Lately I’ve been asked this question a lot: What is Stylish Manner? What does it mean? The answer is simple! Stylish Manner is a lifestyle, it's your vibe; but it's also a fashionista's way of being creative and forward-thinking through your personal sense of style.
Normally when I talk about fashion to those that are not familiar with it, they do one of a few things: 1. The predictable eye roll - Meaning who cares, no one takes it serious; or 2. Ask questions about things they'd never take the time to understand. I was never one of them. I was the one that needed to know everything about clothes: all the different fabrics, how the garment is constructed, and most importantly, who was the genius behind the brilliant designs. I was just sitting back the other day thinking about my first "fashion coming to Jesus" moment. I was in school at the break table with friends and we were talking about new videos that just came out on all the latest video channels (106 & Park was one of my favorites BTW). Anyway, Beyonce’s song Crazy in Love just came out and it was the hottest thing on TV at the time. I mean, she made cropped bomber jackets and fitted hats one hell of a trend back then. But, the one look I was most intrigued by was the color block outfit during the dance number at the end. Most people didn't understand at the time, but there was something about wearing different textures and colors that was both fashion-forward and sexy, and I knew it was going to be a sick fashion moment.
It didn't take much for me to convince everyone that my views on the video was the one to take serious. It also helped that I studied every detail in each outfit like an obsessed crazy person. My friends were so impressed that I was able to speak to each look so confidently, with so much passion, that they needed to hear more of what I had to say. That’s when I knew not only did I have a voice, but I was also able to interest an audience through my fashion point of view.
Another eye-opening moment for me was realizing how meticulous and specific I was about everything I wore. Everything had to be perfectly pressed, my shoes had to always be clean and polished, and I didn't leave the house without hosing myself down with half a bottle of cologne. I mean, I WAS A PSYCHO, and I kept that mindset for the rest of my career - hosing myself down with cologne and all. Clothes just meant so much more to me! Not to sound all crazy and weird but it was the one thing that always made me happy. Don't lie; I’m sure you all can agree that there's nothing like a new jacket, shoe, coat, or whatever it is you love. You get it home, put it on and say YESSSSSSS! Well that's how I feel every time I get dressed.
I really believe out of all of the positive influences and people that helped shape my life, finding my passion for fashion was for sure something that made me who I am today. It made me want to become more cultured and learn why people in different places around the world wore what they did. I enjoyed watching the styles of a Pop Artist vs. a Country music star, and urban looks from a Hip-Hop Rapper vs. an R&B Singer. But the most important thing is, fashion gave me the confidence to become the strong man that I am today. I live it! I breath it! And that's a Stylish Manner.