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"Style Profiles"
As a gatekeeper to one of New York’s nightlife staples (Le Bain) Ian has literally seen it all. Given his own sense of style it’s not surprising that Ian has also made a career for himself as a stylist. He has worked with major brands including Levi’s and Uniqlo but also contributed to countless editorials dressing the likes of Azealia Banks. Most recently he did the styling for DEGEN and ODD’s New York Fashion Week presentations. I linked up with him recently and photographed him in some of his favorite fits while discussing his viewpoints on styling and style.
How did growing up in DC influence your style? How has your style evolved since then?
Growing up in suburbs of DC, I think it’s made my style kinda preppy; but since middle school I’ve always read fashion magazines and had access to the internet which I think influenced my style more than where I grew up.
As of late, I find my style gearing to more simple and classic pieces, less trendy and disposable items.
Look 1
Mala NY Hat
COMMME des GARCONS PLAY Varsity Jacket
Thom Browne Shirt
Paige Jeans
Converse ‘Le Baron’ Chuck Taylor All-Stars
How did you start out as a stylist and what approach do you bring to styling?
I came to the city to study fashion design, but realized it wasn’t exactly what I wanted… After learning all the the potential things a stylist could do, I knew it’s what I wanted to do.
When it comes to styling, I just want to propose great outfits that people can actually wear; give new perspectives on layering, contrasting prints, or mixing brands.
See the rest of the feature after the jump.
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I’d like to share the story of how I met Rachel. It was actually on the street months ago when I asked to take this streetstyle pic of her. Turns out that photo was a good indicator of her personal style and how she expresses herself through her clothing. Rachel takes alot of vintage pieces and basics and works them into an outfits that are greater than the sum of their parts. Photographing this style profile was a good reminder for me that it’s not just the individual pieces you wear but how you coordinate them that makes the difference.
How has living in New York influenced your style?
New York City has given me the balls to dress genuinely. When I was a kid, I would prance around my parent’s house in get-ups I’d never dream of wearing in public. But this city is incredibly magical and filled with such brilliant, passionate people and being here makes me feel brave, in style and in life.
How did you build up your current wardrobe to where it is?
I have to say, I don’t particularly enjoy shopping. It takes forever and trying on clothes is exhausting. I prefer to take long strolls through the city, maybe do some gallery hopping and then let pieces come to me. If I don’t set out to shop, I end up browsing anyway and find great things.
You mix in alot of vintage items , what makes a vintage item worth picking up for you?
If it makes my heart race, I’ll buy it.
You told me you about your love of hats, how did that develop?
Growing up, I stalked Bill Cunningham’s photos and lived vicariously through them. Over time, I noticed how beautiful women looked when they were wearing hats and I wanted to be like them. Now, it’s part of me. If an ensemble were a cake, the hat would be the cherry. And for some reason, baseball caps make me feel extraordinarily sexy, so I like that.
See the rest of the feature with Rachel after the jump
New York is all about evolution and change. The fast pace and frenetic pace ensure that trends, influencers and scenes come and go. One person who has been a staple of the downtown New York cultural landscape for years is Heron Preston. You may have seen him at gallery openings, fashion shows or perhaps just through the internet. He came up in the pre-tumblr internet landscape and has worked with industry heavyweights like Nike. I picked his brain about his viewpoints on style and his involvement in the BEEN TRILL.
How has your personal sense of style evolved over time?
The girls I’ve dated and their influence on me, has played a huge part in evolution of my style. traveling has also played a part, my vibes and the style of my closest friends. All of that shit influences me.
Heron Preston wears BEEN TRILL x 40oz Van Hashtag Yankees Snapback, Vintage Fox Racing Long-Sleeve, Nike sneakers
What influence has being in New York city had on the way you dress and the lifestyle that you lead?
NYC is all about “breaking the system” to me. the power of youth… its a city you can stay young forever and do what you want. that attitude has been the biggest influence on my lifestyle and way of dress.
Introduce how BEEN TRILL started out and what it means to you. What do you want to achieve with BEEN TRILL?
My close friends Matthew Williams, Virgil Abloh and Justin Saunders who are Kanye’s art directors hit me up one day. They had just started something special (Been Trill) and recruited me. We are an art direction collective / dj crew. We host and DJ parties, design clothes and experiences with our network of friends, hi-jack internet visuals and disrupt the system. In a nutshell, we create rare heat, package it and voila. Just trying to stay clever and have fun and experiment with our ideas.
What is your approach when it comes to designing clothes and are you gonna keep doing it?
I start with what will get under my skin, but the search for that emotion may take a day, or a year. But when i feel it, i go hard. I design for me.
