys soon🙌

[@fysoos]

Mitch had grown so much from when I started following him in 2020 and it’s great to see that Fr

[@brandona230]

great interview, it’s cool getting to know people that are involved with music but are necessarily artists themselves

[@Muhammad-hz8zx]

You absolutely killed this interview my guy! Very well spoken & the questions were spot on, really seeing you take over very soon. As far as Mitch goes this interview just made me realize instantly why Lamar & Abel welcomed him into their circle genuinely seems like a down to earth guy that believed in his craft and in return everything came back in full circle. Once again great job and best interview as of now (been watching for a min).

[@KidsTakeOver]

Amazing to hear man. Love.

[@hollowrld]

I learned that if you continue to be you and stick to what’s true to you, everything will follow suit. Just gotta continue to keep your foot on the gas and maneuver properly

[@liquid_hearts]

might actually be my favorite interview you’ve ever done 🫶🏽

[@orperish]

One of the best interviews thus far, honestly major

[@durkslilbro1636]

I like how he broke down dressing like some 1 it’s more so being inspired and having a thought of what is up your ally way. Very genuine I feel like you know when someone is not being something they truly want or is up there ally way. Mitch goated

[@simonbinguingi7733]

Love how Mitch said to make clothes that YOU. Let’s keep these behind the artist and the interviews w/different ppl going🎉

[@progressivemindfirst8181]

Getting off my high horse. Being yourself, comfortable in your own skin & always be ready to make sacrifices. "Life is War"

[@lostambitionsmedia]

Really dope interview. Deff dropped some gems in there. Need more interviews with these kind of creators.

[@itsAaronSpeaking]

Never heard of this dude till right now, but I just saw the whole vid. Learned alot for real. Dope dude, dope interview.

[@coutureandsteel]

Really good interview and very much needed. Great work. So many gems.

[@greenshorts6163]

Been following Mitch for years. He has always been getting crazy

[@jimmerfredette448]

Needed this , thank you ❤

[@nnamnotplayin]

Tbh this is a really good interview especially cuz I feel like alot of ppl didn’t know much about him. It flowed super well and like idk just asked a lot of good questions in a way that wasn’t forced

[@icyhtotwheel]

These questions are so awesome. Keep talking to people like Mitch.

[@JevenMusic]

This was sick man, loved this interview

[@christophercordova9958]

Dope interview 🔥 Mitch is super chill

[@authorityivisalt2504]

Holy. It felt like he was reading my mind about a lot of questions

[@YungKlausSchwab]

everywhere i go, my LIFE IS WAR pieces get so many compliments. it’s mitch’s turn to take over now.

[@timileyindoherty3048]

Loved this. he's right not gonna lie especially about jus being you when you ever get a chance to be in said rooms.i am an amateur stylist and creative director rn just learning from my experiences along with my travels and i had the chance to link bloodydior at NYFW n i just went with a citibike to the pop up to cop some moodswings gear. i fucked with the vibe so hard felt mad comfortable that i tossed on the tee right there along with the hat. bloody peeped and approached me. be you honestly and always move with intention (purest). love your channel its just so amazing how you make these guests who are pretty private elsewhere get very interactive and vocal etc (lancey)

[@johncenafan3161]

Shoutout Mitch man, real grounded and solid person

[@core4119]

so much respect for him, goated interview

[@donnie3334]

This is a really great interview, I didn't think Mitch was this cool and smart

[@shareefundercover2648]

i ain't gon lie this the best KTO interview I seen. shit was beautiful.

[@PoppingNA]

Man hyped for thissss

[@philfarmintino11]

this was a trillion dollaz worth of gems & pure game .. arshan & mitch just both had a fluent dope ass kick it session didn't even really feel like a interview 👏

[@b9ign533]

was waiting on this one arshan 🙏 you found the chairs !

[@KidsTakeOver]

Yes, as a matter of fact I need to return those chairs back to a homie. Thanks for reminding me.

[@jojoojo8768]

Thanks for the inspiring interview

[@05FF]

Mitch a genuine guy I fw bro I see me and bro working together in a near future

[@05FF]

check some of my work @ehfehehfehehfeh

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

I like this dude a lot, he quite but doing his thing/s for himself or people around coming with passion, and respect. no hate, fun dude too. not surprised that a lot good dudes like him, wish him best. cheesr Mitch.

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

glad he said this that 9/5 isn't bad shit, it's your security. u back from 9/5 u can do your shit.. 9/5 is good for balance often.

[@JESSIECOJC]

I also learned that being yourself in a room full of connections is the best way to get your foot in the door- not blatantly asking people to check you out!

[@88ngel]

huge inspo, big on meaning behind everything u create.

[@gonethegoner3913]

TKO the greatest putting kids on outside of USA. True blessing. Asks the right questions.

[@slevin.]

