A$AP Rocky on Borrowing Rihanna’s Clothes, Working with Denzel, and Fatherhood

Summary

The Run-Through with Vogue: A$AP Rocky on Borrowing Rihanna’s Clothes, Working with Denzel, and Fatherhood

Release Date: May 1, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Run-Through with Vogue, hosts Chioma Nnadi and Chloe Mao delve into a vibrant conversation featuring A$AP Rocky and Leah Fay Cooper. The episode navigates through a myriad of topics ranging from high fashion and trend forecasting to personal insights on fatherhood and creative endeavors.

Hosts’ Weekend Highlights

Before diving into the main interview, Chioma and Chloe share personal anecdotes about their weekends. Chioma celebrates her birthday by attending events at Indochine and enjoying a Sinners movie in IMAX, while Chloe recounts taking her child to a circus and attending a baptism. These light-hearted exchanges set a relatable tone for the episode.

Met Countdown and After Parties

The hosts transition to discussing the upcoming Met Gala countdown, highlighting the annual pre-Met party hosted at a jazz club lounge in Harlem. They mention various after parties, including those hosted by GQ, Pharrell, and A$AP Rocky himself. Chioma expresses excitement about a possible appearance by LeBron James, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.

Introducing A$AP Rocky and Leah Fay Cooper

The spotlight shifts to the interview segment featuring A$AP Rocky and Leah Fay Cooper. A$AP Rocky reminisces about previous interactions, stating, “we went from Harlem to a Chelsea to an art gallery to Soho House and we were playing pool and playing Krazy Eights” (09:32). Leah Fay Cooper shares her elation about her Vogue cover, declaring, “I think I'm more happy than like Louis Cole and Pete put together” (10:01).

Vogue Cover and Fashion Insights

Leah Fay Cooper discusses the significance of her Vogue cover, emphasizing the emotional connection with her family: “It's such a charming picture with you and your grandma” (10:32). The conversation segues into fashion choices, where Leah elaborates on her approach: “I woke up every day letting fashion choose me, you know, because fashion is a statement” (12:26). She highlights the influence of Harlem's rich cultural heritage on her style, stating, “I truly strongly feel that way” (17:06).

Designing the American Sabotage Collection

Leah delves into her journey as a designer, explaining how she transitioned from ghost designing to launching her own collection, American Sabotage: “I think everything that I embedded into the show ended up. I foreshadowed because it ended up happening” (20:07). She touches upon the political undertones inspired by immigrants and refugees, adding depth to her creative expression.

Thoughts on the Fashion Industry and Creative Directors

The discussion shifts to the dynamic nature of the fashion industry, with Leah expressing optimism about the reshuffling of creative directors: “It's beautiful and it's healthy. It's what we need” (21:30). She likens it to a basketball season, emphasizing the importance of fresh perspectives and innovation within the industry.

Leah's Upcoming Album and Collaborations

Leah shares excitement about her forthcoming album, describing it as a cohesive extension of her artistry: “It's gonna be very ASAP. Rocky in 2025” (25:21). She mentions collaborating with Jessica Pratt on the album, highlighting the blend of different musical influences that shape her sound.

Influence of Fatherhood on Creativity

A significant portion of the conversation centers around Leah's role as a father and its impact on her creative process: “Being a father is my creative process now because I just embodied it as a whole” (27:42). She discusses how fatherhood inspires her to be a present and active role model, encouraging her children to pursue their passions without imposing expectations.

Upcoming Film Projects

Leah reveals her involvement in two upcoming films produced by A24. She shares anecdotes about working with legendary actors like Denzel Washington: “Working with Denzel is a dream come true. Honestly, man, he's an og” (30:21). The films, including a remake featuring Denzel and another titled If I Had Legs, I Kick You, showcase her expanding footprint in the entertainment industry.

Fashion Trends and eBay Finds

Throughout the episode, the conversation weaves back to fashion trends and Leah’s savvy use of platforms like eBay for trend forecasting. She advises listeners to watch out for “very opulent, 80s style” (09:26), illustrating how blending vintage finds with modern pieces can create timeless looks. Leah emphasizes the importance of tapping into past trends to inspire future fashion narratives.

Closing Remarks

As the episode winds down, the hosts and guests express gratitude and enthusiasm for future collaborations. Leah hints at more exciting projects on the horizon, leaving listeners eagerly anticipating her album release and film appearances. The episode concludes on a high note, celebrating creativity, cultural heritage, and personal growth.

