25 Under 25: The New Young Leaders of Style

Image via Complex Original

Age: 19

Occupation: Artist, Rapper

Here's a few quick hits from stylist/model/designer Spencer Lee's extensive resumé: modeling in Kanye West's first adidas fashion show, styling up-and-coming superstars Rae Sremmurd,and chilling on stage with bona fide celebs like Mike WiLL Made It and Miley Cyrus at the Fader Fort during SXSW. With his signature top-knot, grungy, ripped up menswear, and a pair of military boots, Spencer Lee is a young visionary who is among a great charge of NYC youth influencing the masses.

Age: 22

Occupation: Director/Musician

Gabe, one half of the insanely relevant video director/pop music duo, UZi, has humble beginnings of success. Linking up with Mike in Ohio while in college, they both moved out to L.A. to “make it happen,” and they succeeded. They utilized their musical gift and the power of VHS and smashed the game, as evidenced from their work with Travi$ Scott, Kid Cudi and A$AP Ferg as well as opening up for Wiz Khalifa's tour. The kind of exposure he's had to the best rap and pop artists in the world means you've got to be on your A-game, professionally and stylishly. A very laid back style consisting of a mix of streetwear and basic sportswear pieces gives Gabe a certified cool guy look that doesn't make it seem like he's trying too hard.

Age: 21

Occupation: Owner, Sporty and Rich/Editorial Producer, Complex

Even though she's only been in the states since May of last year, and on Twitter for less time than that , Emily Oberg's online following is already over 10,000 strong. The 21-year old Canadian is best known for Complex TV correspondence talking to Hypebeasts and reporting the shit fashion insiders most care about, as well as her design work for her new Sporty & Rich brand, but her personal style has inspired others to embrace the sporty and rich in all of us. Mixing vintage, cozy boy and sportswear with overarching messaging around luxe comfort—alongside her penchant for positive vibes—Oberg's street cred is burgeoning among males and females alike.

Age: 17

Occupation: Skater/Model

Skate culture neophytes wondered who the fresh-faced opposite to Jason Dill was in last year's Comme des Garçons SHIRT x Supreme lookbook images and Supreme's "cherry" video, but people in the know were pshaw-ing. They knew 17-year old LA-born skater Sean Pablo was an established member of Jason Dill's “F.A. Kids” and that he was becoming one of the more well-known young guns for his skate skills and style. He keeps his looks simple and clean, but very street and skate wear-oriented, and he occasionally likes to paint his nails because its fun. The work of a 17-year old "influencer" or someone who truly doesn't give a fuck? Why not both?

Age: 18

Occupation: Singer-Songwriter

To be on the scene for such a short period and have such a strong presence as Raury has created is admirable. The Atlanta native's music—which is genre-less because it touches on so many of them—has already gained the approval of Kanye West and his enigmatic, free-spirited style is such a refreshing change for an 18-year old. His signature hat is always paired with smooth essentials, from biker jackets with shearling accents to open Mandarin collar shirts in vibrant colors. The Indigo Child is on his way to the top of best-dressed lists everywhere.

Age: 17

Occupation: Skater/Model

This British skater doesn't have the propensity to share every little detail of his life via social media, even though he is one of—if not the—brightest rising star in the skating world with style to match. His look, missing tooth and all, has garnered him success as he's been a model for Supreme and Palace, perfectly executing the skater style so many try to emulate when it's obvious it comes very natural to him.

Age: 23

Occupation: Rapper

DeJ Loaf burst on the scene like a supernova last July with her hit single, “Try Me” and gained everyone's attention as the next Detroit rapper to be reckoned with. And she certainly has a knack for gaining our attention with her boisterous style that utilizes late '90s/early 2000s streetwear and lavish furs with premium leathers, creating a unique cozy luxury type of look that's hard to replicate.

Age: 22

Occupation: Product Specialist, Jordan Brand/YouTube Vlogger at AlwaysFreshApparel

Jacob Keller has come a long way since starting his "AlwaysFresh Apparel" YouTube channel. What once was a hobby talking about his streetwear obsession has turned him into a legitimate influencer—he has a ton of followers who really listen to what he has to say, and readily endorse what he does. He's ridden his self-created wave to help Portland store Machus take over the Internet, and most recently, announced that he's now a global product specialist for Jordan Brand. All this doesn't come without having a noticeable desire to look the best, which the 22-year old Portlandian must keep fresh to keep up with the demands of his followers. High-end sneakers and upscale streetwear or sleek, sophisticated menswear is what Keller prefers, and it works on all levels.

