Elias Becker
In our modern-day society, better known as "Generation Y," social media networks have connected millions of people all around the world. Instagram, specifically, has been the cause of new friendships and even business opportunities.
Although I've lived in Atlanta full time since the age of 12, between those years I also resided in Miami, Florida. Due to my sporadic periods living in the MIA, I've gained a significant amount of friends there. If you are in any way familiar with Miami, you can definitely understand how true the saying "what a small world," is. Everyone seems to know each other, so for obvious reasons, it is common to have lots of mutual friends. The funny part is that you initially meet these individuals through Instagram.
Meet Elias Becker, better known as E. Current. I've known him since I was about 14-years-old through mutual friends in Miami. At just 18 years of age, Elias has gained a following well over 17,000 and has captured legendary moments on the gram since he was 12. As long as I have known him he has always been next level.
Becker was born in Germany. Elias' father, Boris Becker, was once Germany's number one professional Tennis player. He has won five year-end championships, 13 Masters Series titles and an Olympic gold medal in Doubles. His mother, Barbara Becker, is an American designer, actress and former model. So, yes—as you may be able to recognize, talent runs in his genes. Elias moved from Germany towards the end of 1999 to his current residence of Miami. I can easily recognize how the city's live and distinct nature influenced his style.
I recently sat down with Elias to get his take on life, inspirations, dating life and find out about his future endeavors. Check out our conversation below:
SIR JULIEN: How did you come up with your nickname, "E. Current" ?
ELIAS: I was on a FaceTime call with my friend Nasir like two years ago. We were talking about social media and [how] we wanted our online personas to reflect what we had in mind. Marvel superheroes were always an inspiration to us, so I first came up with "E. Current" to be an off-duty superhero with a secret ability to create waves and currents. I liked the sound of it, too, so I kept it. Then, as time went on, I thought of it as being in the flow or progression of a person.
SIR JULIEN: I know tons of people who love your style. Who inspires you when it comes to expressing yourself through fashion?
ELIAS: I think that my family really helped me find a way to express myself the most. But in fashion, I was influenced as a kid by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Odd Future and ASAP Rocky.
SIR JULIEN: What are your favorite clothing lines right now?
ELIAS: I like a couple of lines. Sacai, Heron Preston, and Juun J are some, just to name a few.
SIR JULIEN: What is the most exclusive piece that you own?
ELIAS: My favorite piece right now are my grills from my homie Jonathan Raksha. Those are so cold!
SIR JULIEN: Would you ever consider dropping your own merch line or E. Current collection?
ELIAS: Yeah, I'm actually working on a fashion, film and music collective at the moment. It's expected to drop later this year. Stay tuned.
SIR JULIEN: What is most important to you when it comes to dating in Miami? I know it can be difficult. Do you have any advice for anyone?
ELIAS: I'd probably suggest not getting mixed up in all the pointless drama and try to find someone that you feel comfortable with all the time.
SIR JULIEN: Do you sometimes feel like people expect you to follow in your father's footsteps as a Tennis player or are they pretty much supportive of whatever career path you choose to take?
ELIAS: People who don't know me usually expect me to do something in the sports world. [Although] I really love sports, it isn't a passion of mines.
SIR JULIEN: What is your passion then?
ELIAS: My life passion is filmmaking. I really feel comfortable and at home when I'm writing scripts and directing my own films. I'm not sure yet what I want to do as a profession, but it has to be in the film industry. Whether it's in the way of art, directing photography, being a director/producer, or maybe even acting would be cool.
SIR JULIEN: So, I know you're a big fan of Los Angeles. Would you ever consider to move there in the near future?
ELIAS: I'm going to university in London next year, but who knows where I'll be after that. Maybe I'll stay or go to New York or LA for film school. We'll have to wait and see what my future holds.
SIR JULIEN: How do you want to be remembered?
ELIAS: I want to be remembered as a compassionate and giving person. My ultimate goal is that my work serves as a legacy and is appreciated.
SIR JULIEN: What is the best advice you ever received?
ELIAS: Never give up and work hard—eventually you'll get to your destination.
Written by Sir Julien George