Notable Quotes

• ASAP Rocky: “I'm living the dream. Two beautiful kids with Rihanna sounds.” (33:38)

• Leah Fay Cooper: “I do what the fuck I want, you know? I want to represent. I want to be a catalyst for, like, daring men.” (17:51)

• Choma Nadi: “Is it fair to say Harlem is the best dressed neighborhood in the world?” (16:58)

Conclusion

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue offers a rich tapestry of conversations that blend high fashion with personal storytelling. Through insightful discussions with A$AP Rocky and Leah Fay Cooper, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between creativity, culture, and personal identity. Whether you're a fashion aficionado or simply curious about the lives of influential creatives, this episode provides a captivating glimpse into the world of Vogue.

Transcript

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

This episode of the Run through is brought to you by ebay. I'm Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue's beauty editor at large. Everyone's talking about tassels right now, and that's the moment that I end up typing it into ebay. I found the perfect vintage triple chain belt with golden tassels. And it just looks so elegant, timeless. And it's on the way in the mail to me, thanks to ebay.

[Chloe Mao]

This is the Run Through. I'm Chloe Mao.

[Choma Nadi]

And I'm Choma Nadi.

[Chloe Mao]

Choma. You and Leah Fay Cooper, Vogue's digital style director, had a really Fun Conversation with A$AP Rocky. I am so excited to hear it.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, he was. He was in such a good mood. He was on top of the world and his energy was super infectious. He was calling us from his car and.

[Chloe Mao]

Oh, my God, amazing. From la.

[Choma Nadi]

From la. From la. From what we could tell. But he looked incredible. He was wearing very cool, what he called a dad fit. But I don't know any dads who dress like that, just for the record. And it was. Yeah, it was a really fun time.

[Chloe Mao]

I'm so excited. I love that. But before we get into that wonderful interview, there is a lot happening over here. Choma. Happy birthday. Thank you, beloved Choma. Many happy returns of the day. What. How did you celebrate?

[Choma Nadi]

I went to Indochine with some friends. It's just really fun.

[Chloe Mao]

Fab. What did you wear? What do you wear on your birthday?

[Choma Nadi]

Oh, I wore something that I got from the. From the Vogue vintage sale.

[Chloe Mao]

Ooh. Which was.

[Choma Nadi]

I wore a Stella McCartney era top with the banana. The iconic bananas top that says get your bananas off my melons on the back or something like that.

[Chloe Mao]

That's actually perfect for Indochine with the palm trees.

[Choma Nadi]

It really is. I totally fit in with the scene.

[Chloe Mao]

Endoshine camo is a good look.

[Choma Nadi]

Oh, yeah, it is. And then I went to see Sinners, which was amazing. Imax people are obsessed with.

[Chloe Mao]

I love movies that get people back in the theater like that.

[Choma Nadi]

Me too.

[Chloe Mao]

And Ryan Coogler is particularly good at that.

[Choma Nadi]

He's so good at that. I'm not into really. I'm not into horror, but I think like Spike Lee said, he's kind of created his own genre with this interesting. This sort of vampire, historical vampire movie. Wow. It was really fun. It was really, really fun.

[Chloe Mao]

And you went to a 50 Cent concert?

[Choma Nadi]

I did. I went. Well, basically 50 Cent was performing on the roof of Soho House.

[Chloe Mao]

Okay.

[Choma Nadi]

So it was a very small audience around a pool which was very, very apropos for 50 Cent. No one fell in, although I was watching that's Crazy Like a hawk all night trying to see if somebody might. But it was really fun. I'd forgotten how many hits 50 has. It just brought me back to a certain time in New York, you know? It was really fun.

[Chloe Mao]

Wow, that is such a different weekend than I had. I went to the kindergarten Prospective parents Spring festival at our new school, and I took Artie to an amazing circus at the new Victory Theater that was called the Moya Circus from South Africa. And they were so good. And on Sunday, we went to a baptism. Anyway, my weekend was much less glamorous than yours, but we are really in the Met countdown here.

[Choma Nadi]

We really are.

[Chloe Mao]

We have our annual pre Met party happening this Friday, the last Friday in April, or in this case this year, the first Friday in May. It's at a great jazz club lounge in Harlem. And the dress code is blue notes as a allusion to the jazz age moment we're channeling. And also for people who don't like dress codes, they can just wear blue. Dochi is hosting along with Tyler Mitchell and Law Roach, who, as we've discussed at great length on this podcast, both Tyler and Law were great collaborators for our May Met issue. Choma what Met gala after parties are on your docket this year? What's your dance card look like?

[Choma Nadi]

There are a few. I definitely would like to go to GQ's after party, which is being hosted by Andre Few,000 and Will Welch and Rich Medina and a side are spinning and they're two DJs I really love. Then Pharrell is having an Uno party.

[Chloe Mao]

What does that mean? Like the game? Uno.

[Choma Nadi]

The game. The game, I think for Pharrell, like, make it more than just an after party.

[Chloe Mao]

Wow.

