‘Multi-hyphenate’ and ‘multi-disciplinary’ are labels for individuals who embody numerous roles. Yet, the idea of excelling in various fields contradicts what we’re taught growing up: choose one profession, follow one path, be one thing. In fashion—and the creative world at large—that simply isn’t possible. Writers are artists, musicians are graphic designers, directors are actors. Why is this the case? Partly because our industries are under-resourced and largely under-funded, requiring people to take on multiple roles. But more fundamentally, creative people can indeed do many things. And, more importantly, they want to. This issue of to Be explores this very impulse to adapt and redefine our positions, our inclination to shapeshift into the many roles we play.
