I have been blessed enough to have lived in one of the world’s fashion capitals (London) for 3 years. Great place, very stylish and your game has to be on point. Truth is, mine wasn’t. The middle world (between eastern and western worlds) style didn’t really tickle my fancy much so I preferred to stick to the average college kid’s attire (baggy jeans, tees, hoodies, you know). The most striking thing about London for me wasn’t the pointed shoes, fitted jeans/old-school Adidas jackets/t-shirts, corduroy pants, FCUK t-shirts (Cool as FCUK? So 2002) or scarves which are all ubiquitous in the western world’s pop culture even though they are all so early 2000s London time, but what really grabbed me was the fact that every male in the city (or so it seemed) is cognizant of how to nattily attire himself when attending functions which require business wear.

From the lawyer and banker to the postman and the garbage collector, please rest ASSURED that they will look the part and you would not be able to distinguish between any of them. It must be something in the River Thames’ water, but the west has a lot to learn where that is concerned. Hell, even the world-renowned GQ said the same thing, and no, they are not the reason I think this way (just in case someone wanted to be cute). I am actually dying to make another trip there for I long to walk around the West End and see what cats are wearing! Popping into Topman (The Store) and Carnaby Street will be other eye-opening experiences. Hopefully I am able to partake of the current trends unlike their predecessors. I’m a big boy who doesn’t want the sleeves of his t-shirt sticking too close to the Guns™ for it is bad for circulation . Oh, I will also have to pop by Savile Row also, so if I have to save for 12 calendar months then so be it, but I am leaving with a proper charcoal suit (pinstripes optional) and a pair of chestnut brogues. Regardless.

Anyway, speaking of Carnaby Street with its nostalgic atmosphere, innumerable boutiques boasting numerous one-off, one-of-a-kind exclusive footwear that you will be able to find only there and nowhere else, in the world. Think along the lines of Jordans designed in the colours of the UK flag or Nike Air Force Ones in Jamaican colours and you’ll begin to understand the kind of stuff you will find on Carnaby Street. Did I mention that all of this stuff is authentic?

Now, with that said, I am inclined to wonder, why is there not such a place in Jamaica? Or is it such a well-kept secret that I don’t know about it? I have not bought a single article of clothing locally in at least 3 years. I would love if this changed. Here goes, I am a fan of nostalgic wear (Fedoras, jackets with vents at the back etc.) and putting a modern spin on them eh? Has anyone thought of begging/taking (lol) stuff from their grandfather/older Uncles/Father wardrobe and restoring them prior to selling or wearing them? We all know the older generation is the fliest ever so why not inject some of their trends into the modern man’s subconscious. I have stolen two jackets from my Pop, a navy velvet situation (marvelous, an absolute smash) and a beige hustle with light blue chalk stripes. Tell me where on earth I would be able to buy or find such quality in the present day? Thank God they can no longer fit him, for instead of “taking” my actions would be deemed as STEALING!

My Pop is in his 60s and just around the age of freshness. What do you all think? A viable business idea? Steal all the leather bags, jackets, leather shoes, fedoras, berets and the like, fix them up and start a vintage boutique? How does that sound? Holler at willard_a@fashionoverstyle.net . Peace & Love.

Sincerely yours,

Willard A.

Honor|Pride|Glory

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