Arguably the oddest pair in hip-hop, South African duo Die Antwoord (Afrikaans for "The Answer") appears in fashion designer Alexander Wang's latest video for his T by Alexander Wang line. While it initially comes as a surprise that the edgy-chic young designer would collaborate with the edgy-creep rappers, but in the video they meld seamlessly. The T by Alexander Wang line consists of mostly casuals and basics like sweats and tees, so they're perfect for Die Antwoord to tag up. Fashion videos have become a seasonal staple for all clothing brands, but the clothing takes a back seat to the music in Wang's Spring 2012 video; and as a big music fan of course I love that.
Watch Die Antwoord perform their latest single "Fatty Boom Boom" for T by Alexander Wang:
For those of you unfamiliar with Die Antwoord, the group is made up of Ninja (the guy), Yo-Landi Vi$$er (the girl), and DJ Hi-Tek (not featured). Their usual style consists of a cringe-worthy meld of over-sized Euro rave and hip-hop gear splattered with Basquiat-ish graffiti patterns, Ninja's gold teeth and poorly drawn tattoos, and Yo-Landi's razor's-edgy platinum haircuts. Yo-Landi child-like size and voice paired with her palpable ferocity reminds one of a murderous Chucky doll. Having the tiny woman swear up a storm alongside a guy who looks like he really shouldn't be trusted with children or pets? A strange combo indeed. But there's definitely something mysteriously cool about the anomalous pair and Alexander Wang was right to tap into that. I personally think Die Antwoord are at such a level of oblivious ridiculousness that it becomes awesome.
See more Die Antwoord on Yahoo! Music
The fashion video is fun, but the behind-the-scenes video is where one can really see the novelty that Die Antwoord is (those footie pajamas as fashion?). Watching them go about their day is like watching a cross between dark Australian reality spoof Summer Heights High and Chloe Sevigny's infinitely bleak, career-launching indie film Kids. In fact, Kids director Harmony Korine directed an exaggerated, yet still kind of frightening short for French designer agnès b starring the rap duo last year. In Wang's behind-the-scenes, you can't tell if they're genuinely trying to be "hard", or if they are cognizant of how silly they sometimes are. Either way, it's pretty cool.
What do you think about Die Antwoord collaborating with Alexander Wang? Leave your comments below!
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