It takes a lot these days for emerging designers to stand out among the crowd nowdays. Some are quiet and self-kept with an incredibly hard work ethic, others are more social with bubbly personality. One of the most colorful up and coming designers that I’ve had the privilege of knowing for a few years is Noah “El Plaga” Majinnasola. An artist on a number of different levels, he’s always kept busy within the world of design by creating his own unique look that always seems to spark some sort of conversation. For the first time ever in an interview, I had the opportunity to go one on one with him and learn more about his motivation as a designer, what makes one of Baltimore’s fastest rising young artists tick and how the stars aligned for him to end up where he is today.
Underground Underdogs: Tell me about yourself? What’s your background and how did you find your interest in fashion?
Noah Majinnasola: So my real name is Noah Majinnasola and i’m from Baltimore County, Lagos Nigeria. My mom and dad are religious, laid back, hard working individuals. I was raised by a dad who took interest in great quality, rare material items and vintage. My mom came from a bloodline of seamstresses that make a lot of traditional lower to upper class garments. I always took interest in both sides and both parts of my heritage were ingrained in me.
Thats pretty interesting, it’s almost as if it was inevitable for you to get into the world of design. You have a pretty unique style, who would you say are some of your inspirations or influences?
photo credit: @__elplaga
Basically [laughs], but it took time to realize that I had to embrace myself more through adversities… some of my inspirations right now would be Kid Cudi for not giving a fuck, Wiz Khalifa for not giving a fuck, Young Thug, Prince, Elvis Presley, Frida Kahlo, Dean Bolt, Kanye, Missy Elliot, Ian Connor and Giorgio Armani. My mom and dad as well. Also everyday jobs and occupations come in so many uniforms and styles that I’m influenced by them all in a way. Even a persons way of life has a style if you can notice it for the brief moment.
I feel you man. There are so many elements that have to come together to generate ones particular style. Let’s talk about some of your work. When did you start cutting and sewing your own clothes? I notice you mix many different brands and materials that a lot of people wouldn’t expect.
I started literally sewing and cutting officially my second semester freshman year or first semester sophomore year of college which was in 2013. I’m finding my niche way better now than when I started. I wasn’t as focused then, dealing with another clothing brand was a major deal for me, as well as being a student and trapper at the same time. I love so much different shit that why not have my cake and eat it too. I’m too multicultural to stay with one type of feel, even if it’s just one I’ll turn it to a thousand.
Getting started on that sewing machine can be intimidating for sure. It seems like you’ve become tighter with your designs as you’ve gone on. Do you have any opinions on today’s styles? Anything you like or dislike?
[Laughs] Bro, I see why adults who’ve been sewing for a long time tend to be have stiff, abnormal looking fingers [laughs]. The amount of times I’ve stabbed myself, fucked up so many pieces and threading are all worth it. I didn’t want to keep relying on my mom to sew me pieces or fix my clothes especially when my mind is always filled with ideas. Today’s style is just another trend, here today gone tomorrow. It’s all about those influencing the trends, so it’s always going to be a new discovery of a style that’s not really new but just being able to elaborate more. Like technology, you know, or just survival of the fittest. Style is about adapting to all comfortabilities, so a style can only last so long, but the innovator lasts forever. It’s not that I dislike anything but I just don’t care to dislike anything. That’s too much energy to invest in something that’s not my preference.
photo credit: @__elplaga
That’s a solid way of looking at things. So, as a designer do you have any ideas or projects in mind that you want to try that you haven’t attempted before? Say, footwear, accessories, etc?
So I can’t give too much in-depth detail but I’m planing to drop a very distinctive 1/1 limited strap jackets. While still doing other pieces, that’s going to be my main focus. I was inspired recently while in California last month to bring to life a footwear concept. The shit is insane but I can’t talk on it, just gotta make it happen. I don’t give myself too much of a time table on exact dates but I’m always a ‘very soon’ person. I’m also in accessory design. I’ve actually been working with a young woman out of California as well who has a knack for creating spiked chokers that I’ve completely flipped the script on, how to wear them specifically. I want to venture onto other things but one step at a time. People talk so many ideas but how many really carry them out?
That’s great news for those who are a fan of your work. I’ve noticed you do a lot of business in the Los Angeles area, and you’ve met up with a number of notable figures in the fashion world including Ronnie Fieg. What’s it like being able to absorb wisdom from folks like that?
photo credit: @__elplaga
Thank you very much brother, I appreciate that you can notice those aspects. The way that connection even happened was insane… with no expectations of going to the Kith grand opening to meeting iconic figures. I hate being on my phone but the way things are set up, I have to check and update my media at some point. I got the content I needed and was in a trance of absorbing art, life, intelligence, business and motivation at a whole new level. I was so moved that I wasn’t satisfied with just being there, I had to meet the man himself, and what way to meet him over a cup of KITH ice cream, [laughs] that shit was FIYA! It was an honor and blessing honestly.
That must’ve been pretty surreal. I know a lot of folks would do anything to have that sort of experience. Shifting gears a bit, it’s no secret that you’re an artist in many ways. Most may know you better by your alias, “El Plaga”. What can you tell us about yourself as a musician?
Man, words can’t explain and express everything. I’ve been working on music for 3 years now and my son will be three in July. He’s my biggest motivation, my biggest supporter, The worst you can get is a NO but with him. Always in my heart there’s no other option but I’m always figuring out ways to better my craft. Each time I step in that booth, that stage, that festival, that everything is all for him and I’m figuring my own self out along this journey. The sky is the limit.
As an artist, how important is your aesthetic to you? When it comes to both video and your designs?
Aesthetic is important for me when it comes to video and design but I always do my best to go with my natural side and nothing fabricated. Everything I do relates to me past, present, and future. It sounds a bit obsessive but I think if people to truly want to relate or connect with you, you really have to be in tune with yourself. I really like to make sure what I do embraces me and is relatable for others. I’m always getting better with each video and design so my visions will keep coming out clearer and clearer for everyone to truly appreciate.
Thanks for speaking with us! Are there any final statements you would like to make? Any advice for someone looking to get into design?
Anytime bro. I appreciate this opportunity! It’s all about what you do with your talents and skills once you’re on a platform, but remember the goal is for the greater good. Whatever you want to start, start and don’t ever stop. There are so many routes but we want to keep our eyes on the destination. No one is perfect but we all have to know how to stay positive through adversity. Dreams are the hardest yet easiest careers to make happen compared to any job we can apply for. You’ve got to go through a process to attain them, it all starts with you. Don’t feel down, always look up. Make everything count and learn from your mistakes!
photo credit: Mason Luckiewicz (@masonluckiewicz)