Rome Pays Off
Founded by Christina (KiKi) Burns, Rome Pays Off is based in New York City. Rome Pays Off is a premium fashion and lifestyle brand that prides itself on balancing the worlds of art and fashion while celebrating individual style. Rome Pays Off works with culturally relevant artists to create statement-making pieces that are alternately conspicuous and subversive.
About the artwork: Jean-Michel Basquiat often created skull and head paintings throughout his career. His use of skulls is rooted in his identity as a Black artist in America, with the gestural painting reminiscent of African masks. They also present his Haitian heritage on Basquiat’s father’s side—specifically the Vodou religion, which is full of skull symbolisms.
Untitled (Skull), 1983 © Estate of Jean-Michel Basquiat Licensed by Artestar, New York