[Choma Nadi]

He likes to have fun with games. He likes to switch things up, which I think is very cool. A$AP Rocky is having an after party too, and Savannah James, who is LeBron James wife, is hosting one. And now everybody seems to think that LeBron might come because it's looking like you may not make the playoffs, which is very sad for many basketball fans, but good for Met fans, But good for met. So. Yeah. So we. So there may be a LeBron James sighting at the Met, which is quite exciting.

[Chloe Mao]

Very exciting, I'd say. Lila Ramsey, who is our parties are, sent me the list of all the Met gal after parties she's tracking thus far, and it's 13, which is the most I think it's ever been. Coralise Taylor. Is this her third year in a row writing about trying to go to every Met gala after party, which. Those pieces are always so funny and great, but I think the assignment is getting more and more ambitious as the party list grows and grows.

[Choma Nadi]

I mean, how many minutes does she spend in each party?

[Chloe Mao]

Well, you'll have to read to find out.

[Choma Nadi]

I know, I know. And this week was the week that Cowboy Carter officially took over my Instagram account.

[Chloe Mao]

We were just talking about that in standup. I know. So tell me what you have been responding to. Cause we all liked Oprah singing along at the first concert.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, I didn't see that. I kind of cried when I saw Rumi with Beyonce's youngest daughter on stage with her and just how excited she was to be up there and, like, how it just made me like, I'm such an emo person. That's just like. But it was so sweet.

[Chloe Mao]

Well, Burberry is making custom looks for Beyonce and Blue Ivy. Oh, my goodness. So the kids are really being incorporated in. So prepare to be.

[Choma Nadi]

I can't wait to go to the tour in London. I think I'm gonna go when she comes in June, so I think.

[Chloe Mao]

Oh, that's exciting.

[Choma Nadi]

I'm super excited to. I went to the Renaissance tour and definitely cried.

[ASAP Rocky]

Oh, my God.

[Chloe Mao]

Laia Garcia Furtado just wrote Bad Bunny. I love the COVID Bad Bunny, Yes. Vogue Latin America cover.

[Choma Nadi]

He's just, like, the man of the moment. I was watching his tiny desk the other day. Oh, my God. And we had to have subtitles, and it just was so great. He's just one of the best. He's just, like, one of the most exciting.

[Chloe Mao]

I also.

[ASAP Rocky]

I love the shoot.

[Chloe Mao]

Lai flew to Puerto Rico to inter. She said it was so much fun. She is from Puerto Rico, and so sort of having this homecoming with Bad Bunny, who's, like, now a patron saint there, is really fun and exciting.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, the shoot's really fun. There's more exciting things coming up today, isn't there? Aren't there?

[Chloe Mao]

What's happening today?

[Choma Nadi]

We're doing a live taping in the podcast.

[Chloe Mao]

Oh, my God, we are.

[Choma Nadi]

And I can't wait to have Miles Pope, who is GQ's global fashion director, on the show because he's so funny. And obviously by popular demand, we have Edie Kiernan Bunzel, who is a very beloved Vogue contributor, who basically is the maestro behind the Met. And the seating plan maestro behind the.

[Chloe Mao]

Met is exactly what we should intro her as today. Yes, she is the Du de Mel of the Met.

[Choma Nadi]

Yes, she most certainly is. So I actually am really excited for that.

[Chloe Mao]

So expect to hear that conversation in your ears very soon.

[Choma Nadi]

And the run through will be back with asap. Rocky.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

The other day I like went on a real ebay spree. There's this huge push for like 80s opulence and 80s sort of glamour, and we're going to see that returning. And so I was already kind of tapped into that just from my gorgeous ebay watch list. And I found a really beautiful Chloe blazer from the 80s and a really great Miu Miu killed these great Dior boots. And I'm combining them all together. Sometimes trend forecasting doesn't require something that's going to be like, produced in the future. Sometimes you can like, tap into the past and tap into the archive as well. That's what makes ebay a fun place to actually discover things because you're not going in with something so specific in mind, but you have an idea of what you're interested in or what you're excited about or, you know, just truly trend forecasting. And so one thing that I would say people should be watching out for is like very opulent, 80s style.

[Choma Nadi]

And we're back.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay. ASAP. We're so excited to have you on the show.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I'm excited to be here.

[ASAP Rocky]

Last time I saw you, we went from Harlem to a Chelsea to an art gallery to Soho House and we were playing pool and playing Krazy Eights. Thank you for teaching me. Remember, I won the last round.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

You cheated, but we not gonna tell nobody.

[ASAP Rocky]

Oh, this is false. But now that your vote cover is out, how do you feel?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Amazing. I think I'm more happy than like Louis Cole and Pete put together. I'm happy. I think it was a beautiful cover. I'm glad with how everything turned out, you know, Amazing.

