I find that often
times when someone doesn’t necessarily conform to typical magazine appropriate
aesthetics, we tend to look past their sense of style. Magazines and commercial
blogs have taught us that all that is ‘fashionable’ and stylish is only what is
mainstream and published in print. For me this aesthetic is often overdone and
a tad too rehearsed. Navy suits, tan brogues, bow ties and fitted white shirts.
I feel like this has been so overdone and overrated. Plus, it all looks the
same. Nothing at all to be excited about. Yes, it’s not many that can get away
with the often brave aesthetic of the likes of Teddy Nkonde and Felipe Mazibuko
(Teddy is gonna kill me for making this comparison by the way. Lol) but I think
a newer and much simpler silhouette is also one that deserves praise and
recognition. Remember how old modern men kept it so simple and clean and yet
only obsessed about the minute details like the pressing of the shirt and the
hemming of the pants? I have always been a fan of that kind of man.
Yes, although ours is
a more fashionably progressive society and trends of London and Paris are
always within reach and easily duplicated, the old gentleman still deserves his
ovation. One such gentleman for me is Chuck Mbevo. His is a sense of style that
is calm and yet so inviting and detailed. The way his pants are perfectly
hemmed, pressed and fitted, his blazers just the right length and his shoes
polished and shined is so interesting.
I recently started
chatting to the Angolan beau via email and discussed a bit of fashion and
trend. I was more interested in what inspires his sense of dress, which
designers and stylists inspire him and how his mind works in terms of fashion
and style. I find that with a lot of people, fashion, or style, is an informed
process. It’s not always something picked from the pages of a magazine or a
blog. There is usually a richer history that leads to the people they are in
terms of fashion. In my conversation with MrMbevo, these are some of the
interesting bits of information that came up:
‘’Well, I am Chuck
Mbevo aka King Tafari. I am an Angolan national with a Congolese heritage,
adopted by Namibia. I was raised by a single mother who formidably groomed me
to be the gentleman that I am today. I grew up with my brother and sister whom
I love dearly and I have a wonderful son that I love very much.
Growing up, I had
noticed how Mama got us ready for school every morning. Mama always paid much
attention to little details on our clothing. Little things like how precisely
pressed the shirt, color coordinating us all accordingly.
So, my attention to details has always been there since my childhood and today
details is Style to me.
At 15, I finally discovered
what best worked for me although there was also a phase of baggy denim and big
tee. After much trials and errors though, I quickly went past that phase and decided
that it was not for me.
It began in Windhoek,
Namibia when I came across a modelling casting I decided to give it a shot.
Fortunately for me, I went through ended up landing major campaigns in my time
as a new model. One of the highlights of this time was a campaign with the
Minister of Health. We did a ‘male circumcision campaign’ to raise awareness
amongst men and boys as to why it is pivotal to get circumcised. I later did a
‘Back to School’ campaign for Nedbank and walked the first edition of the
International Fashion Show of Namibia and had the opportunity to walk for South
African designer House of Ole.
At home in fact
recently, I did Huila Fashion and walked for Alex Kangalawho is one of renowned
male designer in Angola his pieces and suits are of world class material.
Rising African Mega Designer Nadir Tatiher detailed her work isincredibly
executed her dresses fit formidably and she actually got nice men pieces too, I
think her work is exceptionally well crafted. After all of those then came a
transition that needed to happen thus quickly I began to learn more and more
about fashion I found that in so doing this got me hungrier for style and
elegance. Personal style grew more and quicker. I developed an aesthetic that
was smart and casual. I am the type of guy that won’t just put on any tee with
jeans and take to the streets. Every look is carefully thought through and
constructed.
What inspires me in fashion?
I would say everything around mebeing Music, Art, Street Fashion,all inspire me
greatly. I look at everything with a different perspective. My favorite
designers would be Alex Kangala obviously, House of Ole simply cause I had had
the chance to work with them and if I could be the judge I would rule Top
Designers of All time on the other side I am a big fan of J Crew for his
understanding of modern sophistication that transcends to casual, elegant and
dapper. Another one would be Michael Bastian with his relaxed yet dandy cuts.
That’s my kind of look. These designers really inspire me.
What are about
stylists? I prefer female stylist to male. They seem to have a deeper and more detailed
eye and understanding how modern man should appear. The likes of Soraya De
Carvalho, Rachel Johnson all very glamorous ladies who are top. Johnny Wujek is one of the most amazing
street style stylists I have ever encountered. I absolutely love his work.
In other news, I’m
also totally obsessed with selfies and pictures. I absolutely love being
photographed. I also an intense love for tattoos. Basically,
I’m a great guy. Lol. ’’
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