THE VOICE OF A NEW ERA: BOBBY TRENDZ REDEFINES THE ART OF DESIGN.

THE VOICE OF A NEW ERA:
BOBBY TRENDZ REDEFINES
THE ART OF DESIGN.

Words by Knard Jackson
February 7, 2025

Bobby Trendz—a name synonymous with boundary-pushing creativity and cultural foresight—commands attention not just for his impeccable sense of style but for the unapologetic way he speaks his truth.
The streets outside buzzed with their usual rhythm, but inside, there was an undeniable air of something extraordinary unfolding. Bobby wasn't just there for a photo shoot; he was there to cement his place as the "Voice of a New Era."

The room is alive with quiet intensity—the kind that doesn't need words to announce itself. It's the inaugural shoot for A𝘰D at the BT Collective Office, located in the Heart of Soho. At its center, Bobby Trendz sits casually perched, effortlessly commanding the energy around him. The flashbulbs pop, the team buzzes, and Bobby is unbothered yet wholly intentional in the midst of it all.

We settle into a conversation, and immediately, the typical interview formalities evaporate. Bobby speaks in waves—his voice measured, thoughtful, and charged with the urgency of someone who knows who they are and where they're going. "Culture," he begins, pausing as if to ensure I'm paying attention, "isn't something you dissect. It's something you live. You feel it. It's in the way we move, the way we create. That's what The BT Collective is all about—amplifying those who've been muted for too long."

There's a gravity to his words, but it's balanced by a rare ease. Bobby Trendz isn't one to perform passion—it flows from him naturally, unfiltered, and infectious. He doesn't just see creativity as an industry; to him, it's a lifeline, a force capable of shifting the cultural landscape. "Creativity connects us. People, ideas, movements—it's all one thing. And when you tap into that energy, you're unstoppable."

That energy has only amplified as Bobby steps into his latest role: Editor-in-Chief of A𝘰D Magazine. When I ask him what it feels like to take the helm of a new publication that promises to spotlight emerging voices and untold stories, he leans back in his chair, a thoughtful smile playing at the corners of his lips. "It's surreal," he admits, his usual steady tone carrying just a hint of wonder. "I've always been interested in creating platforms, but this—this feels different. It's a new level of responsibility but, equally, a new level of freedom."

For Bobby, A𝘰D isn't just a magazine; it's a movement. "This isn't about curating for the sake of it," he says. "It's about pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and making sure creatives feel seen. Being Editor-in-Chief means being a gatekeeper in the best way possible. I get to hold the door open for voices that might otherwise go unheard."

Bobby Trendz photographed in The BT Collective / A𝘰D Magazine headquarters in Soho, New York at The Malin. Jacket by Jil Sander, Sweater by Ron David Studio, Tuxedo Shorts by Loewe, Socks by Margiela, Glasses by Chloé. Photography by John Dionisio.

Bobby's origin story isn't cloaked in unattainable mystique. In fact, it's refreshingly human. Raised in a world where curiosity was currency and self-expression a necessity, Bobby gravitated toward fashion as his first language. Clothes weren't just garments but vessels for identity, rebellion, and joy. What started as a fascination with styling soon bloomed into something more significant: an all-encompassing love for culture and the interconnected worlds of art, music, and business.

"People like to associate me with aesthetics," Bobby reflects, his voice steady but charged with an undercurrent of determination. "But it's so much bigger than that. It's about vision—seeing what's not there and bringing it to life. I'm always asking myself, What's next? and then chasing it down."

The moniker Bobby Trendz is itself a piece of his journey. It was gifted to him in the lyrics of a family friend's rap—a moment of recognition that captured the essence of his evolving style and foresight. The name stuck, and over time, it became a brand, a persona, and, ultimately, a legacy in the making. Today, The BT Collective, the creative agency Bobby founded, is a force to be reckoned with. Known for its sharp take on brand strategy, social media innovation, and event production, the agency has carved out a lane entirely its own.

The BT Collective / A𝘰D Magazine headquarters in Soho, New York at The Malin. Photography by John Dionisio.

But for Bobby, the work transcends the superficial. "It's about legacy," he says, locking eyes with me as if daring me to feel the weight of his words. "It's about transforming lives, shaping culture. We're not just here to make brands look good. We're here to make them meaningful and sustainable."

And the impact is palpable. Whether he's launching the careers of rising artists, reimagining the digital identities of established entrepreneurs, or curating a magazine issue from scratch, Bobby's approach is marked by one thing: authenticity. "We're not here to keep up with trends," he says, his tone light but his meaning heavy. "We're here to set them."

