It was yet another catatonic morning commute on the L as I got on at Myrtle Wyckoff headed to Union Square. Every stop seemed to be emblematic of the game changing gentrification of Brooklyn at a stultifying speed quite like Ebola. Naturally, the L has become a vista of marked sartorial nuances and ever-changing silhouettes. From the bros of Billyburg to the inked out and fully bearded stalwarts of Bushwick the L is an all too predictable mess. It was on this particular Tuesday however, where I met Malik, an elegant man with a rather decorous composure, flawlessly sculpted eyebrows, and pin straight hair standing at a 75-degree angle slightly to the left above his head.
I decided to approach him handing him my card explaining that I loved his look and I would love to shoot him for yours truly, Posture. Last Sunday, while everyone was watching the Germans win, the World Cup we met for a photo shoot at Chelsea Piers with our photographer Lina Grebenyuk picking his brain about his personal style….
CN: Tell me more about your personal style, how would you define it?
MB: In a few words my personal style is whimsical, temperamental, appropriate, fluid, ambiguous, and cost savvy!
CN: How would you define dapper? Do you consider yourself dapper?
MB: When I think of the word “dapper” I automatically envision a borderline pretentious hyper masculine male who sips expensive cognac and smokes Cuban cigars. He may even lend himself to philanthropic efforts in his leisure. I on the flip side… Am more fixated with exaggerated eyebrows, getting my weekly mani and pedi, seeing indie films at the Quad cinema or the Angelika theatre, and lastly happy hour. I’m the anti-dapper.
CN: What do you wear to work?
MB: For work, I have to play the conservative role, but I always find ways to bend these rules by way of amazing accessories and mixing textures and fits. I leave room for my own interpretation of the rules. By the way, my bosses are ecstatic about this. I’m great at what I do so they let me slide, but most of all it’s an heir of confidence that one must carry that can elevate and sell any look.
CN: How does a conservative corporate dress code affect what you wear outside of work?
MB: I have never been afraid the experiment with color or print… I don’t have any fears when it comes to fashion…. There will always be hits and in a worse case scenario there is always tomorrow. So anything less than a hit, doesn’t even matter.
CN: When did you start experimenting with color to this intensity?
MB: Aside from distressing denim, I don’t create any of the things I wear… I leave that to the professionals. I know how to stay in my lane. LOL!
CN: Where do you like to shop?
MB: I don’t shop designer…. I’d love to, but my wallet says otherwise. I love thrifting when I have the energy, I’m obsessed with Urban Outfitters, I love All Saints Spitalfields, street jewelry, boohoo.com, and lastly no wardrobe is complete without a Zara creation.
CN: What five items can’t you live without?
MB: Items I can’t live with out…That’s simple, a great scarf, mood music, white denim, a scented candle and OPI’s “Did you ear about Van Gogh”.
CN: What’s your style for shoes like?
MB: In summer you can’t pay me to wear shoes. Havaianas always save the day. In winter, it’s loafers with no socks. I’ve always been a fan of ankle cleavage.
CN: Who are your style icons?
MB: My style icons have sat next to me on the L train; they have been intriguing strangers who’ve become friends. People, places, and sensory experience develop one’s style more than one particular person.
CN: Favorite scent?
MB: I wear one of three fragrances…the original Chloe is my go-to favorite, in winter it’s Flower Bomb, and when my Virgo sense takes over it’s Black Orchid.
