"...I'm never satisfied with clothes that aren't personalized.”

[gender.male]

[location.south africa]

How many pieces of clothing do you own?

"A lot of jeans, pants, shorts, vests, jackets and shoes; two cupboards full!"

What are your beauty secrets?

"I never leave my apartment without sunscreen. Also, always moisturize and exfoliate no matter what. I learned to alter my own clothes, since I'm never satisfied with clothes that aren't personalized."

Do you read fashion magazines?

"Yes. Vogue of course. W, Vanity Fair, Men's Vogue, GQ, Dazed. Vogue and Vanity Fair are my favorites."

Do you come from a stylish family?

"My mom has always been a vintage girl. The rest of my family is very much into fashion, in their own way."

Anything Else?

"I starred alongside Whoopi Goldberg in Sarafina when I was four, so I'm a child star in South Africa (not quite but it was a great experience). Film, TV, music, writing, and performing are my other interests. I edit and write for a film website in South Africa, http://www.thecallsheet.co.za/. My documentary (currently in post-production) on Nobel Peace Prize nominee and AIDS activist Zackie Achmat will air on SABC 2 and will also be featured on the website soon. Check out my modeling profile on http://www.modelbase.co.za/ and comment on my pics, www.modelbase.co.za/portfolio_15151.html. Also visit my MySpace page, www.myspace.com/siyasalay."

In America, the first Monday of September marks Labor Day, a tranquil holiday signifying endings, specifically the end of summer and for the style conscious –the end of wearing white. Traditional U.S. fashion etiquette dictates the latter rule primarily due to the fact garments of this pale hue, in addition to being easily soiled are frequently made of lighter fabrics unsuitable for blistery weather.

Over the years, this voguish decree waned considerably. Chic white ankle boots, pearl V-neck blouses, and ivory princess cut coats are common winter wardrobe staples. Take a cue from today’s handsome stylisto, this light hue is appropriate any time of year.

How to wear white post-Labor Day
A great way to continue wearing white during the cooler months is to sport a classic pair of jeans. Our amazing nisto chose denim of the bleached variety to compliment his look, but whatever you select; there are several hard fast style rules to consider.

Since ivory denim is not as forgiving as its colorful cousins, the correct size is essential to any outfit; the goal is to deemphasize lumps, bumps and other physical imperfections. Length is also an important factor. White jeans should hover freely around the ankle –not scrunched like legwarmers. Check out our nisto’s pants; he is wearing skinny jeans to compliment his slender silhouette; also note the size –long, but not too long.

Given that white is a neutral shade; the sartorial possibilities of colorless jeans are endless. Today’s nisto chose a stunning jewel tone mesh shirt and a rocker chic inspired charcoal jacket to compliment his denims. The array of gold chains, mauve patent leather sneakers, and retro sun shades further add to his rebel look. This season, try your blanch jeans with a sweet pair of black suede boots or a cozy cashmere sweater.

Are you wearing white after Labor Day?

How did you celebrate the holiday?

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"the clothes you wear are more than something to hide a nude body..."

[gender.male]

[location. united states]

How did you develop an interest in fashion?

"Over the years, I have learned that the clothes you wear are more than something to hide a nude body; they express emotions and can bring joy to an individual. Once I discovered Jean Paul Gaultier was the designer of the magnificent costumes in the film, "The Fifth Element" I was sold. I realized fashion is what I want to pursue in life. The colors and lines bring art to another level."

What are your favorite color combinations?

"Black, brown, and navy blue."

How do you organize your closet?

"My main goal is to keep the pants and shirts separated –while they each are divided by category. Ex: sweaters with sweaters, vests with vests, crew necks with crew necks. Sadly the clothes always end up mixed together!"

What is your most recent fashion related purchase?

"Brown wingtips from Neiman Marcus."

This wonderful nisto is the perfect example of the countless ways neckwear can enhance an outfit. Guys, not totally committed to wearing jewelry around the neck? A scarf is the perfect alternative. It’s quick, carefree, and offers unlimited creative expression.

His first wardrobe selection, featuring a scarf with accents of kelly green, ivory, and chocolate tied freely around the neck, serves as the ultimate compliment to his mustard hued hooded jacket. The light and wispy nature of the piece is great to don on breezy summer days; while the scarf’s depth and dimension properly set off the ensemble’s overall fitted silhouette. However, don’t run and grab a scarf just to save a bad outfit! Though in this photo, the denim jeans and top naturally harmonize (yellow sun/blue sky).

Need a more polished look? Scarf not cutting it? Try a tie. Our nisto’s second sartorial choice proves that it can add a professional touch to even the most casual attire.

For his final look, he dons an oatmeal scarf made of heavy fabric –for two reasons. Fashion and function. It’s keeping him chic while the temperature’s bleak. Also, the bulky nature of the scarf especially compliments his hefty charcoal overcoat. In this instance, a flimsy scarf is not only impractical but useless. Topping the ensemble off with his retro style glasses, pencil thin jeans, coffee colored wingtips, and lovely red socks –he’s sure to brighten even the dreariest of days.

What is your favorite neckwear accessory?

Scarf? Tie? Necklace?

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"Style is not even a word to me."

[gender.male]

[location.united states]

What is your favorite fashion era?

"My favorite fashion era would have to be the 1980's. I love the bold colors and outrageous hairstyles. Most of what I wear now is a mixture of the oldies and the futuristic. Will Smith and Michael Jackson are definitely my icons of style; very goofy and odd but I love it."

How do you decide what to wear each day?

"Before I go to bed, I always have an idea of what I want to wear the next day. It's usually based on my mood. I wear colors based on how I feel. I usually don’t think too much about it when I wake up. I pretty much just throw on the first thing I see based on my preconceived notions."

What would you wear to your own wedding?

"Wow. I actually don't plan on getting married; at least not the traditional way. I like to wear the opposite of what an event requires. For example, I wore black jeans to my prom! So, I will probably wear a jean jacket, tuxedo shirt, pink bow tie, black skinny jeans, and Fusion Kevlar sneakers."

What is your personal style philosophy?

"Style is not even a word to me. Who am I to define it for anyone? I don’t even consider myself stylish. Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful, because if you don’t no one else will. I made that up in high school and I have followed it ever since."

A man who is not afraid to play with bright colors! How refreshing. As this nisto demonstrates, his style cannot be put into a box. A fusion of prep, sporty, and funky with a splash of vivid hues, he is sure to turn heads.

The dusty grey vest sets the tone for the opening outfit; very urbane and sophisticated –an ideal combo for a gentleman’s first day of school. The vibrant crimson tie matched with a pink watch adds a rush of color to an otherwise neutral hued outfit. The chain link bracelet lends a touch of rebel panache, while the sepia sunglasses provide a cool yet casual vibe.

A red bowtie paired with dark wash jeans and white sneakers? Too cute! The silver jacket adds a hint of ruggedness and the crisp ivory belt brings it all together. Overall, grey, white, and navy blue prove to be a winning color combination.

This handsome nisto, always the resourceful one creates a brand new look (outfit 4) using several garments worn in the first photograph. By swapping the red tie for an emerald one and donning a spiffy black hat, while retaining the dark trousers and crisp oxford shirt, he exemplifies the concept of reinvention. Don’t be afraid to shop in your own closet! Mixing and matching pieces always breathes new life into old favorites.

Check him out at the following websites:

http://www.funferekoroye.blogspot.com/

http://www.fashionkinetics.tumblr.com/

http://www.fuckyeahnigeria.tumblr.com/

http://www.dapperlens.shutterchance.com/

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