WILSON ORYEMA
@wilson_oryema
Model, artist and writer Wilson was scouted on his lunch break as a charity finance administrator before going on to model for everyone from Maison Margiela to Versus Versace. Yet while his life has changed dramatically, he remains a committed activist, promoting anti-consumerism through his art. His book Wait examines the impact of human consumption on the planet, an idea that’s reflected in his fashion philosophy: ‘Ideally, I would like to never throw away any clothes, unless they become unwearable – then I can have them readjusted or sold on.’
As is typical of Gen Z, former charity worker Wilson Oryema juggles several jobs – model, activist, artist – but the unifying message of his endeavours is to forge a crusade against consumerism. ‘A few years ago, I became fascinated by how people throw out their rubbish. Some people try to make their bins look fancy, some throw it at other people’s houses. I thought, “Where is all this stuff going?” So I created art around it, putting out a book and an exhibition, both called Wait.’ His aim is to help people shop more consciously. ‘The focus was consumption, and how it affects the environment and human behaviour. I think a lot of people don’t want to rush their consumption, but everyone is moving at full speed, so they have to keep up.’