People either seem to love or hate Kanye West, but two things that no one can deny are his talent and influence. He sets trends with each album and red carpet appearance and now that he is a bonafide celebrity designer, he will also be setting trends in fashion, though his much talked about Céline shirt at Coachella has already started him well on that path.
AskMen.com named Mr. West as its #5 most influential man of 2011. He ranked higher than his bff, mentor and fellow rapper, Jay-Z, and was just a few notches under Warren Buffett and Steve Jobs. Not bad for a guy from the Chi right?
Kanye isn’t the only one at the reins of men’s fashion. Here are our top five male style influencers.
1. Pharrell Williams
From the Bathing Ape craze to his always cool label, Billionaire Boys Club, Pharrell Williams has been setting trends for years. His eccentric looks are not for the faint of heart, but they truly express his individuality and love for high fashion.
2. Ozwald Boateng
As the tailor and suit designer for the stars, Ozwald Boateng is a design phenom, opening his first shop on Savile Row at the young age of 23. He once held the position as the Creative Director of Menswear for Givenchy and his list of clients and accomplishments continues to grow with each season.
3. Tinie Tempah
From Neil Barrett to exclusive Nikes, Tinie Tempah is fearless when it comes to his style. The 22 year-old British rapper is taking the fashion and music worlds by storm with his bold looks on and off stage.
4. Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of Street Etiquette
Ushering in a new era of black male style, Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs of street style blog, Street Etiquette, are changing the way black men are dressing and thinking about fashion. From motorcyle jackets to their favorite thrift store purchases, they are not only showcasing their cutting-edge style, but also showing men how they can achieve their looks.
5. Amar’e Stoudemire
Amar’e Stoudemire is one of the world’s most popular athletes, but he is also a front-row mainstay at fashion shows, as well as a celebrity designer, collaborating on a womenswear capsule collection with Rachel Roy. He is leading the pack of basketball players who are known for their athletic prowess, but also for their fashion choices off the court.
Who are your favorite male style stars?
- Faith Cummings
October 25, 2011 8:28 am
YESSSSS! I ADORE Kanye & Pharrell. They deserved to be in the top 5 on this list. Their music, style, influence is amazing! I love them!
October 25, 2011 9:17 am
interesting list
October 25, 2011 9:51 am
I concur interesting list what about Lebron James and John Legend?
October 25, 2011 10:37 am
Interesting!!! Jay-Z didn’t make the cut… I’m confused! He has such a dominant and powerful impact on not only music but SWAG as well. He put on a botton-up and a yankee fitted and every guy thought they were the new Shawn Carter!
October 25, 2011 10:55 am
Interesting
October 25, 2011 1:27 pm
Jay Z has become a bit more corporate than all these other heavy hitters I aint mad at Yeezy beating him out on the list…
October 25, 2011 1:58 pm
I agree with the list! I think Jay-Z would’ve made top 10. Although he may not be as fashion forward as the others on the list, he’s definitely influential in men’s street fashion.
October 25, 2011 3:13 pm
I’m personally glad Jay-Z didn’t make top 10. I think he should be lower then what he is. Anyway, GO KANYE!
October 26, 2011 2:53 pm
I’m almost certain Pharrell has found the fountain of youth!
October 27, 2011 9:04 am
Kanye and Diddy has always been in tune with their fashion style. But where is Jay-Z??