[ASAP Rocky]

And how is Grandma Kathy's reaction? What does she think?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Oh, man, I know she's hype and stuff, but truthfully, I just want to give her the physical and go see her and get her reaction, you know? She was so happy.

[ASAP Rocky]

She was. That was a great day.

[Choma Nadi]

It's such a charming picture with you and your grandma. It was one of my favorites in the entire story, aside from the Cruella de Villa. The Cruella de Vil moment was like, definitely like my fave, but that was the second fave.

[ASAP Rocky]

The Cruella de Vil was so good. And actually I spent this morning at a high school in Brooklyn talking to some students about my career and they all were like, tell Me, everything about this picture, the yellow car. And it was like half of them knew what 101 Dalmatians was. The other half were like, I think maybe I've heard of that before.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

That's so funny. Really?

[ASAP Rocky]

Yeah. Cause they're like 18. I don't know.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I mean, these kids probably didn't grow up on, like, the Disney cassette tapes like we did.

[ASAP Rocky]

No, they did not. But they love. But they loved the pictures. They were so excited. They asked me a million questions.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Nah, that's what's up, man. That's what's up. I'm so glad that I got to even just, you know, live that idea out and actually bring it to fruition, because it was just a manifestation. I always wanted to buy Langston Hughes house without jumping into anything too crazy, but I wanted to buy it so I could create and, you know, set up a studio there. And this marking 101 years of the Harlem Renaissance. Everything just clicked together for me. I was like, oh, 101 Dalmatians, Langston Hughes house, Harlem, here we come. And I just need to buy this vintage looking taxi. And we were all good. I purchased the taxi and I was ready.

[Choma Nadi]

Oh, fuck.

[ASAP Rocky]

I loved it. We loved it.

[Choma Nadi]

Well, I think everyone, now that the cover's out, I think everyone is now all eyes are on that red carpet and everyone is so, so excited to know what you're going to wear.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I'm going to be totally transparent and honest with you. I don't even know what the hell I'm wearing yet. That's just how I do this.

[Choma Nadi]

You're giving me anxiety. Nothing. Well, how do you work?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Not at all.

[Choma Nadi]

Your process.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I mean, I got an idea of something, but no, no, they're going to.

[ASAP Rocky]

Be like, sewing you into it.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

But it's just not that easy, guys. Getting dressed every time, you need options, and usually the outfit picks you. You get chosen by the, like, it's like having part of the hat picks you. Like, you know what I mean? That's how it is with the outfits.

[ASAP Rocky]

I can't just be like, this is true. You wake up, I tell people this. You have to wear what speaks to you.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

See, I grew up, like, preparing my clothes the night before. And I remember, like, growing up around Easter or Christmas and your birthday, you get like a new outfit the whole day. You just wait and then, you know, you just got it on your bed ready for the next morning. You lose sleep over that. I was tired of putting myself through that torment. So I made a decision. In my teens, my late Teens to stop preparing. And I woke up every day letting fashion choose me, you know, because fashion is a statement, and depending on how you feel, that day reflects your outfit, in my opinion.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, I agree. I mean, I think, obviously we just had Easter.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yes.

[Choma Nadi]

And, you know, one of my favorite things is walking around Harlem on Issa because everybody gets so dressed up.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

I mean, I guess.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yeah.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

But, you know, about that. What are you talking about?

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, we did.

[ASAP Rocky]

We did a street style story. We went and shot at Abyssinian.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

No.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yes. You can go see it on vogue.com.

[Choma Nadi]

So I'm wondering. Yeah, I'm wondering, do you. Did you. Do you dress up. Do you and Rihanna dress up the boys for Easter? Is it something you continue even in la, or do you have to be in Harlem to get that Easter look? Like, what's. Tell us what happened.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Nah, man. It's our tradition, so wherever we go, we gonna have, like, you know, Easter. We gonna celebrate it. But we gave the boys Easter this year. They had. We. I dressed up in awesome as a bunny. It was hilarious. My boys. My boys was in a. In their best Easter outfits, you know, buttoned down. They were sharp to a tee.

[ASAP Rocky]

I love it.

[Choma Nadi]

Now, those are the looks that we want to see, aside from the Met, obviously.

[ASAP Rocky]

I know. Did the Easter Bunny have on or a grill?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Nah, the Easter Bunny had a companion and made a lot of other Easter bunnies. So that was. That was.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay. Okay. Happy holiday to you. You had said, you know, in our interview, that being from Harlem gives you pizzazz.

[Choma Nadi]

Pizzazz is a good word.

