With the recent passing of Giorgio Armani – a design icon and true legend in the genuine sense of the word – society at-large has taken a moment to pause and reflect on what it means to not only be in fashion, but to maintain a style that becomes timeless. Today, the speed of technology and social media has made fast-fashion a staple and no longer something to be embarrassed by. When so many facets of daily life – and of the arts and entertainment – have become ephemeral, timelessness and true style are the real attention-grabbers. Flaunt Magazine stole a quiet moment with electronic music producer and former rock drummer, KOUSS, about his evolving sense of style and what makes a person memorable.

Here at FLAUNT, we like to feature individuals who are fearless and really have a sense of their own personal style. How would you describe your style and how did it come to be? 

KOUSS: My style has always been tied to music and culture. Onstage, I like to lean into the rock ‘n roll side of myself with boots, jeans and wild accessories or statement pieces that make the performance feel bigger. Day-to-day, I tend to gravitate toward modern, sleek comfort. Clothes that feel good, look sharp and let me move through the studio or city without thinking twice. But at the end of the day, style isn’t just about what you wear but how you carry yourself. That’s been my philosophy.

‍How has your personal style evolved and changed over the years? Do you feel like your style is fully formed now, or are you still trying out different concepts?

KOUSS: It has definitely evolved. In my younger years, it was all about leaning into that rock identity, which worked for a time but was also limiting. These days, I approach style the same way I approach music production: I experiment, take risks, and refine as I go. I don’t think style is ever fully formed, and I like it that way.

‍Looking back to the years when you were a professional rock drummer, how would you assess that sense of style when you look back onto yourself from today's standpoint?

KOUSS: Looking back, my style then was very much tied to being onstage and being in that world. It was black jeans every night, army boots and attitude, because that is what the gig called for. It was authentic at the time, but now I see it as one chapter in a bigger story. I’m glad I went through it, because it taught me that style can be armor, a way of saying who you are without speaking.

Taking a step back and considering our style now, how would you best describe your look? Your attitude?

KOUSS: I would describe my look as understated but intentional. I like clean lines with just enough. I like when things feel effortless, whether it’s a [music] track, a performance, or what I’m wearing.

Name three people you consider style icons, past or present. What is it about each of these people that makes them iconic?

KOUSS: Growing up on rock ‘n roll, I always admired the way David Bowie reinvented himself and made style part of his storytelling. Elvis has to be near the top for me, too. He blurred the lines between music and fashion in a way that still echoes today. And then someone like Steve Jobs, who showed that simplicity can be iconic. Each in their own way proved that style works when it’s part of who you are. 

Please name three of the most exotic, exciting or memorable places you’ve visited or lived in that ended up having a lasting impact on you style-wise. What was it in particular about each of these places that stayed with you the most?

KOUSS: Tokyo left a big impression on me because of the precision and intention of the metropolis and its culture. Everything there feels deliberate, from the cuts of the clothing to the way people carry themselves. Bangkok had the opposite energy; it was chaotic and colorful and reminded me that breaking rules can be the most stylish move of all. San Sebastián in Spain stayed with me for a different reason: there was a casual elegance to it, the kind of confidence that comes from not trying too hard but also never relenting in your standards. All three places influenced how I think about style, both in music and in life.

As an electronic music producer, your sound is very en vogue right now and your releases enjoy significant success on American dance and pop radio. Do you envision your music as the backdrop to a specific type of scene or setting? Please describe it.

KOUSS: I see my music as a soundtrack to moments where people want to feel deeply, whether it’s in the midst of a crowded festival, behind-the-wheel on a late-night drive, or during the pinnacle scene in a movie. My hope is for each record to create its own space rather than just fill one.

You also do remixes for other musicians. Anything recent you wanted to point out? 

KOUSS: I recently finished a remix for the rock band, Deadcode, which should be released this fall. What makes the project unique is how connected our worlds are. Their guitar-player and I were bandmates back in my Capitol Records days, and their manager, Justin Warfield, is both a great human and the lead singer of [the band] She Wants Revenge. Deadcode’s recent singles were also remixed by Steve Aoki and The Crystal Method, both huge influences of mine. Given that I’ve also released Kouss songs on Steve’s Dim Mak label, stepping into this remix felt like a natural extension and real-life example of how tightly woven the electronic and rock worlds can be.

What, to you, most makes a person stand out when you see them walking down the street? What, to you, is the essence of style? 

KOUSS: What stands out to me is confidence that feels natural. It is not about labels or trends; it is about whether someone wears something like it belongs to them. To me, the essence of style is authenticity and self-confidence. When what you wear matches who you are, people notice without even knowing why.

It’s been said that fashion is ephemeral, while true style lasts. What activity do you consider to be stylish and deserving of longevity? 

KOUSS: I think carrying yourself with respect is timeless. Whether you are in a room with five people or fifty thousand, how you treat others says more about your style than anything you wear. That is the kind of thing people remember long after the moment passes.

What’s the most vital aspect of you that you want people to remember after you’ve left a room? 

KOUSS: I want people to remember me being present with them. That I was there fully, whether it was through conversation, through music, or just the energy I brought into the room. More than clothes or titles or achievements, that sense of being “all-in” is what, I believe, lasts. 

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Follow KOUSS on social media: @KoussMusic

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