Individuals: Enitan O. Bereola, II

Mr. Bereola is a smooth talker (who often times has his signature toothpick dangling from his mouth). He's great with relationships, full of wisdom, cultured, and a best-selling author. While always busy, he still takes his time to look good. Making manners sexy is his intentions, and his book, Bereolaesque: The Contemporary Gentleman & Etiquette Book for the Urban Sophisticate, offers only the best advice on the subjects of the opposite sex, being elegant under pressure, and truly being a gentleman effortlessly.

What does style mean to you?
Style means you. Whatever you authentically do, however you do it, what you wear, how you speak is all part of your style. It's your internal reflected externally.

How would you describe your personal style?
Classic cool. I'm fascinated with timeless pieces while adding my take on them. My style directly reflects my personality. You'll catch me in an unbelievable suit, but I'll have on boots or an un-tucked shirt. I enjoy taking something perfect and adding imperfection to it. It's natural. To me, that represents real life. I can't trust someone too perfectly dressed. It's like, what are they trying to hide or overcompensate for? So what if my tie bar is slightly off...so am I.

Who or what has influenced your personal style?
My experiences and interests...the places I've been, food I've eaten, people I've met. Embracing both culture and diversity has broadened my perspective. Exposure develops style.

Do you have any personal style habits?
Breaking rules. Sunglasses indoors, an unnecessary toothpick in my mouth—anything that doesn't restrict authenticity or put me in a box. The second you try to box me in, I'm somewhere else completely. My style transcends my attire.

The first thing I do when I go to get dressed…
Put on my confidence...then my white boxers.

I feel my best in…
Her bed with my tailored suit on the floor.

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?
Midnight blue satin blazer with the shawl lapels.

Pleated or flat-front trousers?
Flat-front.

Do you have a favorite clothing company?
Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, and Zara.

What is your most cherished item?
Louis Vuitton Damier Graphite Keepall 55 with my Bereolaesque book inside.

What is your favorite movie?
"Trading Places."

Where is your favorite place to dine?
Anywhere with her.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?
Italy.

What is the best advice you've received from your parents?
Dad: Life is about relationships. Mom: Two glasses of wine is enough.

What does the word "gentleman" mean to you?
A male who embodies the qualities of chivalry, exercises etiquette and is simply Bereolaesque.

The King of Cool

James Dean was cool. Marlon Brando was cool. Paul Newman was cool.

Then there was Steve McQueen.


From the nonchalant, relaxed facial expressions to the mischievous smile he provided in films to the random outburst of laughter he probably scared us all with when we first first watched The Thomas Crown Affair in the beginning of the movie. From observing his actions and on-screen habits, we all instantly knew that Steve McQueen was cool.

"Cool: An honorific term first used by African Americans to denote someone who could control his emotional range in the face of abuse and adversity. It was probably derived from the idea of "being cool under fire," as opposed to being hot, blatantly emotional, and not in control, and thus giving yourself away. It is, in John Leland's perfect phrase, "the displacement of rage" by an attitude of total non-engagement. The term was taken up and disseminated in the 1940s and 1950s by jazz musicians, then by Beat poets and their following. 'Cool' was the ultimate word for the counterculture and, as such, was eventually co-opted by the mainstream and became a lackluster, all-purpose synonym for good." — G. Bruce Boyer, Rebel Style



If I can reminisce correctly, I was twelve at the time when I'd always go by my grandparents, and all I can remember on the television screen for the majority of the time was Westerns. I must admit, all of them accept for a few put me to sleep in lack of interest. Thanks to John Wayne, a new spark of fascination set off. Then came along a movie that totally sold me on the Western film genre: The Magnificent Seven. Three out of the seven men (Yul Brynner as Chris Adams, Steve McQueen as Vin, and James Coburn as Britt) had something special about them. They were all calm and at ease—cool. Their demeanor portrayed they never worried about much, they just lived for the moment, and simply took care of business.

This was my first time (without knowing) seeing McQueen—the highest paid actor of his time—in action.


McQueen was cool dressed in a pair of chinos and a T-shirt, but in The Thomas Crown Affair, he proved that it took more than that, and he did it the best. Dressed well throughout the entire film, McQueen started a sartorial revolution he didn't even know would take place. Style enthusiasts of all kinds, I'm sure, look to McQueen's wardrobe in that classic film for guidance.

