Soweto is among the most dangerous, overcrowded, generally depressed areas I’ve ever visited, but there’s pride, community and rich cultural roots there too. Can you dress aspirationally? This young man wants to go places; he’ll look the part when he gets there.
I agree with you. As far as I could learn,lots of these guys work as stylists and designers etc. Of course their lifestyle and money they make can not be compared to what Europeans are used to, but never the less, these kids are probably already doing what they love.
Agreed! In a recent Garance post,one of her NYC blog guests is quoted saying “Dress for the job you want”! Of course, an easier decision if finances/ opportunities allow,as was the case with Garances’ guest. Anyhow, her guest, already a success ….amped up her wardrobe and even more success was hers. It works.
But these amazing Sowetan creators, designers,dreamers, ” The Smarties”, have defied the reality of their often gritty but rich cultural lives, and in spite of incredible odds, manage to “dress for the jobs they want”! Because of their passion and creativity, I have no doubt that one day soon, all Smarties, will be completely living their dream lives , whether it be in SA, online, in Milan with their idol Lino… anywhere they want to go. For instance, here they are today “improbably’ on the world’s top fashion/style blog that Scott created. He had a need (a job), passionate desire (style/fashion) and never stops creatively working at it!
Yes, “The Smarties” are indeed aspirational dressers. Dream weavers, making the most of their now, on their way to much more!
Ther is more 2 this Boy ,than meets the Eye.He turned inspirations into day to day living.I am part of the Fuel that assisted this Lantern 2 ignite.Way 2 go Retro …Humbled*
I remember reading about these men with ‘swag’ in the colours magazine and there was this one man called papa wemba …..70yr old the most sharpest tux and salmon pink shirt!!
Two things: 1) It is spelt “Smarteez”
2) This guy’s outfit is not typical of the Smarteez attire. The Smarteez wear very tight, very bright clothing – hence the Smarteez appellation.
This is the best of fashion: clothes maketh the man… I can relate – although this spirit is as strong as they come – because clothes have often, in my youth, pulled me together, given me attitude and got me going places. This young gentleman is on his way…UP!
So this picture raises questions in my head.
The guy looks really cool and chique. The gold accents are nice, especially his glasses.
But the enviroment is exactly the opposite. So is there a massive house and wealthy family living on the other side of the street.. or is this guy just misplaced in this neighbourhood? just curious.
I’m intrigued by South Africa, love to go see it for myself one day.
Can anybody please tell me what Sunglasses those are? Email me please at lebomorojele@gmail.com, thanks in advance.
On another topic, the gold accents and dashes of brown compliment the rest of the outfit superbly. As a South African I’m proud to see our country being recognized internationally amongst the fashion world and community.
Professor JT
November 6, 2012 at 2:02 pm
TOO FLY! SA SWAG!!
Ahmad
November 8, 2012 at 12:11 am
He does have so much swag! especially the way he carries that, love the gold accents!
http://anarkalilovesme.blogspot.ca/
adrian
November 7, 2012 at 2:04 pm
wow, i love this double-breasted suit!
mariposa fashion blog
November 7, 2012 at 2:19 pm
This photo is amazing .. two contrasts
Best regards from germany
mariposa-world.blogspot.com
muguettt
November 7, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Despite he seems chic, the place doesn’t seem like that all..
For my DIY fashion blog:
http://muguettt.blogspot.com
Kait
November 7, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Haha the comment above put it perfectly! So polished, such attention to detail, beeming with confidence. Love it!
http://www.whenwewander.blogspot.com
Martina
November 7, 2012 at 2:28 pm
So cool.
Simbarashe
November 7, 2012 at 2:35 pm
And he shall be called Boss Swag, 1st Class.
http://lordashbury.com
Al
November 7, 2012 at 2:36 pm
i wish theres more detail of his tie!
THE STEL STYLE
November 7, 2012 at 2:37 pm
beautiful suit!!
http://www.thestelstyle.com
The Bespoke Dudes
November 7, 2012 at 2:43 pm
Great double breasted jacket, but I prefer the last button to be unbuttoned!
Fabio
The Bespoke Dudes
Evgenia
November 7, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Very stylish and elegant men. I like details.
http://streetfashionmore.blogspot.com/
Bohemian Style
November 7, 2012 at 2:50 pm
The gold touches are super mod!
theBohmerian.com
Mr Essentialist
November 7, 2012 at 2:50 pm
Love this! Great watch and rings too.
http://www.MrEssentialist.com
andreeaa
November 7, 2012 at 3:01 pm
unexpected! :)
http://lilaesthete.wordpress.com/
Rachel Pizarro
November 7, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Wow this is one of your master pics ever Scott! So much is said…
Katrina
November 7, 2012 at 3:11 pm
Perfect accessorizing. Great look from head to toe. This outfit would stop me in my tracks.
Anthony
November 7, 2012 at 3:16 pm
The face and the glasses are very good. After that it’s downhill all the way.
The Fringes
November 7, 2012 at 3:23 pm
Swag tun up in SA though! Amazing look, jacket fits just right
Gian Luca M
November 7, 2012 at 3:33 pm
contrast and elegance…
Gian Luca M
http://gianlucamarinoblog.com/
Evgenia
November 7, 2012 at 3:38 pm
amazing suit. I love it
http://streetfashionmore.blogspot.com/
SabinaSabina
November 7, 2012 at 3:52 pm
great shoes!
Sir Kadiege
November 7, 2012 at 4:06 pm
#Perfect.. I salute this boy *Tshepiso van wyk
Adam McBride
November 7, 2012 at 4:43 pm
I love the individual pieces, but this one is all about the attitude.
