Fashion stylist, creative director and event curator Neko “Bootleg Rocstar” Kelly savours a Golden Mojito. (Photo: Leo Hudson)

Lifestyle

August 3, 2025

MY KINGSTON

Neko “Bootleg Rocstar” Kelly

Fashion Stylist, Creative Director and Event Curator

Style Observer (SO): Describe Neko in a few sentences.

Neko Kelly (NK): Neko is extremely passionate about art. He’s committed, boundary-pushing and has way too many converse sneakers!

SO: What’s your favourite thing to do in Kingston?

NK: Work. Kingston is such a creative landmine and it’s honestly so inspiring to be amongst people who are so consciously creative.

SO: Where would you take a first-time visitor to Kingston?

NK: To my #SketelSummer Soiree Series. They’re guaranteed an epic night of music, fashion and endless self-expression.

SO: Were you appointed Mayor of Kingston, what would get your immediate attention?

NK: Immediately I would improve all the primary and basic schools in Kingston by providing more funding to these school boards. Too much emphasis is placed on just high schools. Those ages between basic school to primary school are seminal parts of adult human existence. They deserve better educational and social infrastructures, tools and experiences to equip them for teenage to adult life.

SO: And you are drinking today?

NK: Golden Mojito.

SO: How did you get into the business of fashion?

NK: Through working really, really hard and aligning myself with the right people who could help me bridge the gap between my dreams. I wanted to be a fashion stylist & creative director ever since I first watched America’s Next Top Model at 11 years old and I’ve been determined ever since.

SO: What’s the formula behind a successful look?

NK: A dash of tailoring, a pinch of creative instincts and a great deal of confidence.

SO: What, if any, are the challenges associated with the local fashion industry?

NK: Access to resources. We do everything guerilla-style here in Jamaica. It amazes and exhausts me how much we get done with so little. Imagine if we had the proper resources and access to infrastructures and items to be greater creatives.

SO: What’s an invaluable lesson you’ve learnt?

NK: A great work ethic can catapult you to unimaginable heights.

SO: Were you able to style anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

NK: Rihanna. Enough said!

SO: Who/what keeps you inspired?

NK: This brain of mine that doesn’t sleep. It’s always trying to achieve the highest possible creative expression of my existence.

SO: Name a local stylist/designer who gets the Neko nod.

NK: I’m forever obsessed with DeNalli, Tribe Nine, Levac Designs and Steph’s Creations. Those designers/brands have really been game-changers for me.

SO: Name your top five major fashion moments of 2025.

NK: 1. My Reggae Sumfest clients. Shaneil Muir and Marcy Chin really raised the bar with the looks I conceptualised and styled.

2: Rocstar Season. My ode to and reimagination of Jamaican folklore.

3: Rihanna at the Met.

4: Doechi on the cover of Vogue.

5: And I’m predicting another year of New York Fashion Week slayage for myself.

SO: Celebrity stylist, creative director, Rocstar Beauty, ROC Haus, Secret Celebrity… you’ve done a quite a lot. What has been your biggest accomplishment? And what’s next for Neko?

NK: My biggest accomplishment as a creative and entrepreneur so far is being able to use my name, my likeness, personality and my own personal perspective as my brand. Not many people can boast that their authentic self is the backbone of successful brand/company. What’s next for me? A well-needed vacation and some serious stock taking of what I need to do in order to be greater.

SO: What was your last bit of retail therapy?

NK: Does décor stuff for ROC Haus #SSS events count?

SO: Share five fashion essentials for someone just getting into fashion.

NK: 1. A great work ethic.

2. A mind that refuses to accept and encourage the ordinary.

3. A tribe of creatives who see the bigger picture and want the success as much as you do.

4. A curated social media that you treat like your online portfolio.

5. A clear idea of who you want to be.

SO: What are some of your fashion essentials?

NK: •A classic Chuck’s/Converse sneakers

•Stacks of gold bracelets

•A full black fit in formal, street style and sweats.

SO: Which cologne are you currently splashing?

NK: I’m in a three-way fragrance romance with My Way by Giorgio Armani, Black Gold by Zara and Blanc Galaxie by Balmain.

SO: Any current skincare faves?

NK: Fenty Beauty cleanser is my skin’s saving grace right now, and I’ve been obsessed with this brand called Sangre De Fruta.

SO: Chanel or Louis Vuitton?

NK: Louis Vuitton.

SO: Leather jacket or denim jacket?

NK: Denim.

SO: Vintage or modern?

NK: I’m gonna cheat and say both!

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

NK: Every time I wonder if something is a good investment or business venture I can always hear my late brother, Roshawn Kelly, say “Scared money don’t make money!”