Nigel Isaiah Presents
THE 25 MOST STYLISH
BLACK MEN IN FASHION
25 Most Stylish Black Men In Fashion
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CONTENTS 4. EDITOR’S LETTER 6. DEX ROBINSON 7. B. HAWK SNIPES 8. KELVIN DAVIS 9. RONALD BURTON III 10. RAH MOSLEY 11. NABILE QUENUM 12. LOURENS GEBHARDT 13. HARRISON T. CRITE 14. IGEE OKAFOR 15. MARCUS PAUL 16. JARROD LACKS 17. MARQUIS BIAS 18. ANTWAUN SARGENT 19. JOVEL ROYSTAN STYLE B 20. CRAFTSMAN 21. DENIM BY DESIGN 23. HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT 24. ARE WE CLOSER TO FINDING OUR VALENTINO? 27. ERROL MURRAY 28. J. BOLIN 29. SABIR M. PEELE 30. MCARTHUR JOSEPH 31. JAVON DRAKE 32. WALÉ 33. OTIS GIOVANNI 34. RASHAD BENTON 35. COREY T. STOKES 36. KATLEHO SINIVASAN 37. MARION B. KELLY II 38. NOSTALGIC MIND
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Masthead ON THE COVER STEPHEN F Shirt MATIERE Coat
Editor- Nigel Isaiah Contributing Photographer- Ammar Thomas Fashion Assistants - Dorien Love, Lawrence Green

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25 Most Stylish Black Men In Fashion
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EDITOR’S LETTER When working in the fashion industry was just a budding dream of mines, a list like this was something I wanted to be apart of. It was around 2012-2013, the rise of the fashion blogger was at its peak. Lists of black industry insiders to follow via social media were everywhere, and majority of them were made up of women. I remember mentioning the lack of guys in these stylish roundups to both my mother and my mentor, the incredible Angela Gilltrap and both encouraged me to curate an all male list myself. My mentor specifically stressed how the person creating the list was just as important as those featured. My response, “maybe I will do it” but inside, I was thinking absolutely not. I wanted to be in the feature not create it, so I held out. Years went by. I moved from Buffalo, NY (shout out to the 716) to New York City, worked and contributed to outlets I use to stalk on twitter and even created my own list of The 25 Most Stylish Black Women in Fashion and turned it into a magazine back in February. Still, my stubbornness remained in tack with refraining from putting together a mens version of my previous project. However, in September I had a change of heart. I owed it to every black boy that wants to break into the fashion industry today the same thing I wanted back then, a list of industry professionals that looked like me. So it is with great honor that I present to you The 25 Most Stylish Black Men in Fashion, a list highlighting black men who contribute their time and talents to the fashion industry around the world. Lastly I’d like to dedicate this project to my friend Brian Matthew Spruill. The last time I saw my friend before he lost his life was during New York Fashion Week September 2013. Thank you for inspiring this project because you know menswear isn't my thing, lol.
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WHAT'S ONE PIECE OF STYLE OR GROOMING ADVISE THAT EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW AND WHY? KNOT THE USUAL tie, Price Upon Request; knotusual.com
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DEX ROBINSON, Stylist & Brand Manager; @dexrob
“One style tip every man should know would be when it comes to having style buying the most expensive brands won't necessarily make you stylish. It's the way you put your pieces together that will determine how stylish you are!”
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B. HAWK SNIPES, Public Figure; @jusbhawk
“One style tip that every man should have is confidence. Own your style and just be you! And when it comes to grooming I'm still trying to figure that out myself. I love trying different products and my look is constantly changing. But the one tip I do have is always travel with a cologne or fragrance sample. You never know who you're going to see or where you're going next. Smelling good always makes a great first impression.” Photographer: Hannan Saleh
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KELVIN DAVIS, Author 'Notoriously Dapper', Model and Style Blogger; @NotoriouslyDapper
“One style tip every man should know is that fit and confidence is key. A well-tailored suit, well fitting jeans or even a fitted shirt changes the dynamic of how you look and feel. When your clothing doesn't fit correctly it can add a sense of confusion to your style. I'm a firm believer in if you don't feel confident in what you wear it's going to show. Always be confident in your style, after all you're unique, one of a kind, so naturally your style should be the same, strong!�
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RONALD BURTON III, Fashion Director at Stylebop; @ronbreezy
“Tailoring and fit is key in menswear regardless of the genre of clothing. Menswear doesn't contain nearly as many options and silhouettes as womenswear does, so the range is much more concentrated, and menswear is all about fit.”