Heron wears: Obama beanie, self-designed long-sleeve t-shirt, vintage Avirex leather bomber
What’s your favorite piece that you own. What’s still on your list?
My favorite piece right now that I own may either be my 50 cent bullet proof leather vest or my black B-3 bomber shearling jacket. Both dope pieces to layer with. On my wish list is a Acne motorcycle jacket… I’ve had my eye on one lately that I must get!
Heron wears: Vintage leather vest, Pyrex Vision Hoody, Nike Air Yeezy 2
Some of Heron’s current favorites
What’s relevant in pop culture to you in 2013 and beyond?
High taste culture.
Follow Heron Preston on Twitter. Follow Been Trill on Twitter and Tumblr.
Photos and writing by Rocky Li
Scott is wearing:
Post O’alls houndstooth jacket
W)taps x Undercover BDU
Vintage Chambray
Engineered Garments trousers
Bathing Ape x George Cox creepers
In a new series ‘Fit Profiles’, stylish people worldwide breakdown their outfits key piece by key piece. If you’ve seen Scott’s style profile from last year, you know he’s got a wardrobe worth envying. I spoke with Scott recently about how his style has evolved since then.
Scott: Lately I have been finding myself obsessed with a more muted palette. I’ve been wearing lots of tan, olive and brown. When I put together an outfit, I like to think mostly about how the textures, colors and patterns will play with eachother. I have been finding myself straying away from louder pieces and wearing items that are more understated and simple.
This Post jacket is my most recent purchase, I love how it’s based on a more workwear inspired silhouette, but in a very traditional fabric. Being lined with down is also very crucial this time of year in NY.
Most people assume that Bape is a very juvenile brand and for hypebeasts, but I personally love it. I think the collaboration is brilliant and has a humorous take on a work wear silhouette.
The Taps BDU is probably my most worn garment, aside from the EG pants shown. I wear it over every shirt, with blazers, outerwear or as a jacket. It’s an incredibly versatile piece and a perfect weight for layering.
Photos by Rocky Li
Geng Grizzly wears many hats and his personal style is representative of his many hustles. Geng runs PTP (Purple Tape Pedigree) a hip-hop blog that will put you on to what you should be hearing (not what everyone else is playing). On top of that he’s got a fledging record label, Live From The Kitchen Recordings that is sure to be making tons of (bass ridden) noise this year. On top of all that you may have heard me make some guest appearances on his radio show Fresh Out the Box along with co-host Note D (check his style profile HERE).
For these style profiles, I really look for individuals doing their own thing outside of what the trends of the moment may be. In the case of Geng, he breaks more sartorial rules than he follows but stays true to his roots and passions. His style in complex in a way that the average passerby or fashionista might not notice. Geng is someone who is not just wearing the clothes, he’s living in them.
Look 1
Norse Projects Corduroy 5-Panel Cap
The Hill-Side “Large Roses” Bandana
Vintage JC Penney Hunting Jacket
Camber “Arctic Thermal” Hooded Sweatshirt
LL Bean “River Driver” Henley
Military BDU Shorts
Falke Merino Leggings
New Balance 1300′s
Describe how your personal style evolved to it’s current state?
Back when I was a kid, I had a clean pair of velcro Nike “Uptowns”…lowtops in white with a black check and black sole. I have the photo to prove it. I was also wearing a denim sweatsuit with red trim in said photo. While I feel like I have since struggled to replicate that level of splashiness, at least the core concepts have stuck through the years. I done swapped the denim suit for one of French terry cotton persuasion and dress for comfort, contrast, and construction. Triple C’s.…yahmean?!
Now I tend to build an outfit around a well-made, timeless piece, and decorate it with things from the “other side,” whether that means pairing up the vintage mountaineering with the “high fashion,” or jumping between the lanes of core function with active wear and military/factory worker garb. Growing up in NYC, especially Manhattan, played a huge role. If you cared at all, your mission was to find a way to stick out from the pack of thousands rocking on the same type of shit. Some do it in a real “I look like Grace Jones-meets-Rufio from Hook and I am fine with that” kind of way, while others try to be a bit less outlandish with it. I usually favor the more subtle approach of putting multiple worlds together and over the years have come to better grasp how to do so by playing with the finer details like fabric weight and texture.
Look 2
Military Surplus OD Wool Watch Cap
Vintage North Face (“Brown Label”) Down Vest
Norse Projects “Vorm” Pocket Sweatshirt
Vintage German Military “Raindrop Camo” Trousers
Falke “Walkie” Socks
PF Flyers “Bob Cousy” Lows
Has hip-hop influenced your personal style? What about its impact on your life in general?
