Model Watch: David Agbodji

          A renowned fashion designer once said "...the problem with using Black models is that people pay more attention to the model rather than the garments they're modeling."  This statement can very well be understood when one calls to mind the strong, ethnic features of African models in particular, but these very same features that some designers & photographers deem distracting are the exact physical attributes that other members of the fashion world exalt.  Such striking features couldn't be more apparent when one takes even the slightest glance at top international model David Agbodji. 

     Born on May 8, 1987 in Paris, France, Agbodji has been surrounded by creativity his whole life; his famly is chock full of artists who paint and draw.  When he came to live in the US he made the Bronx, NY his home and during high school he'd take trips into the city which is where the bug of modeling entered his ear.  Photographers and scouts from modeling agencies would constantly approach him after being stunned by his rich ethnic look but he'd continuously decline their offers.  It wasn't until he walked in a friend's fashion show while attending NYU, and saw all the female attention it garnered him, that he decided modeling would be an interesting path to explore.  He signed with Request Model Management in New York in 2009 and shortly thereafter his 6'1" frame blew the roof off of the fashion world!  He's currently represented by 8 different agencies across 4 countries.  In 2010 the Calvin Klein brand was so enthralled by his rich brown skin and signature full African features that they made him the face of the brand and renewed his contract for the following Fall collection.  Along with being featured in an article by Models.com which highlighted diversity in the modeling industry, Agbodji walks in just about every runway show for major high fashion designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta and his chiseled jawline & piercing eyes have made his photographs to be some of the best seen.  Agbodji continues to fascinate & inspire the fashion world not only with his painfully striking looks, which make him one of the most versatile models in the business, but also with his humility and sincere love of art of all kinds.  Successful, in demand models like Agbodji, who are of African descent, make it clear to the naysayers that Black is most definitely beautiful.

STrEEt ShoT

     Often times its the simplest details that catch my eye.  I was strolling down Newbury street and caught a glimpse of this young guy in my peripheral vision as he was chillin' seemingly without a care in the world.  His name is Graham and he said he's here in Boston studying at Emerson College for the summer.  The overal vibe of his look was extremely simple but with eye-catching details, and as I approached him he had an air of youthfulness that was both chic and refreshing; that fresh, youthful look that is always on trend in the fashion world.  His haircut, black framed glasses and the hue of his complexion is reminiscent of the main character in the old animated movie The Pagemaster and the fact that such a laid-back look could evoke such a vivid & artistic image in my mind is proof that fashion & style is a powerful form of expression.  I'm always inspired by the everyday stylish guy because his sense of style is genuine and striking... Stay fly, fellas!



A pair of glasses are a great way to add panache to any ensemble!




His mismatched wrist accessories keep his simple look from bordering on boring




Though it was a warm summer day, I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that he added some texture with his woven socks & suede wingtips!




He's overall vibe says "I'm stylish without looking as though I'm trying to be"... That's the way it should always be~

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -Mr. Hampton



Back 2 the Basics: The Loafer

       No, I'm not referring to the stuffy leather shoes with the double tassel & penny insertion point at the toe that were popular from the late '70s to the early '90s.. you can breathe easy now.  Those shoes were once the universal sign of preppiness to the utmost and were anything but "relaxed."  Not anymore!  What's quite interesting about this shoe is that it actually became popular when its style & design was produced by the Spaulding company in the 1930s to look similar to the shoes worn by Norwegian farmers.  But loafers have evolved since then and have become the go-to shoe for the stylish, everyday guy who wants style & versatility without all the fuss of a lace-up.  Not only have they evolved in terms of once being most appropriate for work to now being staples at events such as outdoor wine tastings, they've stepped out from under the shadows of black & brown leather and have taken on a more sleek look in the boldest textures & color choices.  Whether you're a seasoned fashionisto who loves all things daring & dashing or just a regular guy who desires comfort without having to sacrifice style, there's a loafer for you!  What makes this shoe so cool is its versatility; it can be paired with slim/skinny jeans for a hipster look or with dress slacks when you're headed to the office on those summer work days.. there's no excuse for not having at least one pair of loafers in your shoe rotation!  Stay fly, fellas~





Ryan Gosling always evokes the charm of an old skool hollywood leading man while looking effortlessly chic.. Just be sure to lotion your ankles if you're gonna go sockless like him!