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RAH MOSLEY, Style Blogger; @rahmosleycom
“I think the most important part of any man's wardrobe is great pair of go-to shoes! Shoes that you can wear with almost anything and can be considered classics. When it come to style one thing that everyone notices on a man is the shoes he's wearing, so it's best to make sure you give them something worth looking at!”
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NABILE QUENUM, Photographer; @NabileQuenum & @Jaiperdumaveste
“I think what’s most important is for every man to feel comfortable in the style he is choosing because at the end of the day, that the most important thing.”
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LOURENS GEBHARDT, Style Influencer; @louxthevintageguru
“Every man should be well dressed irrespective the occasion and should own at least three suits if not more because dressing up professionally can help you appear more important to ones success. In this current economic downturn, every small detail matters.”
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HARRISON T. CRITE, Stylist; @iamhdiddy
“Tailoring for your body type. Often times clothing bought off the sales floor isn't personal. To make it “personal” (just right for you), alterations are key. A simple hem, tapper, pant lengthen, or jacket cinch makes all the difference.”
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IGEE OKAFOR, Style Blogger; @igeeokafor
“One style tip that every man should know is that whatever clothing we own has to compliment our bodies properly. There is nothing worse than ill fitting clothes. When your clothes are well fitted and comfortable, you exude the utmost confidence and style.� Photographer: Mark Asuncion
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MARCUS PAUL, Image and Creative Consultant; @marcuspaulstyle
“The one grooming tip that I would suggest for every man is to find your signature fragrance or scent. It always leaves a lasting impression.�
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JARROD LACKS, Freelance Fashion Editor & Stylist; @jrodlacks
“For me, style is all about confidence and comfortability. It always feels very unauthentic when I see guys wearing clothes just for fashion. Be specific with your choices and really purchase pieces that feel easy and won’t overpower you.”
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MARQUIS BIAS, Stylist; @Marquis.Bias
“My advice to men can be summarized in two words—simplicity and quality. Focus on simple silhouettes that suit you and don’t get caught up in trends. Invest in the details that really make the difference— expert tailoring, quality shoes, a really good hair cut. If we want to get picky, buy a nice watch and find a signature fragrance. But none of this should be fussy. Attention to detail is what really separates the men from the boys.”
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ANTWAUN SARGENT, Journalist; @SirSargent
“Your style should always express your politics, which is another way of saying be you.”
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JOVEL ROYSTAN, Lifestyle Blogger and Social Media Executive for ASOS US; @jovelroystan
“I like to dress like the version of myself that I eventually want to be. When you can see yourself as a cooler, more stylish, more on-point you, it makes it easier to actually believe that you can become that person, and you'll start acting in ways that help make it happen, as well. Think of it as a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Now, of course, that doesn't mean go out and buy expensive pieces or wear a bunch of stuff that's out of your comfort zone. It means not waiting until you get every aspect of your life in order to start being your best self.�
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STYLE, B
CRAFTS MAN As intricate as these J.W.Anderson coats may be, it only took a crochet hook, and not a Black & Decker 4Tool 20-Volt Lithium Ion Cordless Combo Kit from Lowes to craft the multicolored masterpieces called sleeves.
25 Most Stylish Black Men In Fashion
J.W.ANDERSON crochet detail coat  $2,280, farfetch.com
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DENIM BY DESIGN It’s time to give biker, beached and distressed dungarees a rest and try a new denim style or two. With the boldness of prints, the cool factor of deconstruction and the return of patchwork, there’s a fresh take on denim designs for every jean wearing gentleman.
Fabolous in Cease & Desist Racer Denim
21 J.W.ANDERSON printed jeans $910, farfetch.com | LOEWE printed straight-leg jeans $850, farfetch.com | JUNYA WATANABE COMME DES GARÇONS MAN printed jeans $720, farfetch.com 25 Most Stylish Black Men In Fashion
22 25 Mostinside Stylish Black In Fashion TOP: Y / PROJECT out styleMen jeans $418, farfetch.com | DOLCE & GABBANA deconstructed jeans $845, farfetch.com |Y/ PROJECT Multi layered jeans $442, farfetch.com | Bottom: VALENTINO patchwork jeans $1,050, farfetch.com | NEITH NYER patchwork jeans $690, farfetch.com | ALEXANDER MCQUEEN patchwork jeans $945, farfetch.com
If it works for animals in the wild, and for our troops who bravely serve on behalf our countries then a little camouflage should help you blend into your surrounding while pounding the pavement.
