Bread and Butter

Red Light Off: Walking to my afternoon class, I decided to take a different route. Instead of traveling behind the PE building, alongside our outdoor swimming pool (which I sometimes wish I could jump in instead of go to class), I decided to stream up the side and head towards the front entrance. There I passed several students sitting on stone benches presumably waiting for their next class. Automatically my eyes went to a well-dressed man wearing green striped socks (which he later referred to as the “bread and butter” of his ensemble). I was a bit hesitant to ask if he would be able to have a chat with me, but I was able to muster up the courage and with flattery he willingly said yes. Time was crunching down and we only had time for photos, but along with a few emails I was able to deliver our online interview…


Flat cap from street vendor in Venice, Blue club collar oxford shirt from J. Crew, Navy knit tie by The Tie Bar, Custom tailored navy 2-button notched lapel jacket (from suit), Military watch, Bracelets by Minx-Minx and Evolution, Khaki chinos by Levi's, Socks from J.Crew, Shoes are medallion cap toe Coltons by Allen Edmonds.

The Following interviewee requested to go by his "ghost writing" name Che Danger.

Online:
--“From a male perspective, being concerned about your appearance is not strictly a feminine matter.”--

Che Danger, a Communication Studies major, catches eyes with his knack for mixing classic pieces with modern flair. His philosophy for style is that it is not something that is separate from the rest of one’s personality, “I understand the importance of non-verbal communication and I'm creative in my approach to life…”

The Costa Mesa commuter gets most of his ideas from reading or being inspired by photos on the Internet. “I don't take complete outfits and mimic them, but there are certain fundamentals, like mixing pattern and texture that I use to make my own,” Danger says. “I can walk into my closet and create a new look that's grounded in tradition using time-tested pieces.”

Danger believes in quality versus quantity when it comes to purchasing clothing, “You don't need more, you need better. Spend good money (emphasis on good). Better yet, spend smart money.” He uses these ideals when hunting for items on eBay and venturing into various retail shops. Unlike previous interviewees, you won’t spot Danger perusing through racks of clothing at vintage shops. “I wish I had better thrifting skills, but I don't have the patience for it,” he says.

When it comes to stylish men of the past and present, Danger admires icons like Steve McQueen, Frank Sinatra, Kanye West and Paul Newman. He also delivers an interesting theory, Have you ever noticed which characters in movies are the best dressed? According to a recent reading, Imperial says it is usually the “bad guys.”

For Danger style is very personal, “Ditch the labels, they aren't paying you to advertise for them and you're letting someone else speak for you.” He also advises to take the time to enjoy getting dressed in the morning, “I think if you're making decisions about what you wear and not simply dressing because you have to, you're off to a good start.”

Among his favorite staple in his closet is a toss up between a navy suit and black leather jacket. To Danger sophistication embodies the role of sexy for a man, “the suit is the male equivalent to women’s lingerie,” he says. Looking sharp is a given when it comes to his style, and practicality is key, “Spend the most money on things you spend the most time in/on, i.e. your shoes and your mattress.”


Written/Photos by: Alexis Sparks