[ASAP Rocky]

It's a great word to give you pizzazz. It's a great word. So how. So how influential is in how you dress being from Harlem?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

All right, I'm gonna break it down to you like this. Like, I just had a friend of mine, I was just shooting a commercial, directing the other day, and my friend asked me, who's co directing with me? Well, he actually produced. Excuse me. He was asking me, why is Harlem so cool, bro? Like, you know, for lack of better words, why are you guys so cool? Like, why has it always been like this? And I had to just give him a little history. I was like, you know, Harlem essentially was like Seneca Village, which we all know now today is Central park around a time when, you know, I would say our country was just going through its adversity and diversity and just challenges and stuff. You know, a lot of black people didn't have a lot of rights, as we all know. Right. You know, and we created our own neighborhood, which was Called Seneca Village, Central Park. Now, I don't want to regurgitate, but, you know, from what I know and gather, everybody moved from was kicked out of Seneca Village. And the significance of Seneca Village was that everybody who lived in it was wealthy. So it was wealthy black people. Now, that's where that ghetto fabulous, I guess, personality, I guess style and culture was really derived from. Everybody who left Seneca Village and went to Harlem, they were all successful. They all had money. So you would see people in Rolls Royces, you would see people in fur coats. You would see people wearing the finest jewelry, people with the nice appliances and new technology. That's what it was. And it was ironic that those people were considered, you know, to be living in the ghetto. So after generations and generations of that, you got these guys who think they the shit, like myself. You get what I'm saying? In all fairness, we. Are you shitting me?

[Choma Nadi]

I mean, in a nutshell, is it fair to say Harlem is the best dressed neighborhood in the world?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Come on, now.

[Choma Nadi]

Because I'm from London, and I want to say.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

You're from London, right?

[Choma Nadi]

Yes. Okay.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

You know the answer to that question.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay, we talked about this. My parents are both from Harlem, so I'm outnumbered.

[Choma Nadi]

This is.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

No. Y'all know what's up. Yes, I'm gonna answer that for you. I. I do feel like that, and I'm sorry, maybe I'm biased, but I truly strongly feel that way.

[Choma Nadi]

I guess we also have to talk about your approach to getting dressed, because I think everybody loved your life and looks. I think it was one of. One of, like, a real crowd favorite. And I personally loved the way you talk about the babushka look and, like, you know, you talk about wearing masses, and it feels like you're not confined by this idea of, like, masculinity. Like, can you tell us a bit about, like, about how you see getting dressed in that sense?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Man, part of my language. I do what the fuck I want, you know? Yeah. Excuse my. My language, but in all fairness, like, man, I'm a. I want to represent. Like, I want to be a catalyst for, like, daring men, you know, I. I don't know who drew the line between, like, femininity or just being feminine and. And masculinity. Excuse me. I. I don't know who drew that line, but I don't see any barriers. For me, it's not fair that, like, my girl could just go in my closet and just take anything from it and wear it. That goes both ways. Like, she has pieces she don't know that I actually stole. You get what I'm saying? I'm a wake up. She does it to me all the time. And sometimes you just see her on an interview or just see a paparazzi photo like, wait, there goes my mew mew fucking jacket. Like, what the fuck? I was looking for that since 2021. You get what I'm. And it's just like, okay, I got you. So for me, it's just like, there's no barriers. There's no nothing. For me, I think, like, kilts and babushkas and all of that stuff. That's what the moors wore. If you know anything about the moors with the pearls and stuff like that. And. And that's what the. That's literally what the moors had on, you know? And for me, kilts, pearls, T shirts on the head. These are all things that were meant to be, like, emasculated and meant to look feminine. And they all started out with African men wearing them.

[Choma Nadi]

Yes.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Another fact.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, it's very true. I love that you also stepped into the role of designer yourself, and I'm kind of curious to know what it was like designing your collection, American Sabotage last year under the label Org. Like, tell us a bit about it.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I've always been a designer. You know, I've just been ghost designing and trying to get my feet wet and learn things. So instead of just getting internships at certain houses, what I would do is, if I'm friends with somebody, I would ask, can I come in? Can I give my opinion? Can I do a capsule collection with you? Can I do it? And that allowed me for the past 10 years to kind of, like, develop an understanding of how the fashion industry works, because I was always looking at it from a consumer perspective. So, you know, just trying to get into it and, you know, do the right things and, you know, just see what the playing field was like. Was just my prerogative. And I think that it was well overdue. By the time I did this American Sabotage show, It was really supposed to be political satire. I think everything that I embedded into the show ended up. I foreshadowed because it ended up happening. You got these immigration laws that are going crazy. If you see, my whole thing was inspired by, like, immigrants and refugees and different people. I was chilling in the alleyway in Tribeca, and I would just watch different people walk by. And that's what inspired Beanbags Full of Trash. That's what inspired the, you know, the clothes, the covering of the face coverings and everything. It was More of a political satire. So I just kind of wanted to manifest my observations into that collection.