TEST/model magazine
November 7, 2012 at 4:47 pm
BOSS!!
victor john penner
Anon
November 7, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Love.
More please.
FromTheUNWithLove
November 7, 2012 at 5:13 pm
Soweto is among the most dangerous, overcrowded, generally depressed areas I’ve ever visited, but there’s pride, community and rich cultural roots there too. Can you dress aspirationally? This young man wants to go places; he’ll look the part when he gets there.
Tonia
November 7, 2012 at 6:58 pm
You are right about that. He will be the best dressed when he arrives – and we know he will get there.
Soweto4Eva
November 7, 2012 at 7:12 pm
Or perhaps he’s already there – and probably prefers it over the standards people on the internet in faraway countries are trying to set for him ;)
Edna Gee
November 8, 2012 at 12:56 pm
I agree with you. As far as I could learn,lots of these guys work as stylists and designers etc. Of course their lifestyle and money they make can not be compared to what Europeans are used to, but never the less, these kids are probably already doing what they love.
annabella
November 7, 2012 at 8:56 pm
Agreed! In a recent Garance post,one of her NYC blog guests is quoted saying “Dress for the job you want”! Of course, an easier decision if finances/ opportunities allow,as was the case with Garances’ guest. Anyhow, her guest, already a success ….amped up her wardrobe and even more success was hers. It works.
But these amazing Sowetan creators, designers,dreamers, ” The Smarties”, have defied the reality of their often gritty but rich cultural lives, and in spite of incredible odds, manage to “dress for the jobs they want”! Because of their passion and creativity, I have no doubt that one day soon, all Smarties, will be completely living their dream lives , whether it be in SA, online, in Milan with their idol Lino… anywhere they want to go. For instance, here they are today “improbably’ on the world’s top fashion/style blog that Scott created. He had a need (a job), passionate desire (style/fashion) and never stops creatively working at it!
Yes, “The Smarties” are indeed aspirational dressers. Dream weavers, making the most of their now, on their way to much more!
Sevan
November 7, 2012 at 6:53 pm
His attitude makes the suit stands out.
http://anna-and-klaudia.blogspot.com/
November 7, 2012 at 8:04 pm
Amazing picture :)
Yonghoon
November 7, 2012 at 10:28 pm
Wow I always browse and never comment, but I just had to for this picture. Excellent.
slimGeNIUs
November 8, 2012 at 12:28 am
Ther is more 2 this Boy ,than meets the Eye.He turned inspirations into day to day living.I am part of the Fuel that assisted this Lantern 2 ignite.Way 2 go Retro …Humbled*
Ricardo O Mokwena
November 8, 2012 at 1:50 am
The whole combination is really exquisite,totally sublime nd excellent.
Tracey
November 8, 2012 at 2:15 am
Loving the Smarties!
YOUR MIRROR
November 8, 2012 at 2:56 am
love the jacket
http://www.your-mirror.com/
NBI
November 8, 2012 at 2:56 am
Best and strongest picture ive seen in here! This is a beautiful shot!
Helen
November 8, 2012 at 3:23 am
Beautiful face
Kaila
November 8, 2012 at 6:56 am
wow, so classy! such a well tailored suit. so refined.
wonderful to see South African brothers dressing so well. :)
Sonali.subbaiah
November 8, 2012 at 6:57 am
I remember reading about these men with ‘swag’ in the colours magazine and there was this one man called papa wemba …..70yr old the most sharpest tux and salmon pink shirt!!
Mary
November 8, 2012 at 9:48 am
Two things: 1) It is spelt “Smarteez”
2) This guy’s outfit is not typical of the Smarteez attire. The Smarteez wear very tight, very bright clothing – hence the Smarteez appellation.
Milo
November 8, 2012 at 12:43 pm
IMPECABLE!
berenger
November 8, 2012 at 5:43 pm
This is the best of fashion: clothes maketh the man… I can relate – although this spirit is as strong as they come – because clothes have often, in my youth, pulled me together, given me attitude and got me going places. This young gentleman is on his way…UP!
Betsy
November 9, 2012 at 10:57 am
Perfect.
http://www.suspironews.blogspot.com
Miranda C.
November 9, 2012 at 9:03 pm
What a contrast! It’s just like trying to put together two entirely different worlds…well, life is always a huge contrast, a confrontation.
Anna
November 10, 2012 at 3:40 pm
Isn’t it Beyonce’s sister who already introduced smarties to us on her (great!) ‘Losing you’ video.
SirFrunk
November 13, 2012 at 7:36 am
RETRO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
GodsKidBrother
November 20, 2012 at 9:07 am
lovely portrait of my people and homeland. SouthAfrika!
onelove
Leilibon
November 21, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Glad SA is finally on the map. Watch out…this man has got SWAG!
Juliette
November 24, 2012 at 7:31 am
So this picture raises questions in my head.
The guy looks really cool and chique. The gold accents are nice, especially his glasses.
But the enviroment is exactly the opposite. So is there a massive house and wealthy family living on the other side of the street.. or is this guy just misplaced in this neighbourhood? just curious.
I’m intrigued by South Africa, love to go see it for myself one day.
Lebo
December 12, 2012 at 9:17 am
Can anybody please tell me what Sunglasses those are? Email me please at lebomorojele@gmail.com, thanks in advance.
On another topic, the gold accents and dashes of brown compliment the rest of the outfit superbly. As a South African I’m proud to see our country being recognized internationally amongst the fashion world and community.
thabane
May 20, 2013 at 7:17 am
the satorial genius