Age: 16

Occupation: Artist/Designer

It's in a teenager's blood not to give a fuck, but Austin Butts—colloquially known as "asspizza"—is a natural. The young New York artist and designer has said he likes to do “cool shit” and he doesn't even really like the way he dresses, but other youngins who are trying to get a grasp on street culture from him and the rest of his New York-based crew of Cool Teens seem to strongly disagree.

Age: 21

Occupation: Stylist

Leontae Thomas is probably one of the lesser known young go-hards on this list, but the L.A. native has been working with self-proclaimed "King of the Youth" Ian Connor as an image consultant and stylist for Wiz Khalifa while garnering a lot of attention his vision in his work and effortless style by the likes of guys like A$AP Rocky. Thomas is definitely one you need to keep an eye on if you want to see someone come from behind the scenes and move into the limelight like his youth-leading contemporary.

Age: 17

Occupation: Model

Labeled as the new “It Boy,” Luka Sabbat is one of the hottest names among the youth culture. Featured in Kanye West's inaugural adidas collection show last month, he was practically a vet once he got the call from Ye's people, walking shows and highlighting lookbooks for Hood by Air, Stüssy, VFiles and more. His boyish good looks juxtaposed with cigarettes and a knack for high-end fashion make Sabbat's appearance even more intriguing.

Age: 16

Occupation: Model

Pablo Attal's unique, fresh look gained the attention of brands like Gosha Rubchinskiy and Marcelo Burlon, while his youthful style has received praise from visionaries like Vashtie and A$AP Bari. While you can usually find him in all sportswear everything like he's ready to hop on the pitch at the blink of an eye, the 16-year old Parisian also has quite the refined eye for baggier menswear and standout pieces with unique silhouettes. 

Age: 24

Occupation: Rapper

The A$AP Mob has a gang of talented individuals who all support each other's efforts. A$AP Nast could definitely go out there and do his own thing - rap- and style-wise - but his allegiance to the crew is undeniable. As is his love for great streetwear and high-end sportswear brands that he wears with such ease, while those brands love seeing Nasty Baby in their garb, too. Just ask Astrid Andersen.

Age: 20

Occupation: Owner, MIDNIGHT STUDIOS

Shane Gonzales' MIDNIGHT STUDIOS has evolved like most successful streetwear brands have; into a high-quality, experimental collection that defies all labels. But to have the knowledge Gonzales has and the the grasp of the industry he does at the age of 20 is something other brand owners are still searching for in their 30s. Much of this can be attributed to the experience gained under legendary Russ Karablin of SSUR, but it can also fall under the high-end punk chic personal style he's cultivated, which directly translates into the amazing Spring/Summer 2015 collection he recently presented.

Age: 22

Occupation: Stylist/Blogger

At the ripe young age of 21, Aleali May has already seen every spectrum of the fashion industry. She has a sales background at Louis Vuitton and RSVP Gallery, image consulting and styling for various superstars like Kendrick Lamar, and of course her prestigious self-titled blog, showcasing her personal style. Her penchant for dressing captures the perfect blend of genres with an infinite appreciation for high-end streetwear and sportswear. She can switch from womenswear to menswear in a flash and looks completely at home in both worlds.

Age: 21

Occupation: Co-Owner, Lease on Life Society

Starting a brand before your 18th birthday may seem difficult, but it isn't. Starting a successful brand in a sea of Kickstarters and Big Cartels, however, is a totally different story. Lease on Life Society's 21-year old Everard Best has made one hell of a name for himself. What's even more impressive is the cult following he's created around his own, personal style, mixing street goth favorites with grungy staples—and of course, repping pieces from his own brand.

Age: 16

Occupation: Soccer Player

Sure, being the progeny of an ultra famous father whose style has been considered legendary for years and a gorgeously posh mother with a successful fashion career certainly has its perks, but Brooklyn Beckham hasn't rested on his laurels. While he's already created quite the buzz for his soccer skills, he's also pursued modeling to bolster his resumé and his closet's status, building a minimal style accentuated by some standout high fashion and footwear pieces. But he isn't afraid to go tailored like pops when he's sitting front row at fashion week. He's following in his parents' stylish footsteps nicely, but we expect him to break off and create his own name in the fashion world, too.