"When I believe in something, I fight like hell for it." — Steve McQueen

While Dean, Brando, Newman, and the others lead the way dressed down, McQueen took control dressed up when it mattered. This, my dear friends, is why Steve McQueen is still acknowledged as "The King of Cool."

A Letter to My Unborn Son

Dear Son,

As my son, there are a few important things we'll need to go over. Girls like boys...with nice clothing. Be sure to put God first and your rewards will come in large amounts. Make sure you keep a handful of friends, but more importantly, stick with family. Privacy is underrated, so make sure you take pride in keeping your business just that—your business. Work hard to create your own job, because I'd rather you live out your dreams than apply for a job and help someone else with theirs. Always remain modest and humble. Humility will take you extremely far in this world.

Once you find that one girl, the better off you are. If she isn't always smiling, something is wrong, and you should act swiftly to make it right. Never think of females as disposable pleasures, but as meaningful pursuits. Promise me you'll write and do it well; it is a skill that you will need and that will make me proud if you make the most of it. Every person you come across has something to teach you. Learn to appreciate life and all that you can make of it.

Sincerely,
Dad

J. Elquist Clothiers "Icon" Collection Lookbook

Passion and dedication drives J.D Elquist. It's easy to tell simply because of two things: his work ethic and his ability to go out and use what's in front of him (resources) to make things happen. In the beginning of launching his self-titled brand, Elquist's only focus was bow-ties. Now, refreshed and also driven by a higher power, he has moved on to create an entire collection.

Elquist is a twenty-something eccentric who is always trying to express his love for the classics and it shows through his collection. Being a lover of timeless style, it wasn't hard for J.D. to imagine and bring to life a lookbook which displays elegance all while giving you an inspired taste of Steve McQueen's coolness. "The 'Icon' Collection is comprised of the garments I believe should be the base of every man's wardrobe," Elquist says. With items such as the peacoat, sport jacket, and denim jacket all included, it is easy to concur. "Each piece is hand crafted in the U.S.A. to ensure quality and the highest attention to detail," he adds.

While chatting about his new collection, we both agreed the well-dressed man who pays more attention to the ways of Jesus Christ than a tie out of place is a well-balanced man.












"The interchangeability of the collection allows for a style that is translatable into all aspects of life, making this collection accessible, versatile, and most importantly, timeless." — J.D. Elquist







Model: Jordan Davis
Photographer: Dylan Hamm
Stylist: J.D. Elquist
Special Thanks To: John Kilbourne, Darryn Demarce, and Garret Hysteck
Model's Own: Shoes, Belt, Tie, and Eyewear

The "Icon" Collection will be available for purchase next month on www.jelquistclothiers.com.

Individuals: J.D. Elquist

J.D. Elquist is not only a good friend of mine, but he is a person who has influenced me in more ways than one. His flair, passion for his rising brand—J. Elquist Clothiers—and his love for style exuberantly shows. With J.D., it is all about class and elegance...two things I try to make the most of as well. One day, you can discover J.D. dressing up casual items and on others you can catch this gentleman fully dressed in the best of menswear.

What does style mean to you?

Style is far more than outward appearance. Style is in your mannerisms, knowledge, and characteristics. True style isn't something you do; it is something you are.

How would you describe your personal style?

I wouldn't. It would describe me.

Who or what has influenced your personal style?

The history of men's dress in our great country, from the founding of Brooks Brothers to Cary Grant.

Do you have any personal style habits?

No socks, rolled pants, pocket squares, and combed hair.

The first thing I do when I go to get dressed…

Before I get dressed, I lie in bed and visualize my wardrobe. Once I have decided, I get up and pull it together.

I feel my best in…

A well-fitted sport coat.

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?

My overly worn velvet slippers from Cable Car Clothiers.

Pleated or flat-front trousers?

Flat front trousers well fitted of course.

Do you have a favorite clothing company?

I am pretty excited about the launch of my brand J. Elquist, not to be narcissistic but I would say my own. However, of the designers out there right now, I love Brunello Cuccinelli.

What is your most cherished item?

