Trigger Warning: Drug Abuse, Suicide
Rapper Kid Cudi performed on Saturday Night Live in a white floral dress designed by Off-White designer Virgil Abloh. The rapper wore the dress for his performance of the song “Sad People,” then Cudi wore a green cardigan and t-shirt with SNL legend Chris Farley’s photo for his performance of “Tequila Shots.” The two outfits were a tribute to the late Nirvana singer Kurt Cobain. Farley died of an overdose at age 33 in 1997, while Cobain took his own life 27 years ago.
Cudi is a long-time fan of Cobain and has a tattoo of the Nirvana singer on his arm. Cudi’s SNL performance fell on the anniversary of Cobain’s death, so the fact that Cudi decided to make this tribute is not surprising. Cudi struggles with mental illness and has gone to rehab for depression and suicidal urges.
His attire not only made a statement about mental health but a statement about self-love as well. After his SNL appearance, Cudi took to Twitter to announce he is working with the Off-White brand to release a collection including the floral dress.