Men of style

As the saying goes, “You can buy fashion, but you can’t buy style.”  We’ve heard this phrase time and again that it’s somewhat ingrained into the deepest parts of our minds.

Fashion is determined by the world, style by an individual. Style is an expression of self. It’s something you instinctively have or have to learn.

Style comes from knowing who you are and who you want to be in the world; it does not come from wanting to be somebody else.

A man with style is an individual; he stands out, with the confidence to go against the grain and without a care for what other people think. He doesn’t follow fashion and trends, he sets them.

He is never “styled”; he exudes style, effortlessly dressing the appropriate way for the occasion and would be as elegant and stylish in jeans and a T-shirt as he would be in a suit. Meet Nairobi’s men of style...

Marek Fuchs manages Kenya’s afro-pop band Sauti Sol and is engaged to style star Annabel Onyango, a best dressed-list regular. Always looking effortlessly dapper, his style staples are slim fit pants paired with a waist coat or blazer. Straying away from the expected, Marek embraces colour and is an accessory lover. My favourite piece, the 5-inch Maasai cuff he is often seen wearing to compliment his rolled up shirt sleeves.

Emmanuel Jambo is the official photographer of President Uhuru Kenyatta, the most sought-after photographer in the region and was recognised by Forbes Magazine Africa in 2012 as one of the most influential photographers in Africa. A fan of Kenyan designer Kaveke, Emmanuel’s style is classic, effortless and involves great attention to detail. His style staples include V-neck tees and scarfs, slim fit suits paired with suspenders and the occasional hat and bow tie.

Frankie, ‘the Kenyan stylista’ As Kenya’s leading male blogger and ambassador to Millie Collines, Frankie has loved fashion from childhood. He describes his style as classy with a modern touch and very distinct. He is always dressed up, whether he is in a T-shirt and jeans or a three-piece suit, and is the perfect definition of living and breathing fashion.

Taking his love of fashion a step further, he recently debuted his bespoke suit line Kenyan Stylista. His style staples are horn-rimmed glasses and wide-brimmed fedoras.

Sauti Sol, as Kenya’s number one afro-pop band, their résumé also includes style trail blazers. They pioneered the African print shirt and blazer look early in their career, with pieces from designers Patricia Mbela and later Nick Ondu. The award winning group, whose music is now international, is always exceptionally dressed, both in the streets and on stage.

The perfect combination of gentleman and playboy with a dash of edge, their style staples include tailored suits, leather jackets and multiple accessories.

Whose style are you most loving?

Have a great week, beautiful people.

@MissAngelsmile