Top: FAITH CONNEXION camouflage sweater $800, farfetch.com | DIADORA camouflage sneakers $229, farfetch.com | MONCLER camouflage khaki trim bomber jacket $1,105, farfetch.com | Middle: GIVENCHY camouflage detail army23boots $995, 25 Most Stylish Black Men In Fashion farfetch.com | KENT & CURWEN army shirt $430, farfetch.com | CARHARTT camouflage backpack $88, farfetch.com | ICONS camouflage trousers $286, farfetch.com | Bottom: CANADA GOOSE camouflage scarf $189, farfetch.com | HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. camouflage wallet $33, farfetch.com
ARE WE CLOSER TO FINDING OUR VALENTINO?
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“Where is our Valentino?” That was the story title and question Fashion Critic Robin Givhan’s posed in the September 2011 issue of Essence Magazine (PG 196). Finding this piece that explored why the fashion industry lacked more black designer success stories and the challenges they confronted up until that point in 2017 was a fail but, I had something else to remind me of how I first felt when I read Givhan's words six years ago. “The article in Essence magazine entitled ‘Where is our Valentino’ really has me thinking about my career choice in fashion,” I boasted in all caps on September 4th, 2011 via a Facebook post where I spelled “article” wrong. “There are not many African American —or black designers in general— in the fashion industry. I look at people who made it like designers Tracy Reese, the late Willie Smith, LaQuan Smith and stylist June Ambrose and they remind me that I can make it in this industry, that this is a goal that would be hard to achieve but not impossible.” I had never sewn in my life but the “The Battle of Versailles” author ignited something in me that made me want to design clothes. Black talent on the design end was needed and I was volunteering as tribute to do something about it. The number of black designers putting on runway shows or hosting presentations in 2011 was disappointing. I personally only recognized the names of two black designers when I check the menswear and womenswear Spring and Fall collections on Vogue Runway, Tracy Reese and Stephen Burrows who both design women’s clothing. That number pales in comparison to the six black names I recognized on Vogue Runway for the Fall 2017 men's collections; Balmain with Creative Director Olivier Rousteing at the helm; Teflar Clemen’s Teflar, Kerby Jean-Raymond’s Pyer Moss, Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God, Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, and Heron Preston’s self titled line. Much has changed over the years, how celebrity placement can help a brand take off, incubator programs to help mentor young design talent, the power of social media -- and I chose to scribe instead of designing. This new playing field offers imaginative ways to make it in fashion; and possibly aiding with finding our Valentino, a highly coveted, respect and successful black designer brand, or at least someone with potential? “If you want to talk success stories they've been Hood by Air and Off-White,” stylist Raymond Gee shared with me when I asked him if he noticed an increase of black designer success stories in recent times. Both Shayne Oliver, the brain behind the now-defunct but beloved Hood by Air brand and Abloh have experienced a level of mainstream fashion success that most designers set out to achieve. Oliver for example, who holds a CFDA Swarovski Award for Menswear, canceled his Fall 2017 Paris Fashion Week 25 Most Stylish Black Men In Fashion
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show and later announced he was joining Helmut Lang to present a special collection that debuted during New York Fashion Week this past September. Virgil has held his position as fashion’s favorite "street luxury” brand among industry professional, celebrities and shoppers for years --who isn't wearing Off-White. What was their secret though? How did these two black men break down the barrier of mainstream popularity? “Look at both brands. They have built-in clients because they both fit into two distinct subcultures, not that fitting into a subculture spells success for them,” Gee told me before following up with, “they both have quality clothing with distinct edges that appeal to two different sections of streetwear. They were able to leverage that, navigated the industry and grow into full-fledged ready-to-wear brands that are respected.” The streetwear aspect is a common denominator in many black designers collections dating back to the Sean John and Phat Farm urban fashion brands era. So can a black designer find luck without being a streetwear aficionado? “Absolutely! I think Hood by Air and Off-White came around at the right time. It was a moment for streetwear and they came into existence at the forefront of luxury brands getting involved in mainstream fashion” Raymond shared. But he did warn, “success with ready-to-wear is more difficult because you’re vying for the same clients that every other brand is.” It’s an uphill battle that Virgil, in particular, is winning from the outside looking in, a quick visit to Fashion Bomb Daily or UpscaleHype will quickly expose his large celebrity fan base, but does he or any black designer currently showing a collection have a chance to be championed as our Valentino. Raymond see’s Vigil as the current designer with the most potential but according to him, we had our Valentino already, "I see Virgil with the potentiality of being championed the same as a Valentinomaybe, no one who’s designing has all of the necessary qualities for me but to be direct, we have had our Valentino in Patrick Kelly, lets not forget.” The only fitting response I could think of was, COME ON PATRICK KELLY!