My father's footlocker from WWII. It is adorned with "Sgt. Bill Elquist," a dragon, and the Marine Core logo.

What is your favorite movie?

To Catch a Thief, Cool Hand Luke, and A Single Man. This is a good look into my personal style.

Where is your favorite place to dine?

Café Habana in Soho, N.Y.C. Also A-Frame in Culver City in LA.

Where is your favorite place to vacation?

My birthplace, Battle Mountain. It always reminds me of how far I have come.

What is the best advice you've received from your parents?

With my parents, I experienced real life. That's the best thing that has happened to me.

What does the word "gentleman" mean to you?

Well, I will start by saying it has nothing to do with outward appearance. A gentleman is a man who knows right from wrong in all aspects of life and chooses the right.

Authentic Originals

My experience with Sperry Top-Sider Authentic Originals has been fantastic. I previously owned a boat shoe similar to them and they endured more than five years of wear and tear. The key quality of any boat shoe—or any shoe you decide to purchase—is to stand the test of time. With its hand-sewn construction, the Authentic Original is comfortable, extremely affordable, and it provides everlasting appeal, especially in a classic shade as navy blue. I don’t think anyone would disagree and argue against a statement claiming the boat shoe as the go-to footwear choice for any given summer. The Authentic Original has been around for seventy-six years, and that’s an amazing feat in itself.

A German Creation

"AC is one of the most admired and respected marques in the world. Their sports cars ignited a passion that still burns inside enthusiasts today. For over a century, the company has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship, and classic designs." — Juergen Mohr

I have never thought of a car as custom-made until now. The AC Cobra MkVI has a handmade aluminum-hybrid body—a true masterpiece. While it is the outer beauty of this sports car that draws the attention, complications like racecar derived suspension is a component that makes up this automobile's abilities. Gull-wing doors, which are hinged at the roof, are certainly complementary to such a stylish sports car as this one. The AC Cobra MkVI also comes with a removable gull-wing hardtop…perfect for those days when the air conditioner can't beat what nature has to offer.




"The AC MkVI is wickedly addictive. One drive in this scorchingly fast sports car creates an adrenalin rush that will last a lifetime. The AC MkVI offers heritage, performance, and timeless styling that stirs the soul." — Juergen Mohr

You can think of the AC Cobra MkVI's interior as custom-made; it comes with German carpets and leather hides. A posh interior makes for a comfortable and luxurious cruise. With all of its glam, this automobile has a monster inside of it. Coming with a Corvette V8 engine, the AC Cobra MkVI has a top speed of 305 miles per hour. Gorgeous and extremely functional, this monstrous German-designed automobile goes from zero to sixty in 3.3 seconds. I guess that's what Gullwing GmbH's CEO Juergen Mohr meant by "scorchingly fast."

Bespoke Living: The Beginning of My Journey II

There is nothing like the final product. The moment of truth was when Mr. Warfield revealed his finalized artistry. He enthusiastically unzipped the garment bag my bespoke tuxedo came in and I saw the true beauty of what custom-made really meant. The moment for me (and my mother) was surreal; in front of us laid a gorgeous one-button midnight navy tuxedo with peak lapels.

The details are something I wouldn't dare skimp on, and when I explained this to Mr. Warfield, he told me about something no one else (at my prom for sure) would have: the inside of their tuxedo jacket lined with their initials. We both agreed that it will always be about discreetly standing apart from the crowd in matters of dress; Mr. Warfield took full advantage of the opportunity to do just that.

For my shirting option, I chose the classic solid 2-ply button-front. Getting back to the intricate details of things, I also chose to get my initials monogrammed on the cuff of my shirt for a unique and personal touch.


Finally, a few days later, it was prom night, which was nothing short of magical and memorable. I looked and felt my best and the love of my life was absolutely stunning. It was a moment where I knew—as a couple—we were the best-dressed couple in attendance. The atmosphere was great and everyone looked like they had a grand time. I couldn't have looked my best without a little more help from Mr. Warfield. Accessories like the bow-tie he provided (which he also wore on his wedding day) and the simple, yet elegant cuff links he gifted me with added the final touches to an impeccable look.

One other thing I'm happy about: My son will look back and have inspiration for his big day. He won't have to be afraid at the beginning like I was.