Though his tv persona irritates my very soul, Scott Disick is clearly a naturally stylish guy who pulls off velvet loafers quite well


  



<~ I, personally, don't recommend this type of loafer where the sole extends up the back of the heel because it gives the look of a house slipper

I prefer this type which consists of a basic sole that stops at the bottom of the heel ~>

                                                                                     





If you're the type of guy who can pull off loafers with tassels without channeling Bill Cosby circa 1986, go for it!

 

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -Mr. Hampton

STreeT ShoT

      I'm always uniquely impressed when I see younger guys wearing blazers and/or fitted shorts because its a clear sign that they're putting forth the effort to go against the status quo of their generation.  Most of today's youngsters are rockin' skinny acid washed jeans, basketball sweat shirts and snapbacks which I'm all for.  But to have the gumption to step outside of the norm and wear a more tailored look that conveys maturity while looking effortless, this speaks leaps & bounds about a person's sense of style.  I was on my way into a store when I passed this young dude sitting on a bench; I immediately complimented him on his look and then kept it moving.  His ensemble stuck in my head as I kept walking & I realized I would end up kicking myself later if I didn't snap a few quick shots of him.  No sooner than when I introduced myself and my blog was he up against the wall striking a swagged out pose lol.. I can dig it!  His look is mature while still having young, fresh elements to keep it relaxed!  Check him out...




His broken-in shirt, vintage style tie (loosened, of course) and assorted wristbands all keep his look relaxed & age appropriate

  


When wearing color it doesn't always need to look ostentatious.  His pale pink shorts add color without overpowering the rest of his ensemble




The faux-hawk & cuffed sleeves say "I'm young but I have an old skool sensibility."  I hear you bro!

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -Mr. Hampton



HeaD StArT!

     Warm, sunny weather is rare here in Boston therefore whenever the sun makes a warm appearance, I waste absolutely no time making the most of it!  Yesterday after church I decided to head out and enjoy the beautiful day and it was just what I needed.  I met up with a few friends and we enjoyed a nice dinner on an outdoor patio, reminisced about our adolescence (some of the stories were beyond embarrassing smh) and laughed until we were practically in pain lol.  I was in the mood to enjoy some bright colors in my ensemble while keeping the overall silhouette fairly simple: I went with a turquoise v-neck, salmon chino shorts, loafers & a few embellishments to add interest.  Sartorial Tidbit- the technique I used in my outfit is called 'color-blocking' which entails pairing together items in solid colors to create sections or "blocks" of color that compliment each other and create a bold visual.  Hope y'all like it!  Stay fly~

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always stay true to YOU! -Mr. Hampton

     Ok fellas, I'm posting this via my Blackberry because I've become obsessed with colorful trousers and I simply had to show you guys this table display I saw at H&M. Take it all in, let these vibrant hues inspire your sartorial expression this spring & summer! Pair any of these trousers with a simple slope-neck tee or a patterned tank top (the gray & khaki trousers can take a more bold colored/patterned top), a few wrist accessories and top it all off with a pair of raybans and you'll definitely look as though you're about that life! Err, that fashionable life that is lol. Keep it Fly, fellas~

STreeT ShoTz

This passed weekend Boston experienced record breaking warm temperatures so a friend of mine called me and suggested that we hit the streets for some sun and shopping (of course ya boy is always down to shop!).  Warm weather is a luxury we don't often experience prior to early-mid June here in the northeast therefore Boston's fashionistos waste no time enjoying the warmth while clad in their sportiest gear!  Knowing this I kept my eyes open for guys who's looks weren't over the top but still maintained their cool factors and the below fella was the epitome of this.  His look was laid-back in every sense of the word and the minimalism was right on beat with the tone of spring/summer!  Being stylish doesn't have to entail having the absolute brightest/loudest ensemble in the room, but rather its about being strategic about the pieces you mix & match to create an interesting look.  Prior to snapping his pics, this dude asked me "can I smile?" A guy who has fun with his style & aint afraid to show it?  This is definitely someone who you'd wanna take your summer style cue from!

His relaxed fit striped shirt reminds me of a similar shirt I picked up at a thrift shop last year.  Now I see why I liked his so much!

Pairing lace-ups with shorts is becoming a popular trend!  The key is to opt for shoes that have a broken-in look rather than ones which look sleek & brand new; this will keep your overall look relaxed & laid back

Keep your accessories simple when going for a relaxed look; a distressed necklace/medallion & a few wristbands will suffice

Keep it Stylish, keep it Sexy and always keep it true to YOU! -Mr. Hampton