STYLE & GROOMING by MANLEY GUYE
“You remember the delight of throwing aside the boy’s clothes, and putting on the manly toga. Expect yet more joy from putting off a childish mind, and being enrolled by philosophy as a man.” Seneca, 1st Century A.D. BUILDING BRAND “YOU” A man’s personality is formed not only by how he sees himself, but by how others see him, as well. Your looks, disposition, style, choice of clothing and accessories, temperament, and every other notable trait you bring to the table help to determine the “self ” others will perceive you to be. In short, it establishes your own personal “brand.” Once you come to understand that, in a very tangible way, you are a walking, breathing logo, you can—like the hard-nosed, demanding CEO of your own Fashionista Empire—take control of the what others will perceive when they see you, and use that to your personal and professional advantage. With this in mind, here are three techniques for reinventing “Brand [Your Name Here]”: 1. Figure Out “Who” You Are. It takes more than deciding that you are witty, charming, personable, and a bon vivant to build your personal, signature “brand.” Any branding of yourself must include elements of who you are that already exist. Being “the life of the party” is easier to do if you are by nature extroverted. Deciding that you want to be one of the world’s foremost authorities on fine wines is best achieved if you already possess some interest in the subject. Take an honest accounting of your traits and existing style. Like an actor auditioning for a part, you want to bring to the role the person who you are already, and add layers to your “performance,” until you are perfectly in character. Branding
yourself will only succeed if the concept is rooted in reality. 2. Visualize it on paper. Compile a list of adjectives and other descriptive words and phrases that reflect how you (and others!) see you. Take the words that reflect the new brand you are developing, and—like the insensitive editor of this fine weekly periodical—mercilessly cross out those attributes that do not fit your new style stamp. Be brutally honest as you add those elements that mix with your nature and personality, and subtract what doesn’t. Remember: this is not an exercise in pretending to be what you aren’t. It’s a golden opportunity for you to flex your muscles as a person of power. Powerful people reinvent themselves. 3. Wear It. Above all, the rule is to stay consistent. We are building an image that is meant to speak volumes at a glance, so picking up just any old garment you have lying around the closet is no longer an option. On the plus side, there are numerous ways for a man to dress well. Seriously, not every guy belongs in a suit. Having invested the time to write down your ideas of whom and what you want to project, you should find examples of other men who have cultivated and captured a similar look and message as the one you’re going after. Seek consistencies in style at work, when you go clubbing, or are out and about, then make these your own, putting your unique touches where they belong and incorporating the new branding ideas you have decided to incorporate. Just be certain the whole reflects the image you are ready to present.
Model: Chad Allen Jackson. Photos by: EliHue.com and JPKadPhotos.com
54 | mark magazine