LC, LiLo, Paris, Nicole… One of the rites of passage for any reality TV star or socialite worth her salt is the move from fashion icon to fashion creator. Yet somehow the ranks of reputable male celebrities-turned-designer would be hard pressed to field a decent softball team. The elite male celebs stylish enough to reach icon status seem content to remain simply A-list womanizers (three cheers for Clooney) or to attach their names to athletic gear (three cheers for Beckham).
The smattering of contemporary celeb-borne labels available to modern man tend to lean more towards urban than classic style. The oft-impeccable Justin Timberlake’s William Rast line does provide some compelling quasi-stylish options, and Kanye’s foray into fashion seems promising (despite $700 LV sneaks), but there’s not a whole lot else out there…
But with a nod to pockets of mid-century dandiness, Benjamin Bixby by Andre Benjamin offers some classic pieces and great conversation starters. We’re huge fans of vintage styling here, so a label that takes its style cues from days gone by is ok in our book. This is straight-up legit Man Style, but it’s the attention to detail – fabrics, construction, and adornments – that gives Benjamin Bixby the chops to transcend gimmicky vintage status.
The debut line (above) paid homage to the natty-dressed world of college football in the 1930s. The F/W 2009 collection, which can be previewed at The Fader, looks instead to the world of the roguish WWII fighter pilot. Finally, there is celebrity-inspired style men can feel good about. Read more about Andre Benjamin’s personal style and take on design at The Guardian.
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