Page 24 Fall 2017 Looks Top to Bottom: BALMAIN, PYER MOSS, HEAD OF STATE, TEFLAR, BRETT JOHNSON, HERON PRESTON, OFF-WHITE and FEAR OF GOD | Image Courtesy Via VogueRunway.com BrettJohnson.co and HeadOfState.com
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ERROL MURRAY, Editor-in-Chief of FashionReporters; @fhsnreporters
“A gentleman should always allow time for a calcium bentonite (green clay) facial after shaving.”
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J. BOLIN, Stylist; @stylistjbolin
“The one styling tip I have for every man is to keep a crisp white button down, a pair of cognac brown shoes and amazingly tailored jeans! These items are easy for transition and they have the power to make you look like "money" at all times!”
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SABIR M. PEELE, Founder of Men's Style Pro, Brand Consultant and Stylist; @mensstylepro
“Exfoliate and hydrating is the key to healthy skin. Men don’t exfoliate enough (at least 4 days a week) and that’s part of the problem, resulting in build-up of dead skin cell. Find a good facial scrub, I suggest Truman’s Gentlemen Groomer Facial Scrub and a hydrating moisturizer like Lab Series Daily moisture defense and make them part of your daily grooming arsenal.”
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MCARTHUR JOSEPH, Digital Consultant and DJ; @mcarthurjoseph
“Don't be a afraid of the fitting room and a tailor. Fit is so important and I see so many guys buy things off the rack and just wear it out. You could wear the chicest look but if the fit is off it immediately looks bad.�
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JAVON DRAKE, Freelance Fashion Editor; @javondrake
“One style tip every man should know is that sneakers are life. They go with everything.”
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WALÉ, Style Editor and Creative Director; @maisonwale
“When it comes to style, there is no one size fits all. Make your own rules but be confident with the choices you make, confidence is what others see before they look at your outfit.”
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OTIS GIOVANNI, Model and Stylist; @ yslotis
“Keep it basic. Try an incorporate similar tones into your outfits and remember to keep being cozy and comfortability over wearing something too flashy.”
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RASHAD BENTON, Accessories Assistant at Elle Magazine & Freelance Writer; @hescockky
“Never ever wear a belt with suspenders. They serve the same purpose and wearing both at the same time looks silly, and please take care of your skin. No matter if you have good skin or bad skin. Taking care of it today will make for a better life 40 years from now. Guys should really look into skincare products to keep them clean, clear and not too oily.”
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COREY T. STOKES, Fashion Editor -At -Large at Highsnobiety and Stylist; @coreytstokes
“Invest in a quality tailor because belts should only be used as a styling accent, not a necessity.”
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KATLEHO SINIVASAN, E! Entertainment Africa host @kat_sinivasan
“The most important styling and grooming tip for me is to always do what works for you. Style is relative and open to interpretation so it's important to always focus on you. Your body type, your facial structure, your personality should determine what looks work for you and what's trending.”
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MARION B. KELLY II, Associate Fashion Editor at Allure Magazine; @mbkii
“It’s hard to give style tips because honestly everything isn’t for everyone. Confidence is key, you can’t go wrong with a black t-shirt and if all else fails live by WWMDD (what would Miles Davis Do).”
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NOSTALGIC MIND PHOTOGRAPHS by AMMAR THOMAS STYLING by NIGEL ISAIAH ASSISTANT- DORIEN LOVE MODEL- JINO OGUNS at RED MODEL MANAGEMENT
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STEPHEN38F Suit MR. TURK Shirt JEWELRY Model’s Own
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STEPHEN F Shirt 39 MAVI Jeans CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN Shoes MATIERE Coat
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MAVI Jeans 40 TOMS Shoe A.P.C. Coat JEWELRY Model’s Own
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41 MR. TURK Shirt STEPHEN F Pant & Coat
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STEPHEN F Shirt & Pant 42 ROBERT GELLER Coat TOMMY HILFIGER Belt