Riding in style has never been so easy with FENDI’s F is For… monogrammed BMX, designed in collaboration with NYC biker, Nigel Sylvester.

Fendi HQ: Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana, Rome. An architectural landmark lined with celestial marble arches, decorated with 28 towering statues representing Rome’s artistic crafts and trades. The building celebrates the brand’s roots in Italian artisan values, but also represents its affiliation with modern creative pioneers — one of which is weaving through an impressive repertoire of intricate tricks and jumps on the Palazzo’s roof. On a monogrammed Fendi BMX bike. Iconic? Understatement.

The figure in question is New Yorker Nigel Sylvester, professional BMX rider and creative videographer, whose rise in the worlds of biking, streetwear and Youtube has seen him partner with an eclectic list of like-minded leaders in fashion and music. Now teaming up with Fendi for their burgeoning F is For… Fendi digi platform, designed to connect “the fearless, the freaks and the free”, Sylvester has customised a BMX for a unique shoot celebrating the Fendi DNA: unconventional innovators, cultural curators, an authentic community and, of course, Roma! Between gnarly tricks on the BMX and designing the bike of dreams, we quizzed Sylvester on this unique collaboration.

Hey Nigel! Tell us all about your involvement with F is For… Fendi.
I collaborated with F is For… to create a unique piece of art. I’m continually looking for ways to elevate how I express my work and my passion for what I do, and the opportunity to create with Fendi opened a new path to push my sport beyond people’s expectations. We worked together to create a custom Fendi BMX bike, which I rode on the rooftop of the historic HQ.

We’ve seen! Dread to think about the risk assessment forms behind that one… Why did you want to get involved with the F is For…Fendi campaign? What does it mean to you? 
I started following the F is For… Fendi movement when it launched. It caught my attention when I noticed this seminal, globally recognisable brand highlighting upcoming talent by creating progressive video content. To me, the project represents the mindset of today’s young creatives who’re breaking moulds and carving their own path forward. To be a part of this project, working with one of the most influential brands in the world, was unbelievable.

Do fashion, creativity and biking influence each other for you? 
I’m a street rider from New York City — one of the most creatively inspired and fashion-forward cities in the world — how I look on my bike is a combination of style and perspective, but most importantly, skill. I’m constantly looking at the world around me for inspiration — be it art, fashion, technology or music — this all influences how I ride, what I create, and why I keep pushing boundaries. 

What clothes do you like to ride and film in? And how about when you’re not biking, how would you describe your style? 
Whether I’m on my bike or not, I have to drip! I like to approach my looks through the lens of functionality and quality. My staple pieces are shoes, denim, and outerwear; I focus on the details and I’m very particular about the fit of the pieces I choose to wear. And the story behind the pieces is extremely important to me.

What’s the story behind the creative process for the bike design? 
I teamed up with designer, Guy Rickard. We have a great working relationship and he understands the level of detail and attention I apply to every project I touch. Working with the classic FF print is a dream come true… Fendi sent me a roll of material and we had free range to create what we wanted.

Mega! How was shooting and riding around Rome? 
I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to Rome a few times and it’s always a beautiful experience. This shoot was no different and the team created a great working environment for me to produce. The HQ is one of the coolest spots I’ve ever ridden, it had marble arches and perfect stair sets.

Before working with Fendi, you had already collaborated with Pharrell, Octavian, and even Salt Bae… How do you decide who you want to work with?
I focus on collaborating with like-minded folks, individuals who are pushing the bar creatively in their respective fields. Pharrell has been a friend and a mentor of mine for some time now. He has this prodigious ability to see the world differently and always creates from an authentic and positive place, which I admire and strive to do. Octavian and I connected earlier this year while I was filming GO — London to Paris; he’s creating a new sound and style of music, and we plan on working together more in the near future.

Speaking of GO, you’ve taken us all over the world with your YouTube series – where are we going next?
I’m excited for the future of GO! The next film from the series, GO Miami, will be released in December. The merch program is developing with more designs and collabs in the near future, but I’m most appreciative of the community and how they continue to support and grow the movement. GO represents something bigger than me: it represents the DIY attitude of today’s creators, hustler and GO-getters, who are breaking all the rules and not waiting for permission. As for me personally? I want to continue riding my BMX bike and living out of my imagination.

Taken from the Winter 2018/19 issue; out now and available to buy here.