That boundary-pushing ethos is what makes Bobby and his agency stand apart in a world obsessed with quick clicks and fleeting moments. Every project is a statement, every collaboration an act of defiance against mediocrity. "Connection is everything," Bobby explains. "But not just any connection. It has to be real. It has to matter. That's what we aim for—authentic, inclusive, and honest relationships with people."

Still, behind the brand's high-octane energy and the endless stream of creative projects, Bobby has learned the art of stillness. "Balance is non-negotiable," he admits, his voice softening. Whether journaling in the early morning light, practicing mindfulness, or slipping away for a quiet walk, Bobby knows that his sharpest ideas come from a place of clarity. "Mental clarity is everything," he says. You can't pour from an empty cup.”

As we talk, it becomes clear that Bobby isn't just a participant in culture—he's a sculptor of it, molding and reshaping the narrative to reflect a world that's more vibrant, inclusive, and daring. "This isn't just about me," he says, his voice tinged with humility. It's about the people, the ideas, the energy.

Bobby Trendz in Soho, New York. Leather Coat by Jil Sander, Shirt by Celine, Tie by Prada, Pants by Maison Margiela, Shoes by Celine, Glasses by Gucci, Hat by Ron David Studio. Photography by John Dionisio.

There's a charisma to Bobby that feels electric—a mix of sharp wit, comedic timing, and unwavering passion. But beneath the charm lies a deep sense of intentionality. "You've got to be serious about what you're building," he says. "But you've also got to have fun with it. If you're not enjoying the process, what's the point?"

As the shoot wraps and Bobby lies across the chocolate brown velvet couch in his office, a playful smile breaking across his face, one thing is clear: he's not just shaping the creative industry—he's defining it. The world of culture, style, and entrepreneurship may never be the same, and perhaps that's exactly the way Bobby Trendz intends it to be.

Grooming by Marcus Huertas,; Manicure by VNAIL Salon. Set design by THE BT COLLECTIVE LLC. Wardrobe Partner JIL SANDER. Style Assistant- Shanice Gray, Contributing Stylist- Michael Phelps. Florals by OLIVEE FLORAL. Special thanks to The Malin.

A WORLD THROUGH HIS LENS: A CONVERSATION WITH DARREL “MODE” HUNTER

A WORLD THROUGH HIS LENS:
A CONVERSATION WITH DARREL "MODE" HUNTER

Words by Knard Jackson & Sayeed Shahidi
February 7, 2025

In a world that feels more connected yet distant than ever, few artists bridge the gap like Darrel “Mode” Hunter. Known for his evocative photography that captures life’s most magnetic moments, Hunter brings more than just an eye for beauty—he brings a soul-deep passion that transforms every image into a story.

When A𝘰D editors Sayeed Shahidi and Ken J caught up with Mode, the conversation transcended the constraints of time zones, as if creativity itself had set the stage. Three cities, three clocks, and one shared love for artistry—it was a dialogue pulsing with energy, authenticity, and insight.

Hunter’s presence is electric, his enthusiasm contagious, and his craft nothing short of visionary. From unraveling the tales behind his iconic images to diving into the philosophy that shapes his lens, the discussion unfolded like one of his photographs: vibrant, layered, and deeply moving.

A𝘰D: What sparked your journey into photography, and how did it all begin?

Mode Hunter: Photography and fashion have always been part of my life, but initially, I didn’t see them as careers. I studied finance and worked in the field before realizing my true passion for photography. After taking a short course and being mentored by a family friend in fashion, I began connecting with industry professionals and participating in shoots—this mentorship was crucial in launching my career.

A𝘰D: What is the origin story behind the “Mode Hunter” moniker?

Mode Hunter: As a child, I loved capturing moments with my dad’s twin-lens camera and a Canon PowerShot my mom gave me. Photography wasn’t a career goal at the time, just a way to preserve memories. It wasn’t until I began using more professional gear that I realized it could be a career.

A𝘰D: What inspired you to focus on street photography as your perspective?

Mode Hunter: Street photography happened organically around 2007, when I started capturing stylish individuals on the streets of London. As street style gained popularity, I realized there was a growing market for it, particularly at Fashion Weeks. For me, it’s always been about showcasing people’s personalities and stories through fashion.

Darrel “Mode” Hunter photographed at The BT Collective / A𝘰D Magazine Headquarters in SoHo, New York at The Malin . Photography by John Dionisio.

A𝘰D: What challenges have shaped your journey, and what milestones have defined your career?