[ASAP Rocky]

Nice.

[Choma Nadi]

Great.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yeah. And as someone who is, I guess, like, you know, so deeply entrenched in this world of fashion and part of it, we're so curious to know your thoughts on all these creative director appointments and all the shuffling around that's happening. We know you've worked with Jonathan Anderson, who's now heading to Dior.

[Choma Nadi]

You've worked with all the big people.

[ASAP Rocky]

All of them, like Matthew, Alessandro, everyone. So what are your thoughts about what's happening right now with all the creative director reshufflings?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

It's beautiful and it's healthy. It's what we need. I think they wait too long sometimes. Some people need to get the fuck out of there. Some people need to be moved to other places, in my opinion.

[Choma Nadi]

Okay, refresh. It's a refresh and a reset.

[ASAP Rocky]

All right.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I think it's important. It's just like a basketball season. You know, they do trades every year, and, you know, you get new players, sometimes new coaches. I think it's all necessary.

[ASAP Rocky]

All right, and when you and Jonathan have chatted about fashion, what are some of the things you guys have discussed or what is any, like, advice he's given you about, you know, your work as a designer?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

When I talk to Jonathan, it's mainly about us critiquing fashion. Like, we just like to, like, sit back and just talk about fashion from the 80s 90s and compare it to now. You know, we talk about different designers who we respect, different people who. Not so much like, you know, just typical fashion talk. Yeah.

[ASAP Rocky]

Do you have an era that you really love? Do you have, like, a favorite fashion era?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Obviously, Galliano had eras that, you know, were amazing. Lee McQueen had. He had his era. I look at it from just the overall, like, package. Not just phenomenal designer, but how was the designer shows how is his influence in his impact or her impact, her influence on the culture, on the industry. And that's just. For me, it's just like, people have their errors and stuff like that. So I don't necessarily have, like, one specific, you know, time period. That was my. That's my favorite of all time, you know, but if I had to, I would say 80s fashion is the shit. You know what I mean? 80s Armani.

[ASAP Rocky]

80S Armani, American Gigolo.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Oh, that.

[Choma Nadi]

That might be. Is that a clue for the Met? Are we thinking that? Is that the vibe?

[ASAP Rocky]

Oh, I don't know. Is it a little Richard Beer influence?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I mean, you never know. You never know.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

I like ebay for one of a kind items. Things that feel limited edition or collections that can't be found in stores. And with the eBay, eBay authenticity guarantee, I know that when it arrives, it's real. It is a piece that is coming from the designer's collection, the designer's archive. One of the biggest conversation points for some of the parties that I'll go to during Fashion Week are the pieces that I'm getting off of ebay. Everyone's a little bit intrigued and excited whenever they hear that you were able to find something on this digital treasure hunt.

[Choma Nadi]

You know, you and Rihanna do such a great job of championing new designers and putting us onto who's next. Are there any young designers, emerging labels that you're really into at the moment or feeling.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah, there's quite a few. But, you know, not to be biased. I really love what my boy Joshua Jamal is doing. I think as a young designer, I think he's killing it.

[Choma Nadi]

Tell us more about his label.

[ASAP Rocky]

He played Krazy Eights with us, correct?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah.

[Choma Nadi]

Is that the name of his brand? Is his name Joshua Jamal?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah, his name is Joshua Jamal. That's his brand. I think he does it. He does a great job. He designs with me for my Aug stuff as well. He collaborates with me on my Aug stuff, so, you know, I fuck with him. Heavy.

[Choma Nadi]

How did you meet?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I just reached out to him. I was doing these like. Like that American sabotage, kind of like a military kind of, like swag for a little bit. And I was doing these videos, and I would see, like, when I dropped my video, a lot of his posts look similar to it, and I was just like, yo, we on the same vibe. You know what I mean? Usually other people take it as, like, you know, something that's, like, bumping heads or, you know, as a negative. Like, oh, you taking my style. Oh, we can't exist in the same spot. Nah. For me, it's just like, oh, you get it. You tapped into the same thing I was. We should do more. You know what I mean?

[Choma Nadi]

It's so nice when that happens, when there's, like, real synergy.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah. Because this whole thing is egotistical, and it's driven by ego. So it's nice when you could kind of put the ego in the backseat and just let creativity drop.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah. And speaking of creativity, you've got an album coming out, right?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yes.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah. Tell us everything. What is it like? It's been. It's been a minute, so I feel like everybody's super excited. Tell us. Tell us how you're feeling in this moment.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I feel great about it. I feel like I shouldn't speak on it because I spoke about it too much, and I promised my fans when I was going to drop it and stuff, and I just want to drop it. Honestly, I'm tired of telling them it's this, is that. It's that, is this. That's one of those things I. I need. It's just gonna drop. You know, it's gonna come out, and people are gonna love it, and, you know, they gonna see all the hard work that I put into it, and everything is gonna be cohesive from, like, it's me. It's just, you know, the visual, the artwork, the creativity, the music, the. Sonically, everything is just gonna be cohesive. It's gonna be very ASAP. Rocky in 2025.