Great interview the point about making art with intention was what I resonated with the most

[@KidsTakeOver]

Love that

[@sickdirtbag]

I really enjoyed this talk ❤

[@artxcvii]

hella gems for creatives in this. good shit arshan!

[@KidsTakeOver]

Yup got y’all

[@naheeljawaid753]

Listening to this on repeat -- mindset tips here

[@sorrycanibecool1996]

Honestly I learned just staying true to yourself and your band also just knowing what you want Success will be around the corner

[@daveshanks2685]

He speaks pretty well. This is my first time hearing him speak but I’ve been following him for awhile lol

[@lownkae5592]

22:17. the two C’s is the best way to go when styling yourself. comfort and confidence.

[@Ichiqan]

genuinely inspiring

[@AlexDubon]

Was excited to know this interview was next!! 🔥 He talked some real gems about building your brand and how to conduct yourself when meeting people. A lot of times these brands now a days are a cash grab or just senseless graphic on a blank canvas. Be yourself and have true meaning behind EVERYTHING that you do. Ffrfr 🙌🏼 🙏🏼 Please Burberry Erry next!!!!

[@cakeduptv]

This is eye opening

[@reiphantasmagoria]

mitch inspires me so much .

[@KidsTakeOver]

‼️

[@blerq7042]

Overall what I took from what he said is mainly just be yourself and just do you I love this interview

[@KidsTakeOver]

Love y’all I’m glad you enjoyed it

[@naterathe7827]

Mitch is the blueprint he’s my inspo fr

[@rrreason]

we want a burberry erry interview!!!

[@evanbornmann1]

YESS

[@hdahda9633]

Definitely

[@dfredankey]

True

[@kailescorpse]

fax

[@ninob2184]

Shoutout to mitch man! remember hitting bongs at college with him

[@chipdolan7475]

Best interview yet

[@JahJahXOO]

One of the best interviewers i stg🤘🏽🖤💕

[@KidsTakeOver]

🤍

[@3moryk]

📠

[@thirtyoneyou]

very good interview man 👍

[@product_of_august]

Yo keep working man I remember the Pierre interview

[@prodby2c51]

Putting on for NOVA

[@Picassogang_]

I learned just to be your self and have meaning behind everything to do

[@BaldBoiLeaf]

Finally a Mitch interview

[@SilverrrCityyy]

All this makes me think of is that I dont live in any places where people got the same ideas as me shit bogus as hell when people say jUsT gO onLine like bro its not organic anymore

[@idekneo]

great interview

[@peterpfukwa]

dope af man

[@loud8697]

this interview is it!

[@PoppingNA]

Man this is essential watching for any creative period

[@KidsTakeOver]

True

[@core4119]

need art dealer & joy on here

[@willhutchinson5349]

gained a lot of respect fo this guy after this vid

[@paul1389]

this is one of their most interesting interviews

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

''you too wavy for this''

[@youngeri2265]

fire interview

[@jesusthe4ourth]

Finally 🔥

[@cooperditto2364]

Really sick. I learned to just do what you mess with and not try to be pleasing everyone else

[@JESSIECOJC]

Fire asf bro

[@Xavierbowenss]

Mitch speaking facts the whole time no lies told

[@lostboyfeelsnothing4839]

I thought I was gonna be watching a dude word vomit about vamp & carti & a bunch of hierarchical bullshit. But dude was actually very genuine, well spoken, & attentive in his answers. I'm a small designer now and there were a few points made that I will keep with me for sure. Thanks KTO & mitch for the great interview!

[@kmpkts]

Bro speaking straight facts the whole interview

[@willhutchinson5349]

who knew a carti goon would be so insightful

[@Welovebtsseventeen]

This is so wild I went to high school with him and he dated my best friend from cheer so wild he just popped off

[@freeproblemchild5357]

Mitch modes put dat shit on fr 🔥🔥🔥

[@timmylertola1405]

That’s crazy carti didn’t even kno Mitch until after WLR right before the cyber world virtual concert. I remember when I first saw those two and was like oh okay so carti actually affiliated with rockstars😂

[@hammadjawaid2483]

The all white background is a vibe

[@user-ob9zo9cr4c]

something I learned from him is 1 thing.. take your time

[@g.t.official7604]

I learned to truly put meaning behind everything I do. Also interview fourfive and haiko ! UGHHH

[@sl7523]

I went to high school with mitch! He was such a cutie back then and still is now lol

[@JESSIECOJC]

I learned the importance of the context behind merchandise/clothing, a graphic on a mock up white tee is not cutting it anymore!!!!!!

[@jahlynfelton3206]

Interviewing the bts people that matter too…keep it up 💯

[@TAZS]

brilliant interview

[@KidsTakeOver]

🙌🏽

[@John-zq2kx]

Definitely an important interview.

[@jojodgoat]

Woww Mitch is actually likee deep, cool dude

[@makeitgojump1512]

dope dude fr

[@svtnah]

bra spittin