25-year-old Josh Badenhorst from the East Rand is bringing something truly eclectic and inspired to Chivas Venture’s A-Grade capsule collection and the culture as a whole. His exposure to cars, fashion and music through the lens of a camera galvanized him to create the distinctive and immersive streetwear brand Very $orry, that isn’t limited to only one genre but instead, epitomises success as a blend. It hasn’t always been an easy road for Josh and Very $orry but the turning point put him on a journey to becoming an unapologetic, nuwave fashion mogul.
Chivas Venture x Josh Badenhorst
What inspires Very $orry designs?
My interest in fashion, music and car culture influences Very $orry designs and the content I put out. A lot of my designs are references to music or my favourite artists or references to the subcultures I immerse myself in. I saw what all my favourite rappers and musicians were wearing and how they put their clothes, textures and colours together as well as the aesthetic a certain brand would bring to an outfit. Doing everything by hand has also allowed me to create a unique product that I am proud of.
What part of your journey so far inspires pride in what you do?
What I’m most proud of in my journey so far is Very $orry’s success. Success is relative, it’s whatever you make it, and for me, that’s people buying my stuff. People enjoy it, people love wearing it. I convey myself in what I create and the fact that people enjoy and wanna wear and buy it is a massive thing for me and I’m very proud of that.
Did you have anyone to lean on when you started this journey?
My biggest support system when I came to developing Very $orry was my girlfriend Lehla. We named the brand together and she’s just always been my rock and my support system throughout all of it and I know she will give me the advice I need whether I like to hear it or not.
What did your parents make of your dreams of being a designer?
Obviously, parents will always have their ideal route for you and their idea of opportunities for you to be successful but sometimes it might not happen in the way they think. They think my dream is big and they believe in me.
Is there anything you would tell your younger self if you had the chance to travel back?
Looking back, I’d tell myself not to stop. After my first one or two failures, I pretty much just gave up. For about two years I was kind of idle. I was at my lowest and I just got stuck on that, so I’d tell my younger self to get out of that ASAP. I feel like things would have happened a lot sooner for me if I hadn’t wallowed that long.
What have you learned from the Chivas Venture programme been so far?
Being part of the Chivas programme has taught me how to run a creative business. It’s been an absolute pleasure and an honour to learn from the greatest to have done it in my industry. It really doesn’t get better than the masterclass we’re getting in the programme and I know the product will be pure and organic, very distinctly from us.
Which of your experiences of the Chivas Venture programme stand out the most?
The most memorable experience has been the CPT trip. That was insane; truly a dream come true, and no amount of money can buy that kind of experience. It was true interaction with my heroes, making new friends and learning. It was honestly one of the greatest things I’ve experienced in my entire life, let alone the programme.
How have you found working with the other apprentices on the A-Grade capsule collection?
The most exciting part about this capsule collection is working as a team and knowing that I have reliable people around me. I’m working people who know what they’re doing, who can teach me things and open-minded people whom I can teach. Creating this collection from scratch and being given the creative freedom to do so has been a miracle.
What is your blend for success?
My blend for success is doing whatever you want. Do whatever you want, do it to the best of your ability and do it with all your heart. Make sure you want it and make sure you love what you do. Pour yourself into your work and you will be rewarded. Love everything you put out, understanding that it has to be the best it can be at that time, and you will grow. Loving everything I do is my blend for success.
Who do you look up to?
I look up to ASAP Rocky, Lil Yachty, Rick Owens, Raf Simmons, Playboi Carti, Takashi Murakami, Lil Uzi Vert, those are some of the best dressed people I have seen. In terms of design, I think Virgil Abloh, Kim Jones and Matthew Wiiliams are the greatest designers of our time. They’ve paved a new way and made it possible for people like me to make a massive dent in the industry and show up without necessarily being ready or qualified for it but still pulling off what could be the best thing people have seen.
What’s next after the A-Grade capsule collection drops?
After A-Grade, I am planning more popups but with COVID-19, those plans are obviously on hold. My plans for Very $orry are to go international with popups all over the world from Paris to Japan and New York. My goal is for my brand to be seen internationally. In 5 years, I see myself with stores all over the world, traveling, expanding my photography and my knowledge of textiles, fabrics, styles and designs. In 5 years, I want to be known and I want Very $orry to be cemented.
There can be no doubt that Josh‘s contribution to the A-Grade capsule collection will be distinctive, telling the story of how a nuwave maverick changes and empowers the local community and, even the world around him.