[ASAP Rocky]

Nice. Well, one of your collaborators is Jessica Pratt. Hijack. I was bumping that the other day on the way to my workout. I said, leah, you gotta get there.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

She's so cool, man. I love her, like, monotone.

[ASAP Rocky]

Curious. Are there other artists who you listen to or who you're inspired by that may be surprising to people?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

There are, but if I give them away, then people might know my features and shit, you know?

[Choma Nadi]

Gotta keep it underage.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay, well, what about. Was there anything you were listening to in high school that maybe, like, all of your friends weren't listening to?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah, I was listening to, like, Nas, Barkley, and shit like that. I was listening to a lot of Nirvana. I was listening to a lot of. I was listening to the Beatles, obviously. I liked. I liked rock. I was listening to a lot of underground Memphis rap. People didn't, like, understand that, like, it was in Texas rap, too. I used to love a lot of, like, underground, like, mid. Like, early 90s, late 80s Texas. Memphis rap is crazy. Is nuts.

[ASAP Rocky]

Oh, nice.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah, Underground hip hop, too. From New york in the 90s 80s. Crazy.

[Choma Nadi]

I feel like a lot of people, I've been inspired by how you've taken to the role of father. I think it's been so great. And I'm wondering how that has. If that's influenced your creative process.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Oh, absolutely. I mean, being a father is my creative process now because I just embodied it as a whole. I never really had a role model or just an iconic figure that I sit that I'm like, you know what? When I become a dad, I'm gonna da, da, da, da, da. And I guess I'm that for people. And I didn't like Purposely try to do that, but I take it as a badge of honor. I'm so flattered. And you know, just being me, that it can inspire people to actually do something that is considered good. Being a present, active father. You know what I'm saying? So you. I love that shit. For me, my dad was a proud dad. He taught me everything I know, especially how to be a gentleman and whatnot. So I was prepared to be a dad my whole life, man. You know, I'm ready, and I'm. I'm 36 going on 37, man. This. These. These clothes suit me. Well, man, it's just. It goes with. You know what I mean?

[ASAP Rocky]

Like, your dad saw your dad.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Yeah, I'm in my dad bag right now for sure.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay. You have a new film coming out. Highest to lowest.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

It's gonna be two new films coming out.

[ASAP Rocky]

Two new films.

[Choma Nadi]

You've been busy. So how'd you fit it all in? I didn't know there were two films.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Two films from A24. Shout out to A24. One of them is with Spike Lee.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yes. And Denzel Washington. Correct.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Denzel Washington is a remake. We actually got that into Cannes. And the other film is called if I had legs, I kick you. It was directed Mary Bronson. So it's. It's a. It's. It's gonna be a beautiful film starring Christian Slater. Is.

[ASAP Rocky]

Okay, wait, I saw Christian Slater on the subway recently.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, I saw Instagram.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yes. And I was.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

We had a fight scene, and I.

[ASAP Rocky]

Was like, is that Christian Slater? Wow. Okay, tell us about Denzel. We need to know what that was like.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Denzel is. All right, listen. Denzel pulled up to the movie set playing Pooh Shiesty and Moneybagg. Yo. Swear to God, really can't make this up. Yes, he love. He liked to listen to Memphis rappers, but modern Memphis rappers. Then he. He started quoting Nle Chopper. I'm like, you know, Nle Chop. He like, I don't do drive bys now. Walk him down. I'm like, yo, Denzel, it was crazy. He's really tapped in, man. For sure, for sure. Shout out to the og, man. You know, working with Denzel is a dream come true. Honestly, man, he's an og, man. That's all I could really say, man. You know, I was geeked, and I still am. You know, I'm a fan.

[ASAP Rocky]

Nice.

[Choma Nadi]

Such a legend.

[ASAP Rocky]

Such a legend.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Such a. Such a legend. He's. He's really. You know, I'm really good friends with his son, John David. We did a Film together. And he actually introduced me to his pops years ago. So, you know, the whole family, that coolness, that vibe, Malcolm, all of them, everybody in the family, like, all his sons and daughters, every last one of them, his whole family got his swag. I promise you, one of his sons walks like him, the other son talks like him, the other daughter acts like him, the other daughter thinks like him. Like, it's crazy. You know what I mean? So his whole family is blessed. He has a beautiful family.