By junior high, say ’92-93, I was able to start buying my own clothes and really try to get fly like our rap idols. We were all into the North Face/Helly Hansen/Columbia/Nautica/Polo/Guess/Nike/Timberland shit because that was what we saw in the videos, magazines, and album covers/liner notes. I was a Boot Camp Clik (Black Moon, Smif n Wessun, Heltah Skeltah, etc.) fanatic so I stayed rugged and utilitarian in military anoraks, my pops’ M-65 (early 70′s – ‘Nam), fatigues, and gore-tex boots. The impact of hip-hop (as a New Yorker who had about 16 years of life before the Internet touched down) wasn’t really thought about, it just WAS. As young adults, you either walked it or you tried really hard to do so (rarely to favorable results, as you can imagine). Every borough had its own angle on style in general (from slang to preferred brands and sneakers that they’d rock). It was all in the rap music…and we drank wild 40′s of O.E. and plastic cups of Henny because of it.
How did Fresh out the Box Radio and PTP come to be? Can you share a key experience or lesson from your time spent on these areas.
Purple Tape Pedigree was born in 2009. I used to post often-forgotten hip-hop and hardcore/metal videos on Facebook and folks would pop up like, “start a blog…it’s free and you probably have really cool stories to share.” I eventually did. By late 2010, rap started to get really interesting again and I began posting mostly current releases on PTP. By 2011, my ace Note (or James, as previously featured on this fine website) was in the mix. He not only helped with the daily posts (bringing in his expertise of the UK’s respective grime and road scenes), but he moved the site off of Blogspot and made the layout look all types of sexy. PTP wasn’t JUST us though, nothing ever is, so shout out to all of the invisible board members, silent investors, and loyal friends who have helped grow this into the mini-movement that it is today (air horn).
FOTB was part of the first wave of shows to be on BBOX Radio. Originally, I was going to be a DJ on Headless Heroes (Monday’s funk/soul show on BBOX), but then the idea of “new and progressive hip-hop” came up and we jumped at it. 16 months later, we’re still getting drunk on the air, playing new rap before it becomes the “new shit,” and talking crazy with rappers and brand ambassadors, alike.
I’d say the key experience is actually EXPERIENCE. Know your shit like you share a bed with it. Spend a lot of time practicing your craft before and after and don’t ever get caught bragging about it on Twitter. Finally, don’t over-think shit. If it feels right after running it through the various “Shit I’ve learned up until this point” and the “Shit I’ve heard about from more experienced people” tests…then go for it. Fuck it, it’s the Internet.
Look 3
Masahiko Ono Repro Naval Watch Cap
OC x Pendleton F/W ’09 Wool Jacket
Patagonia “Down Sweater” Vest
Brooks Brothers Oxford Button-Down Shirt
Unis “Gio” Pants
Falke “Walkie” Socks
Clarks Waxed “Wallabees” (w/ new cotton laces)
Read the rest of the interview after the jump
With each person I style profile for Third Looks I feel as though I get to know them better just through exploring what their wardrobe and personal style is like. While fashion is given a bad rap in terms of being materialistic and shallow, I think style is a really good indicator of someone’s creativity, character and influences.
When I first met Kyle I thought he dressed pretty low key but as I got to know him I realized his wardrobe had tons of depth and he always wore his pieces in creative ways. More so I feel that his sartorial choies are aligned with his personality and lifestyle and he makes it work for him. It’s easy to just fetishize pieces and grails but I think men would benefit from reflecting on their lifestyles and choosing the clothes that not only look great on the rack, but also fit the way they live.
Look 1
Mercedes-Benz hat
Comme des Garcons SHIRT FW10 vest
Uniqlo down jacket
Uniqlo shirt
V::Room crewneck
3.1 Philip Lim SS10 jeans
White Mountaineering FW10 boots
What sparked your interest in clothes and fashion?
I think I’ve probably always had an interest in clothes and making myself look at least halfway decent, but a lot of it really stems from interests in other things that have a strong focus on personal style.
For me snowboarding was always huge for this, along with different BMX styles of riding. Then came cars and the various scenes around that. I guess I’ve always been drawn to these things that really embrace showing your personality and personal style through such conspicuously physical ways, so clothes are just an extension of that and an easy way to do it while living in New York since I’m not snowboarding, riding, or driving much anymore here.
What thought process do you go through when shopping for new items?
This is a really good question as I can’t say it’s something I’ve ever thought about before. I guess I’m long past the point where I’m filling any (perceived) “holes” in my wardrobe, but I’ve gotta say I really like going out and seeing what’s out there. I have some favorite shops I’ll always check and other ones I’ll just stumble in occasionally, but I think it’s important to get out there and see what’s going on. Part of this is that there is so much good stuff out there to be appreciated that I know I would never bother actually buying or wearing, since it just isn’t “me.”
