Artemy Lebedev, a prominent Russian blogger and designer, shared a clear stance on camouflage attire in a recent interview on the Founders channel. He explained that he would never choose camouflage clothing because he believes such patterns signal rejection and carry an unfortunate social implication. For Lebedev, clothing choices are more than just style; they reflect personal boundaries and attitudes toward risk and confrontation, and camouflage, to him, represents something he wants to avoid in daily life.
In the interview, Lebedev emphasized that even a small touch of camouflage in an outfit would make him reluctant to wear it. He described camouflage as the most repulsive topic to him, a reaction grounded in his perception of its associations with aggression and conflict. He explained that his personal image and professional persona do not align with the rugged or combative connotations that often accompany such patterns in modern fashion.
Lebedev also noted that khaki-colored items, which are closely tied to outdoor gear and military aesthetics, do not fit his sense of style. He argued that these hues can evoke images of forcefulness and intimidation, which he prefers to avoid in both public appearances and private life. For him, fashion is a way to communicate openness and calm, not toughness or combativeness.
Beyond aesthetics, Lebedev discussed the social dimensions of style and how people interpret clothing choices. He drew a line between those who seek physical display of strength, such as wrestlers and boxers, and his own preference for non-confrontational interactions. He suggested that some individuals feel compelled to prove themselves through force, while he opts for dialogue and connection instead. His stance is that fashion should not become a stage for aggression or danger.
When talking about his daily routine, Lebedev described his leisure time as mostly devoid of formal hobbies. Instead, he finds value in staying connected with people. He mentioned that his days involve purposeful movement, often walking from home to work, which totals roughly 10,000 steps. Along the way, he engages with a variety of people, from pilots to pharmacists, using these encounters as opportunities to learn and exchange ideas.
Lebedev highlighted that these conversations are not casual run-ins but carefully chosen exchanges. He personally selects potential interlocutors and schedules dedicated times for discussions. Each interview-like exchange tends to last about 90 minutes, allowing for a deep, meaningful dialogue rather than quick, shallow chatter. This approach aligns with his broader goal of building knowledge through diverse perspectives.
He noted that the idea of launching a YouTube channel surfaced after a thoughtful walk and discussion with Yaroslav Andreev, known as Elf-trader, who founded the WildJam agency. This meeting served as a catalyst, inspiring him to explore a new medium for sharing insights and connecting with audiences. The concept grew out of a natural curiosity to document conversations that illuminate different viewpoints and experiences.
On a final note, Lebedev referenced how peers have sometimes reacted to his outspoken positions, including some who teased or mocked him. He framed these moments as part of the broader conversation about taste, style, and public persona. For him, the occasional mockery from others does not diminish the value of honest self-expression or the willingness to pursue thoughtful dialogue across platforms and communities.