[ASAP Rocky]

Pauletta is also fab, very talented.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

I was about to say, his wife is amazing. And, you know, I mean, I mean, they. Beautiful people. Beautiful people.

[ASAP Rocky]

So. So obviously your boys, they're young, but could you see any of them being in entertainment? Like, what are. Do any. Do either one have a personality that you feel lends itself to that?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

It's hilarious when you say that. Honestly, for me, as a parent, I just want to encourage and champion my children to do whatever the hell they want to do. You know, that's the thing. It's just like, when usually as parents, we. Usually not we, but usually parents tend to kind of force their. Or manage their expectations of the children, right? And it's just like, you know, some. Some guys want their son to be an athlete. You know, some. Some guys want their. They want their children to go to. To be a doctor, go to law. Like, nah, man. I want my children to do what really gets them going, man. Really. Like, the support from my dad when I wanted to do music is what really encouraged me to be the fullest ace at Rocky I could be. My dad, my mom, they supported the shit out of me. Like, not support in the sense of, you know, studio time, money and. No, and that's what you want to do, son. That's incredible. You gonna kill that shit? Yes. So what makes you want to do that? Okay, cool. And when he saw I was serious, my pops knew I've been rapping since I was 8 years old. My brother taught me how to rap. So, you know, whatever my children want to do, they could do. I don't care if it's music, a musician, acting, dancing, whatever it is they want to do, they could do. Just get dressed for the hell of it. Let them, like. Let them do it. You saw that film, Big Daddy Y. I'm gonna be like, how? Like Adam Sandler, he let his son. He let Julian call himself. He addressed him as Frankenstein and let that boy whatever the fuck he wanted. That's what it is. Absolutely.

[ASAP Rocky]

And we talked about this a bit, but what are Their personalities like your.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Two boys, man, it's amazing. Obviously, they still growing into their personalities and stuff and developing, but it's amazing. You know, it's just like their children, just to see them actually, like, you know, interact with each other and interact with me and with their. It's amazing. It's beautiful. You know, it's something that you dream about, and when it happens, it's just like you living your dream and all jokes aside, and I hate to make it sound extra, you know, extra, extra, but that's just how it is for me, you know?

[Choma Nadi]

Oh, I love the way you talk about it. I mean, I was gonna ask you what you're looking forward to, but it sounds like you're actually living the dream.

[ASAP Rocky]

I mean, I'm living the dream. Two beautiful kids with Rihanna sounds.

[Choma Nadi]

I know.

[ASAP Rocky]

Is there someone who you're excited to see at the Met Gala?

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Not really. I'm excited to honestly see the Met Gala this year. You know, I'm excited to see so many people celebrating, you know, black excellence for lack of better words and dandyism. I'm so excited to see how many people is gonna show up and, you know, show out for that. That's what I'm excited to see. Everyone, all jokes aside. Yeah. It's gonna be an eventful night, and it's gonna be very impactful and historical.

[Choma Nadi]

Yeah, you're right.

[ASAP Rocky]

Absolutely.

[Choma Nadi]

I mean, honestly, like, it's been such a joy to have you on, and your energy right now is, like. And so infectious.

[ASAP Rocky]

Yes.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Thank you so much.

[ASAP Rocky]

Thank you.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Thank y'all for having me. You know, it was always a pleasure out the first half of our interview. Even my grandma, it was so beautiful. I mean, thank you for that.

[ASAP Rocky]

Thank you. I had. That was the best. That was the best day. Thank you so much.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

Thank you, ladies. Thanks, everybody.

[Choma Nadi]

That's it for the show. See you later.

[Chloe Mao]

The Run through is produced by Chelsea Daniel, Alex DePalma and Joanna Solotarov. It's engineered by Jake Loomis and James Yost. It is mixed by Mike Kutchman. Stephanie Karaoke is our executive producer, and Chris Bannon is Conde Nast's head of global audio.

[Arden Fanning Andrews]

The other day, I, like, went on a real ebay spree. There's this huge push for, like, 80s opulence and 80s sort of glamour, and we're going to see that returning. And so I was already kind of tapped into that just from my gorgeous ebay watch list. And I found a really beautiful Chloe blazer from the 80s and a really great Miu Miu Kilt, these great Dior boots, and I'm combining them all together. Sometimes trend forecasting doesn't require something that's gonna be, like, produced in the future. Sometimes you can, like, tap into the past and tap into the archive as well. That's what makes ebay a fun place to actually discover things, because you're not going in with something so specific in mind, but you have an idea of what you're interested in or what you're excited about or, you know, just truly trend forecasting. And so one thing that I would say people should be watching out for is, like, very opulent,'80s style.

[Leah Fay Cooper]

From PRX.