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I remember saying in a previous blog post that one should only dress as you wish to be addressed. I personally believe that your style is a little window to what’s going on on the inside of you. I also happen to believe that in a world where you are more likely to be judged or compartmentalised by your appearance, one aught to be sure of what image you want to portray through the way you dress.
About a month ago, I did a collaboration with the Japanese car company Mazda on a piece that is part of a series called Sprezzatura. Sprezzatura celebrate the art of individual style involved fashion industry insiders such as stylist, designers, curators and bloggers. “Sprezzatura is the attitude to your own style where you are relaxed in taking a slightly different approach to the perceived norm” as expressed by the movement. Continue reading Dress as you wish to be addressed – Mazda, the spirit of Sprezzatura→
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This article is the last of the three-part series I started some weeks ago called “Sunday best”. If you missed the first two, may I encourage you to go back and read first one here and then the second here so the whole piece makes more sense.
Last week, I did a short video piece for a car company (which I hope to share with you all when it comes out) and one of the questions I was asked was “what does style mean to you?”. This question is not unusual to me as a style blogger but for the first time, I was forced to think deeper what style means to me as I face the camera to give my take on this. I gave my usual answer which is that my style is a way of bringing out some of what’s on the inside for the world to see.
My style is purposeful and is driven by some of my character traits and evidently subtly challenges everyone around on how I wish to be addressed and related to without me having to say a word. This peaked the curiosity of my interviewer as his eyes narrowed and gently nodded in affirmation as if to say “I have not heard anyone put it this way before so please tell me more”.
Before I knew it, I found myself talking about temples and their significance from a Christian perspective. A temple as I understand is a place of worship to God which automatically make one very important. A brick and mortar temple is distinctive and different when compared to other buildings. It is cared for and looked after very well by cleaning and decorating it beautifully as is evident with cathedrals. The physical structure of a temple is big, bold and has intricate details not usually found on other buildings. In other words, a temple is purposefully built with precision and care to such an extent that you don’t need to be told it is a temple. A temple stands out.
I guess you know what I am going to say next right? Yep, I compared my style to the temple scenario. In fact, Continue reading Sunday best – 3→
Creative director Rita Colson and Model Jennifer Kamara – make up session just before the shoot
The short story
This article is not so much about me and what I am wearing but has everything to do with the look model Jennifer has on. You can read about the description of my look and it seasonal significance in my previous article “How to stretch your summer into autumn with a suit”. Right here right now, I just want to say men’s clothing rock. I mean how else can a woman wear an iconic piece of men’s item like a dress blazer and completely own it with such elegance and grace? One word, versatility!
Model, Jennifer Kamara
The long story
Ok now hear me out for a few minutes at least. This shoot or indeed this concept of sharing my wardrobe with Jennifer started off as a necessity which quickly turned out to be a total blessing and a revelation to me personally. I picket up the phone to style consultant and creative director Rita Colson two days before the shoot was due to resign myself to the fact that the shoot might be called off as the male models I casted to feature with me could not make it. Sensing the massive disappointment in my voice the genius that is Rita quickly turned my fortunes round by suggesting the use of a female model instead. I have to be honest and say that I was very wary and apprehensive of the idea at first for the simple reason that I wouldn’t know what to do if I should style a woman using my wardrobe. I mean I already planned and styled the male models so I struggled to replace that idea at such a short notice.
Model, Jennifer Kamara
You can image the relief and excitement I had when Rita offered to style Jennifer. With an entire floor to ourselves, we spent the whole day shooting and reshooting to get everything right. Because the shoot was a great success, I was able get enough content for four distinct articles two of which explores men’s clothing on women. I made the shoot with Jennifer into a mini two-part series with the first being this article and the second to follow soon.
Model, Jennifer Kamara
Anyway, who better to talk about this look than the person who put it together herself, Rita Colson. Below is a few paragraphs she put together for this article.
“Designers from Dolce & Gabbana to Ghost have sent dresses reminiscent of nightwear down the catwalk, and some stars have even worn nighties out on the town. It’s a real favorite on the red carpet.
There is nothing like a sexy slip dress with a masculine jacket to balance. As demonstrated by Rose Huntington when launching her collaboration with Marks and Spencer earlier this year.
This is the ultimate effortless look for the confident woman who likes to switch it up every now and then.
A Perfect solution for the festive seasons upon us. If a slip dress or a ‘nightie’ is too daring, this look can also be achieved with a bohemian or a Victoriana twist with a masculine jacket to balance.
Why not try it in one of this seasons must have hues ‘Masala Tones’ Paprika, plum, and burgundy to give it an autumnal touch”
Model, Jennifer Kamara
So there you have it. Here i was thinking the shoot was doomed only for it to turn out to be one of the best so far. Never underestimate the power of men’s clothing.
Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below. I will try to reply to every comment or question
Well look who is here, seems like I got your attention with the article title. You are most welcome and please keep reading. By the way, if you have not subscribed to this blog yet, i encourage you to do so as i have a lot to share in the coming weeks and months which you don’t want to miss. Just in case some of you are wondering what makes a suit a summer or winter or autumn or whatever season suit, let me give you two main pointers before I move on to talking about my super cool suit. But why does summer have to end in the first place? It would save us so much hassle if it was summer all year round right? Anyway, quick back to the suit. Two quick pointers to always check for when determining a seasonal suit are fabric and colour.
Summer suits are generally lightweight with weave that are slightly looser allowing breathability. Remember it is hot during the summer months so breathability is absolutely essential when choosing a fabric or indeed buying a suit for that time of the year. The second pointer is colour. Summer colours for suits are usually either vibrant or light shades and naturals like beige and stone as oppose to charcoal grey, navy and other darker colours suited to the cold seasons. Get these two rules right and the rest will fall into place.
However, I am in the mood to break some rules today. There is no way I am going to spend hundreds of pounds on a beautifully crafted suit and be expected to only wear it during summer. It just does not make financial sense neither would I be doing justice to the suit itself. So guess what, I am going to stretch my money by wearing this suit in all its splendour until that cold wind really start to hit my bones. Besides, who made these colour rules anyway?
As I was saying its rule breaking time so stick with me for a minute or two while I explain myself. Quick word of caution before I proceed. Before you break a rule, make sure you know what the rules are first of all. Going against the grain is sweet but make sure you know the direction of flow before going against it. That way, you can do it like a boss.
The suit I am wearing is made with a linen-wool-silk blend fabric that provides comfort and luxury at the same time. The linen provides strength and breathability to the suit, whiles the wool and silk gives durability and structure. What you basically have is a suit made of fabric that is lightweight and breathable but not saggy or droopy. It maintains it form and structure and with the right cut, can look like you were born with it.
So to stretch my summer suit into autumn, I have done two main things.