The other part of this is that I try not to buy too much anymore so I’ll see how it could work in my wardrobe. I’m not interested in buying some out-there piece that I would have to really tone down with other boring clothes - that just ends up looking like you never thought it through and are settling because you wanted to show off that one item so bad. Not a good look in my eyes. And I definitely don’t want something that makes me think “well this would be so much better if I just bought item X or Y too.” I want to take an out-there piece and integrate it with other stuff I have and just do it up, you know? Make it look like it was always meant to be there. Less but better.
Look 2
Monitaly FW11 leather jacket
Nepenthes shirt
Uniqlo denim shirt
APC jeans
Visvim SS08 FBT
I think a good example of everything I just talked about is that leather Monitaly jacket. I had always liked the ubiquitous Margiela 5-zip that they do every season in a few leathers/colors but it doesn’t work for me and I have no interest in making it do so. There’s no denying it’s an iconic piece and a brilliant design though, so when I came across this Monitaly jacket it was like something clicked, and they got me. It’s just this complete bastardization of the 5-zip, totally making fun of it with some overly Americana vibes in brown calf leather, with some big leather tassles on the zips, and wool knit cuffs. That’s what I’m all about, just having fun with my style. I had never bothered to buy a leather jacket before because I had never found The One, but this was it. It was perfect. And I’m thinking to myself “Ok, wear this with some FBT’s and I’ll have tassles all over the place, cause why not, right?”
More looks after the jump
I’ve seen Jeremy post his fits in the past in superfuture “What are you wearing today” threads and have appreciated the evolution of his style. When I heard through a mutual friend that he was going to be in New York, I linked up with him to speak a bit about the fashion in Australia and also shoot a this style profile.
Currently Jeremy manages the Sydney outpost of one of the best shops in Australia Assin. They have two locations (one in Sydney and one in Melbourne) and carry top designer labels such as Undercover, Damir Doma, Miharayasuhiro, Ann Demeulemeester. He definitely exemplifies the type of brand mixing and experimentation that I personally recommend to guy’s looking to improve their personal style.
Describe your personal aesthetic and how your style evolved to it’s current point.
I don’t really categorise the way I dress so I guess you could say it’s quite eclectic. I lead a pretty casual lifestyle so I focus on being comfortable. I don’t like to stand out too much but I do like outfits that are unexpected so I mix and match labels, streetwear with designer pieces and try to create simple but interesting silhouettes and shapes. It’s evolved quite slowly, I really was just a jeans and t-shirt guy but started falling in love with some designers and their work and would pick up pieces that really spoke to me. Not always did they tie in with what I had in my wardrobe already so I would seek out complimentary pieces and eventually it all just came together.
Look 1
New Era Fitted Cap
Damir Doma Bomber
Rick Owens DRKSHDW Hoody
Supreme T-shirt
Undercover Trousers
New Balance Sneakers
How has managing a shop and seeing new items come in constantly changed the way you shop for yourself?
At the moment I tend to focus on shopping for statement pieces or something thats really unique. I’m at a point where I’ve got the classics and basics as the foundation of my wardrobe so any amazing shapes and fabrics really draw me in. Working where I do I see incredible pieces everyday so I tend to fall in love easily – my list is huge.
You seem to be quite confident in mixing and matching different brands. What advice do you have for other guys looking to do the same?
I think the best direction is not to stray too far from your comfort zone or jump on trends too much. Find pieces you have a connection with and just work around them. It’s more about considering your lifestyle and overall silhouette then just putting a signature high fashion piece with what you already wear. You see guys with a pretty conservative look, raw denim and button up shirts, but they will throw Rick hi-tops in the mix and everything looks off. If you feel uncomfortable more then likely it’s going to look that way. Get out in the stores and give everything a try. Shopping online is a great way to find new things but nothing beats handling a garment and trying it on – you instantly know if it works for you or not.
Look 2
Undercover Leather
Undercover T-Shirt
Damir Doma Silent T-Shirt
Ann Demeulemeester Sweater
Miharayasuhiro Trousers
Ann Ann Sneakers
What are some of your style inspirations?
To be honest I think I am more inspired by the garments themselves and the hard work the designers put into them but I do draw a lot of inspiration from the Japanese. Japanese street fashion magazines like Tune show some incredible outfits – designer labels, vintage and everything in between. You see some wacky stuff but somehow it looks totally natural on these guys. Even Vogue Homme Japan, puts together some zany stuff. Then it’s about pulling out the practical from the sometimes theatrical and doing your own thing.
