Pro BMX Star Nigel Sylvester on the Importance of Originality and how BMX Biking Keeps him on GO
Style / Collaborations /
November 2021
When it comes to originality in the sports world, Nigel Sylvester is in a league of his own. The BMX pro didn’t take a traditional path into the industry, but that’s part of what makes his journey so inspiring to his legion of fans. He makes his own rules, both on and off the bike.
As Nigel has made a name for himself as a BMX star, he’s also grown a rep for his unique sense of style. His popular GO digital film series serves as the backdrop for his adventures as a pro on his own accord, while showcasing his love of fashion. It’s that spirit — one of individuality and doing things your own way — that inspired Levi’s® to team up with Nigel for an exclusive collection, Levi’s® x GO by Nigel Sylvester.
In this Q&A, we got the backstory on his untraditional route to becoming one of BMX’s most influential stars, and how that led to the creation of his collaboration with Levi’s®.
You’ve partnered with Levi’s® before, but this is your first time designing your own print. What has the process been like?
The process has been fantastic. I grew up wearing Levi’s® while BMX riding and definitely had my favorite pairs. Having the opportunity to collaborate with the brand in this capacity officially is incredible. The GO series is a cornerstone of my brand, and Levi’s® recognized that.
For this partnership, you designed a full ‘fit, with a pair of 501® jeans and a matching Trucker jacket. How’d you decide on these pieces?
The 501® and Trucker jacket are classic, and have been staples in my closet for years. When approaching this collaboration, I wanted to use pieces that were true to me. Pieces I connected with authentically.
The pieces also feature your GO’ logo printed throughout, a nod to the video series where you take viewers with you around the world on your bike, exposing them to new places and perspectives that they may not have had access to otherwise. The series has since turned into something much bigger, and you’re shooting a special GO video featuring your Levi’s® product. What does GO mean to you and what fans can look forward to in the future?
The ethos of GO is the relentless, unapologetic, and graceful pursuit of any dream. This is the mindset and attitude we used to create GO, and this is what I want people to feel when they interact with the brand. This seventh installment of the GO series takes place in Las Vegas, and we positioned it as the ultimate layover experience. Our goal was to evolve the overall storytelling and experience of a GO film through this installment, during a time where traveling can be difficult due to the pandemic. It had its challenges, but it pushed us in a fresh direction and I'm proud of what we created.
You didn’t have a traditional path into the BMX world, and have continuously been a trailblazer throughout your career. What do originality and authenticity mean to you, as someone who has made it sticking to your own rules?
I came into the world of BMX with the mindset that I wanted to leave my stamp on the game. You can say it was innate in a sense. As a kid, I grew up in a competitive environment where separating yourself from the pack, being disruptive, calculated, and doing things differently was the best way to make your mark. It’s that same energy that I have kept throughout my career, and it’s how I continue to approach life.
You also don’t adhere to the typical BMX rider uniform, and have become known for your unique style. What does personal style mean to you, on and off the bike?
Personal style defines a person. To me, it's everything. It goes beyond how I dress. My unique style is how I approach the world through everything I do. How I ride my bike, my attitude. How I create my content and express myself across various mediums. It’s a thing that's constantly evolving as I learn more and interact with the world. Every experience, good or bad, contributes to my style.
You once said that jeans are the most important piece of clothing in your wardrobe. What do jeans represent to you, and what is your favorite Levi’s® fit?
I wear jeans daily, so for me, good denim is vital. I’m very particular about the fit, and how they age. The way they fall on my sneakers, and comfortability. As I mentioned earlier, my style and what I wear are constantly evolving and is a reflection of me. At the moment the 501® is getting a good run in my rotation.