Unveiling the Personal Style of Sean Bankhead

Creatives often venture beyond their recognised discipline as their artistry cannot be confined to a single outlet. It's always exciting to experience the fusion of art, dance, fashion and music, as these elements come together in dynamic and unexpected ways. To truly appreciate multifaceted creators, we've got to look beyond the surface and celebrate the full spectrum of their artistic expression.

For Sean Bankhead, the core of his artistry resides in the realm of dance. As a highly acclaimed choreographer and creative director, his innovative work shines in music videos and live performances. Such talent has led to remarkable collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé, Cardi B, Usher, Victoria Monét, and many others!

Yet, there's more to him than what initially meets the eye. Fashion serves as another extension of his creative realm, and Sean views it as a powerful expression of his personality.

"When you look great, you feel great, and when you feel great, you perform at your best and with much more confidence."

Outfit: Solid Homme, Shoes: Christian Louboutin 

Credits

Photography: Jasmine Rutledge 

Styling: Jermaine Robinson 

Make-up: Grace Pae

Photography Assistant: James Armas

Styling Assistant: Yvonne Kwan 

Production: IVY171 

Is there a particular style that you feel represents you or is a signature of your personality?

My style reflects the diverse experiences I've had while travelling the world. Since I started living out of my suitcase at 18, I've absorbed various styles from different cultures. At the core of my fashion sense, there's always an emphasis on comfort. My look is typically sleek and swaggy. When I'm in my creative zone, it's crucial for me to feel comfortable and look cool, as this boosts my confidence in dancing and creating. Lately, my style has evolved with my increased presence on camera. I enjoy experimenting with colours, two-piece sets, and more European silhouettes in suiting.

What colours or patterns do you often incorporate into your wardrobe?

I love wearing black; it's my comfort zone and where I feel most sexy. I think it complements my facial hair perfectly. I'm also a fan of matching sets, no matter the colour or pattern—I think that's when I wear colours and patterns best. And I have a particular fondness for a good Canadian tuxedo.

Walk us through the societal and cultural influences woven into your fashion choices.

It's interesting because I've spent so much time splitting my life between the South and LA, two cities with very different styles. I'd say my fashion sense is a blend of both. There are outfits you can pull off in LA that you can't in Atlanta, and vice versa. I like to play along those lines to showcase that I'm cultured from different regions but still know how to "put that shit on" no matter where I am in the world.

Do you see your style as a form of cultural expression or preservation?

I definitely see my style as a form of cultural expression. I always tell new artists and dancers to come to rehearsals dressed fly. When you look fly, you feel fly, and when you feel fly, you can dance and perform your best. This applies to everyday life as well. If I don't like my outfit on a given day, my energy or rhythm can be off when I'm creating because I don't feel comfortable.

How has your style evolved over the years from childhood through to the present day, and what triggered those changes?

My style has evolved significantly over the years. I was born in the North and grew up around a lot of white kids in elementary school, so I was into the polos and Abercrombie style before it ever hit the South. Then I moved to Atlanta. As a dancer, we were all about the baggy clothes and big white tees—I dressed very "Atlanta," if you will. But travelling the world, buying pieces from different places, and experiencing more culture and fashion has transformed my style. Now, I'd say I'm much more refined and love stand-out silhouettes. A tight shirt paired with big flared pants is a look I'm really into right now.

Do you prefer dressing for comfort or making a bold fashion statement?

In my everyday wear, comfort is key. I hate feeling stuffy or uncomfortable 90% of the time. In fact, if I could be naked all the time, I would! Usually, for rehearsals, I keep it chill and relaxed (until they say BTS is coming, lol). However, when it's time for red carpets or photoshoots, which I've been doing more of lately, I'm totally down to take risks and endure a little discomfort. Beauty is pain sometimes.

As a creative director, how involved are you with costume design?

As a creative director, I work very closely with the fashion designers we collaborate with. Often, it's challenging to work with stylists when it comes to dance, as they might prioritize the look over practicality. We need to have a lot of conversations to ensure everyone understands the choreography and wardrobe requirements, so we can seamlessly blend our worlds. I often invite the stylists to rehearsals to show them the vibe and share any ideas I have.

When it comes to performances, how do you approach the connection between outfits and your choreography, ensuring a balance between functionality and visually impactful choices?

I'd say that whenever Kollin Carter and I work on a video, everything aligns perfectly, creating magic every time. He's exceptional at making not only the artist look like a million dollars but also the dancers, who play a crucial supporting role in the videos and on stage. Some of the most legendary videos I've choreographed had him as the lead stylist, including "Wild Side," "On My Mama," and Cardi B's "Up."

As the curtain rises on the next chapters of your journey, how do you envision your fashion choices, choreography and dancing evolving?

As my career advances to its next stage, I want the world to see and feel how serious I am about fashion and modelling. I aim to create a visual story of who I am as Sean Bankhead, not just the choreographer. Working with amazing stylists who share my vision is incredibly exciting. I want to transform, have fun with fashion, and enjoy every moment of my shoots, publications, red carpets, and everything in between. I aspire to be the next IT fashion icon.

You’ve already made a mark in the industry; what additional legacy do you aspire to leave, particularly within the realms of dance and fashion?

I want to keep excelling and creating iconic work that I'm proud of. I aim to continuously reinvent myself visually and tell a compelling fashion story that inspires creatives beyond the realms of dance and choreography.