More questions and images after the jump
If you’re a fan of the style profiles on Third Looks rest assured we got some more coming your way very soon. Here are a few quick snaps previewing an upcoming style profile with Jeremy. He works as a manager at the Syndey outpost of Assin and has a unique style that zig-zags across the designer map.
My style has been under constant evolution since I first got interested in fashion almost a decade ago. It has been a challenge working in pieces from so many different brands into my wardrobe and I always appreciate others who can dress across brands and flip it their own way. Paul is a fashion student at F.I.T and he is someone who definitely owns amazing pieces but the way he wears them is all his own. For men especially I think it is key to look and feel comfortable in the clothes you own. When it comes to the Style Profiles on Third Looks, I select people who dress according to their own vision. I hope that this site helps people find their own style and empowers them to make informed fashion decisions.
Look 1
Vintage Snapback Hat
Jil Sander Floral T-Shirt
H&M Shorts
Raf Simons Derby Shoes
How’d you first get interested in fashion and how has your style evolved over time?
I liked clothes from an early age. I even went through my older sister copies of Vogue when I was younger. Then I got into skateboarding, wearing tapered baggy cords with Sal 23 or fatigue cargo pants and some Vans Old Skools. I would go through a copy of Transworld and see all those cool printed t-shirts and I was really into that, especially Hook-Ups. In early 2000 I came across Graniph T-shirts, which was a Japanese design company. I was looking into that and found an online forum called Superfuture and at the same time I was working for a high end retail store in NYC. These combined factors opened more doors to what’s out there. As I got older I transitioned to a more fitted and minimal style (slim wool trousers and dressy shoes). Despite that I always seem to go back to buying sneakers. My style changes now and then but I always reflect on my old style and mix it with my current style.
Look 2
Supreme x Champion Hooded Coach Jacket
Rick Owens T-Shirt
Ann Demeulemeester Trousers
Rick Owens Sneakers
How has your education as a designer changed your outlook on clothes and shopping?
Fashion education made me more critical. I have an idea of how clothes are sewn together so when I see something made poorly, that just raises a red flag. Sometimes it is the complete opposite, I would see something so interesting and well made that I have to figure out how it was made. It can really help you realize some people are creative geniuses.
Our sense of style is rarely stagnant; I love that as we evolve and change as people, our wardrobes quickly follow. Since I’ve met Charly he has added many pieces that compliment his lifestyle and changing physique. While fashion is often focused on the concept of an “ideal” physique it is more inspiring for me to see people who are comfortable in their clothes. Rick Owens once said “Working out is modern couture”. Perhaps the larger lesson from that statement is that clothes shouldn’t dictate your lifestyle, your lifestyle should dictate the clothes you choose. Some of you may be familar with Charly from his role as community manager with TOJ (purveyors of fine leather jackets) but this feature should provide you plenty more insight into his personal style.
Look 1
Rick Owens Intarsia mid-collar leather jacket
Rick Owens sweat pants
Custom made T-Shirt
Ann Demeulemeester combat boots
When did you begin caring about clothes and how has your style evolved since then?
The first time I began caring about clothes was in middle school when I got my first pair of Jordans and then Timberlands during my high school year in Philadelphia. This evolved into brands like Akademiks and Enyce paired with a throwback and a pair of AF1′s on my feet. Then in college, I got my first glimpse into some quality clothing by being introduced to Japanese raw denim. Since then, my style has just been whatever I feel comfortable in and silhouette that I want to achieve.
Look 2
Rick Owens Intarsia mid-collar black leather jacket
Custom made T-shirt
Rick Owens DRKSHDW combo sweat pants
Rick Owens Ankle Boots
Explain how you first got into weight lifting and how it has impacted the way you shop for clothes.
Coming into my junior year of high school, I was 5’11″ and whopping 120-125 pounds of skin and bones. I didn’t like the way I looked and wanted to change my physique, so like most boys my age, I started to do a bit of lifting – nothing serious. Then as I got into college, my lifting intensified. By then it was part of my lifestyle instead of a chore, but I still had no clear path for the lifting. It did affect the way I shopped for clothing because my arms, legs, and butt would not fit into some of the skinnier pieces I wanted to wear. However, I kept that in mind and made sure I stayed a certain weight (170-175) so I could still fit into a lot of the clothing I liked. About 2 years ago, I got hooked onto powerlifting and that’s when my outlook on training and clothing changed. I realized that powerlifting made me happier than any piece of clothing would. Since then my training has took priority to fitting into clothing.
Much more after the jump, click through.
