We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sam Landu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Sam, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Over the past few years, I’ve incorporated a cultural aspect side of Contrast, and a modern streetwear side of Contrast to appeal to multiple layers of audiences. Whether it was in previously occupied Oak Park Mall retail store; “Uzuri Closet” or vending over the summer downtown at the KC Daiquiri Shop – I’ve had a few customers wonder about the origins of the brand, and how all the different pieces tie in. I still do custom and one of one clothing, some I have displayed. The feedback in person gives me a better direction on how to continue branding.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Samuel Landu, I go by Sam Simons. I’ve had my hand in creativity professionally since I was 14 years old. I first joined a group of young local artists in high school, bouncing ideas on our roles – this transitioned into working with Caviart Records and Gee Watts, a Kansas City artist with the only local feature from Kendrick Lamar. Gee formulated a group of individuals ready for industry success. By my senior year in high school I had hosted 2 concerts, done graphics, slight management, all while Contrast my clothing brand I started Sophomore year was in my head. I had an opportunity to intern in Los Angeles for platinum artist’ Foolie and producer 12 Hunna. From that stint, I took my efforts further and as my maturity and connections grew in the coming years in my hometown of Kansas City, I grew; to be prepared for what’s to come. Contrast represents the duality of cultures and life. I am an American (Los Angeles) born first generation Congolese starseed. My staple product is my first introduction to fashion; my peacoats. My design in outerwear is currently influenced by older silhouettes.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

In business and especially in creative spaces, you want things clicking on all cylinders. Communication to its highest level, shipment orders on time, booking events on time, and payments on time. People who don’t work in the arts can relate to the business aspect, but what about the spark of creativity? Artistic entrepreneurs all have different methods on going about creating that ‘spark’. As a person, you need something that influences and drives you. The biggest difference between the arts and business, or even science – is timing of creativity. You can draw up ideas all day, until you find what is in accordance with your vision, and the client’s/audience’s vision to bring revenue.

Can you share your view on NFTs? (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

If you capitalized on the use of NFTs I would LOVE to meet you. (: I feel like a lot of trends in technology and finance since the pandemic have come and gone. No way this doesn’t have a direct impact on pop culture, fashion, music, and even sports. We might have something that sticks because its fluid and doesn’t need to be a fad. I just wish NFTs were more of a tangible thing too with the arts. Wink wink.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://instagram.com/contrast.afr
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/samsimons.afr
• Youtube: https://youtu.be/N_Mqo7znrgM?si=SOlk0rLXgKxb9N-A
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/smlndu
• Other: New Contrast website coming in time for the F/W 24 drop.

Image Credits

Emerson Aguilar, Samuel Landu