Mode Hunter: The hardest part of transitioning to photography was learning the business side—handling invoices, budgets, and client expectations. I also struggled with rejection early on but have learned to keep moving forward. I stay motivated by looking ahead rather than dwelling on past accomplishments.

A𝘰D: In the ever-evolving world of photography, what fuels your inspiration and keeps your vision fresh?

Mode Hunter: I find inspiration in various places—art galleries, conversations with people from different fields, and even walks. When facing creative blocks, I take time to rest and recharge, knowing that inspiration can come from unexpected sources.

A𝘰D: Can you walk us through your creative process—how you approach a shot, frame a story, and curate your final work?

Mode Hunter: For street style, I prefer capturing candid moments, especially at Fashion Week, focusing on raw energy and authenticity. For editorial and commercial work, I plan meticulously with mood boards but stay flexible, as the best shots often come when I go off-script. Preparation is essential. Detailed planning leads to smoother shoots, but things don’t always go as expected. Communication with the team is key to ensuring the shoot aligns with the vision.

A𝘰D: How do you navigate the obstacles that come your way in your creative journey?

Mode Hunter: I see challenges as opportunities to problem-solve. No matter what goes wrong on a shoot, it’s up to the photographer to bring everything together and deliver the final image.

Darell “Mode” Hunter photographed in Soho, New York. Coat by Lemaire, Pants by Prada, Sweater by Banana Republic, Shoes by Miu Miu, Glasses by Prada. Photography by John Dionisio.

A𝘰D: What are some of the most iconic moments or images in your career that you’re proud of, and what makes them stand out?” moniker?

Mode Hunter: One of my proudest moments was seeing my work in print for the first time. Even in the digital age, print carries weight. Another milestone was being flown out for a job—being trusted enough by clients to travel and collaborate with diverse cultures is a humbling experience.

A𝘰D: Can you tell us about your first feature in a publication?

Mode Hunter: My first print feature was in Lucky Magazine, which no longer exists. Recently, seeing my editorial in ELLE Turkey was another milestone. It’s always surreal to see your work through someone else’s eyes in print or online.

A𝘰D: How do you celebrate your accomplishments, and do you take time to reflect on them?

Mode Hunter: I don’t celebrate enough. After a project wraps, I thank the team but often move on too quickly to the next thing. I’m starting to recognize the importance of pausing to reflect and celebrate accomplishments.

Darrel “Mode” Hunter photographed in Soho, New York. Photography by John Dionisio.

A𝘰D: What message or feeling do you aim to convey to your audience through your work?”

Mode Hunter: Beyond aesthetics, I want my work to tell a story, evoke emotion, and create connections. Photography for me isn’t just about the final image but the journey, the culture, and the people who bring it to life.

A𝘰D: How do you see your work contributing to the broader cultural conversation?

Mode Hunter: Whatever I’m capturing, regardless of the photography—whether it’s landscapes, portraits, or anything else—I want there to be a feeling attached to it, rather than just, “Oh, this is a great image.” That, for me, is something I strive to do. When I’m with a subject, it’s a conversation between me and them. So, when I’m capturing them, I’m trying to bring something out, whether I’m posing them or it’s candid. It’s a conversation, it’s what I’m seeing in them, and then you have the conversation between the viewer and my image, basically. So, it’s the subject told through my image. That’s what I try to do. Aside from beautiful imagery, great fashion, and great locations, I want there to be a conversation and an insight into what’s happening in that moment.

A𝘰D: What Advice do you have for up-and-coming photographers trying to find their voice?

Mode Hunter: To find your voice as a photographer, two key principles are essential: First, train your eye and develop a unique perspective. Your point of view is what makes your work stand out, not the equipment you use. Focus on creating something distinct, not just mimicking others. Second, aim to capture everything in one shot. A photographer once told me to prepare meticulously so you can deliver exactly what’s needed in a single frame, minimizing adjustments later. These principles—developing your own voice and working with intention—are crucial for refining your craft and making an impact. This is super applicable—not just to photography, but to life in general.

A𝘰D: Thank you, Mode, for sharing your insights and inviting us into your world. This conversation has given us a deeper understanding of who you are—not just as a photographer, but as an artist who captures life’s narrative through a unique lens. Photography, as you show us, isn’t just about what’s in the frame; it’s about offering a new perspective, telling stories that others might overlook. We’re grateful for your talent, not only for those who appreciate beautiful images, but for those who find inspiration and hope in them.

Photography by John Dionisio, Stylist - Darrel “Mode” Hunter, Creative Direction by Bobby Trendz, Coat by Lemaire, Pants by Prada, Sweater by Banana Republic, Shoes by Miu Miu, Glasses by Prada.