All That Glitters

EJ JAMES , WHO OVERSEES SPECIAL PROJECTS FOR INFLUENCER MARKETING FIRM DBA, PICKED UP HIS FUNKY FASHION KNOW-HOW AT NEW YORK’S FASHION INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE MID-2000S. BUT THE 36-YEAR-OLD MARYLAND NATIVE REALLY LEARNED HOW TO DRESS FROM THE “STRONG BLACK WOMEN” WHO RAISED HIM (AND WHO GAVE HIM MOST OF HIS JEWELRY)

BY JULIUS MILLER

• CAP

“The cap is another Black-owned brand named PHEIT! “

• EARRINGS AND NECKLACES

“One necklace is a rope chain I inherited from my grandmother when she passed. The earrings are from Amazon. I will wear the most expensive to the most affordable!”

• RINGS

“The pinkie ring was given to my mother by my grandmother and then to me. This ring is really significant in the Black community because every woman had this ring. Now, to have it in my possession is a true testament to my upbringing.”

• SWEATERS

“They’re from an amazing Black creative brand, TooMK. All of my work is rooted in service to others, so I am always looking for a way to promote and highlight the creativity of my own community.”

• TANK

“This is a piece I wear every day as I am obsessed with Skims. It snaps underneath and I am too busy in life to constantly tuck my shirt in, so it works!”

• PANTS

“I wore these as part of a green sequined suit for a going-away party that a dear friend threw for me in N.Y. before I moved to L.A.”

• SHOES

“Something about these Gucci loafers spoke to the androgynous personality that I have—loafers are more of a manly style, but adding the heel speaks to women.”