Age: 22

Occupation: Model/Stylist/Internet Personality

One of the returning members of last year's list, Ian Connor's star has only grown brighter in the past year, proving he's more than a flash in the Internet pan.  His modeling credentials have gone way, way, way up—including a spot in Kanye West's adidas fashion show and the accompanying Season zine. He's also secured gigs styling editorials and rapper Wiz Khalifa, a testament to his mature taste and eye despite his relatively young age. With this much already under his belt, it'll be exciting to see where the blonde-locked creative visionary will end up next.

Age: 22

Occupation: Actor

There is no longer a blueprint for success in Hollywood. Ezra Miller is a testament to that, as he describes himself as “a weird animal” who started in opera and played drums in a band, has made a name for himself in the art word and, oh, he has a couple of exceptional roles under his belt for films like  We Need to Talk About Kevin and The Perks of Being a Wallflower. But what shouldn't come as a shock with the very cultured 22-year old is his love for fashion. His bohemian look with a love for second-hand goods is seemingly always evolving and never staying within the boundaries of what someone of his age and gender should wear. He is a habitual envelop-pusher in all aspects of his life and that is admirable.

Age: 21

Occupation: NBA Player, Detroit Pistons

While it definitely has its advantages (read: NBA career, millions of dollars, can ride any roller coaster on Earth)—it's gotta be tough to be a seven footer—especially when it comes to the world of fashion, where finding clothes that fit can be a bitch. So it's that much more incredible that NBA superstar, Andre Drummond, has managed to create and maintain a style that complements his gigantic stature. Streetwear and an affinity for customized Timberland boots are his staples, flaunting them on his Instagram, helping lead the new wave of NBA style.

Age: 23

Occupation: Founder of V.LONE and TOASTTOTHEGOD

The A$AP Mob has a gang of talented individuals who all support each other's efforts, but when it comes to style, A$AP Bari is single-handedly responsible for adopting all the coolest trends and labels before everyone else. While members like A$AP Nast and A$AP Illz have made their own stylish strides with modeling gigs of their own, Bari remains the fashionable mastermind of the A$AP Mob. Confident enough to call himself the mob's most stylish member (and cocky enough to say Rocky's the worst-dressed), Bari's VLONE lifestyle and complementing collection are set to make waves of their own. With word of an upcoming collaboration with CLOT on the way, Bari's rise to an even higher spot on next year's list may already be secured.

Age: 23

Occupation: Stylist

There aren't many stylists in the world who've established the respect and report that Chief Ugo Mozie has, especially for someone in their 20s. He's worked for high-profile celebs like Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Beyoncé while working on movies like Sex and the City 2 and, much like a fitness trainer; you need to look the part in order to gain the trust of your clients. This is not a problem for Mozie who has a strong penchant for tailored suits and avant garde, high-end menswear most guys can't even find, afford nor dare to try and pull off themselves. The risk-taker isn't afraid to push his agenda onto his clients and it positively shines through.

Age: 22

Occupation: Owner, Represent Clothing

There is a new wave of British talent who are redefining menswear and streetwear. George Heaton and his brand, Represent Clothing, are at the forefront of this revolutionary movement as he brings new ways to look at elongated and exaggerated silhouettes on unique materials. His undying support for his brand's wares paired with high fashion sneakers is the uniform of a man on the move and on a mission.

Age: 18

Occupation: Rapper

The #SadBoyz movement is alive and well, thanks to 18-year old Swedish rap phenom, Yung Lean. His love for being alone or with a small sect of homies definitely makes him a loner who shouldn't be fucked with, but his affinity for pastels, vintage sportswear, popular high-end prints and bucket hats (low, of course) makes him seem highly approachable. Whatever his mood may be, the enigmatic rapper's style is a new age cult leader for rap and style.

Age: 22

Occupation: Rapper

Is he the next Kid Cudi? Is he the next Kanye West? No: He's the first Travi$ Scott. The comparisons to the Man on the Moon and Yeezus aren't just musical, the 22-year-old Houston native has established himself as a style maverick, making high-end streetwear look effortless, especially as he showcased the prolific Raf Simons x Sterling Ruby collection last year. Travis' signature braids and grill also add to his allure, as it's not commonly seen with some of the different brands he's accustomed to wearing. Needless to say, Travis has a bright future that is already leaps and bounds ahead of some of his contemporaries.