Lil Uzi Vert has brilliantly merged the worlds of music and high fashion in their latest visual offering, the music video for their new single, “What You Saying.” This release, a precursor to their upcoming album, features an enchanting French sample from Indila’s “Love Story,” creating a captivating auditory experience. Beyond the melodic allure, the video stands out as a meticulously crafted fashion spectacle, inviting viewers into a realm where style reigns supreme.
The Cinematic Fashion Extravaganza of Lil Uzi Vert's "What You Saying"
In a groundbreaking move, Lil Uzi Vert’s music video for “What You Saying” premiered as a compelling cinematic experience, where the artist themselves served as creative director alongside Ava Nirui, with Charlotte Wales masterfully directing and Clare Byrne orchestrating the styling. The video unfolds a fantastical narrative, imagining Lil Uzi Vert not just as a beloved rapper but as an acclaimed fashion designer, seamlessly blending their musical persona with their profound appreciation for haute couture.
The visual journey commences in a dimly lit atelier, reminiscent of Karl Lagerfeld’s iconic workspace, where Lil Uzi Vert, adorned in a personal Chanel jacket from 2017 and signature fingerless gloves, sketches with artistic fervor. This scene, steeped in rich fashion heritage, features a Helmut Lang feather collar atop a Raf Simons shirt, showcasing a curated ensemble of significant archival pieces.
Transitioning from the serene atelier, the scene shifts to a vibrant studio setting where the illustrious stylist Law Roach is captured working with supermodel Adriana Lima. Lima dazzles in a vintage Maison Margiela top, paired with a skirt by Miss Claire Sullivan and elegant Helmut Lang heels, embodying a timeless yet contemporary allure. The dynamic atmosphere is further enhanced by dancers, all impeccably clad in custom Thom Browne outfits, performing a poetic choreography by Celia Rowlson Hall, an homage to the iconic "racing with the clock" sequence from the 1957 film Pajama Game.
The video then skillfully weaves in a mock “Fashion TV”-style segment, echoing the satirical interviews found in Zoolander, featuring notable figures such as Marc Jacobs and Char Defrancesco. This playful interlude culminates in a grand fashion show, where models showcase complete looks from Marc Jacobs’s highly anticipated Spring 2025 collection. Despite a brief, dramatic interruption by fictional protestors, the narrative swiftly moves towards a triumphant finale. Lil Uzi Vert, now fully embodying the role of a celebrated designer, receives a standing ovation and flowers from an ecstatic audience, which includes fashion luminaries like Dara, Andre Walker, Lynn Yaeger, and Steff Yotka, all cheering on their innovative vision. The video not only serves as a visual feast but also as a heartfelt tribute to the fashion icons and archival pieces that have inspired Lil Uzi Vert’s unique aesthetic.
This innovative music video by Lil Uzi Vert truly stands out as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary artistry. It challenges conventional boundaries between music and fashion, demonstrating how personal passions can be intricately woven into creative projects. The homage paid to legendary designers and the deliberate inclusion of archival pieces underline a deep respect for fashion history, inspiring audiences to explore the narratives behind clothing and design. Ultimately, it’s a powerful reminder that self-expression, whether through music or style, is a profound and personal ritual that can captivate and influence on a global stage.
