Every moment I get to step out of the barbershop, I’m reminded how precious time is. During this cold winter be sure to remain on your craft and keep working towards your goal. This time around I had the privilege of collaborating with the talented snapshot sensation Maeva The Radiant. We chopped it up after we sharing our thoughts on the imagery and what it means to “Stay Polish’d.” She communicated that eloquently thru her visual language of the camera lens during this shoot. Her passion for menswear shooting began a couple years back and she’s been letting her passion catarpault thru various outlets while working with power players & locals alike.

My passion for vintage shopping has grown a lot over the years. My personal style or “polish” has been reinvented as I’m introduced to vintage and timeless brands and pieces that may have never been properly showcased in the previous hands.  My mind races composing colors combinations, fabrics, pieces paired with grooming tools as I pace thru clothing aisle. I always try to leave with something during my vintage shopping trips that can be an additive to the personal closet. Throughout this shoot, Maeva & I kept theme of street royalty as our visual aid and guide towards what styling combinations were formed, poses, colors etc. Paying homage to the greats like Dapper Dan and those in the 1940s and 50s who helped shaped menswear culture.

Hair + Grooming

The routine is pretty consistent when it comes to photoshoots or special events. From a facial moisturizer to hydrating my curls with a hair cream, I keep that on rotation. I make sure to wash my hair every three days and shampoo only once or twice a week (unless at the gym). A fresh head leads to maximum results for any styling product. Shea butter is a must for any event since its properties heal any cracked or dry skin especially as a barber. In this case I’ll add a face toner just give my face a bit more of a lift and wake it up.

Clothing

A lot of this look is direct inspiration of the Harlem Renaissance. During that time, casual wear was considered a button down shirt and dress pants. Fast forward into 21st century, I still like to maintain that same uniformed look. A white shirt is stable for any man and you should always be equipped with a couple of those in your arsenal at home (look for Charles Twitt, Club Monaco, Zara to name a few). They’re affordable and can be worn on any occasion. I scooped the pants from a thrift store and although they have pleats, they compliment my size (since I’m packed with thighs). The pattern pants color may have some age but can be reinvented with the proper suit jacket and/or simple accessories.

Accessories

This is what can make turn an entire outfit upside down. Without my accessories, this outfit can easily look like I belong in cubicle somewhere on Wall Street but the small details make it your own. A gold watch brings flavorful. A brimmed hat has the ability to elevate a look entirely making you the person to watch the moment you step into the room. Be careful with colorful hats and make sure it doesn’t clash with an outfit. Black and white shirts are great neutrals to set the stage for a colorful hat like this.

The nails get overshadowed but a critical apart of a person’s upkeep. No person wants to shake a dirty hand or feel that scrap long their skin because you choose to grow out your fingernails. Decorating the hands with rings is a matter of taste and should be layered with caution. All of my rings are vintage style and taken from some shopping experience I’ve had.