In the world of men's fashion, transformation stories are often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of designer labels and runway shows.
But sometimes, the most remarkable fashion journeys start with skepticism and self-discovery.
In this illuminating podcast episode and blog post, we'll take you on a captivating journey through the life of a menswear influencer who went from hating suits to becoming a trusted voice in Classic Menswear.
A Rocky Start
The episode begins by delving into the host's early aversion to suits. Raised in a household where menswear was esteemed, this individual once harbored a strong dislike for the formality of suits.
Growing up with a sartorially inclined dad who wore three-piece suits in a tropical climate where that wasn't the norm, he couldn't comprehend the practicality of such attire. Yet, little did he know that his destiny would lead him down a different sartorial path.
The OG
The Rapper's Perspective
As a young man, our protagonist had dreams of making it big in the rap scene. The thought of wearing suits was far from his mind. His vision was to become a successful rapper who could dress however he pleased. Yet, life had a surprise in store.
A Life-Changing Suit
It was a tragic event, the loss of a dear friend, that pushed him into the world of suits. At the age of 20, he bought his first suit—an ill-fitting, baggy black suit. This initiation was something many men can relate to.
At this point, he was not passionate about suits; he simply needed one for the occasional formal event. His journey had only just begun.
Rise of the Menswear Enthusiast
Fast forward to adulthood in 2005, he found himself working in a client-facing role where appearances mattered. Wearing a suit was no longer an option; it was a necessity especially since he had a baby face and wanted to look older. He embarked on a path to transform his image.
This marked the beginning of his journey into menswear, leading him to discover the difference between fashion and Classic Menswear.
10 Sharp Commandments
Vladimir released a rap song titled 10 Sharp Commandments in early 2011 as an homage to Notorious B.I.G.'s 10 Crack Commandments.
Through the success of that song, he met Ronald Smith a custom clothier who convinced him to leave the banking industry and pursue a career in Men's fashion.
Ronald & Vladimir
Fashion vs. Style
One pivotal moment occurred when he stumbled upon an article about David Letterman's impeccable suit fit. It challenged his perception because he had always believed Letterman's suits were too baggy.
This sparked a revelation: perhaps his fashion-forward notions were misguided.
2012
The Transition to Style
Between 2012 and 2013, he realized the problem wasn't that others were wearing suits that were too big; it was that his suits were too tight. A challenging realization, to be sure, but a necessary one.
Thus began the process of unlearning bad habits and piecing together the puzzle of classic menswear.
Mentoring Through Media
In 2015, he acquired his first well-fitted suit, a Navy one from Suitsupply. This marked a turning point in his journey, filling him with confidence and prompting him to share his newfound knowledge.
2015
His transition to creating content on YouTube was born from the realization that he couldn't find a voice like his on the platform—an individual who looked like him, dressed like him, and had a deep knowledge of menswear.
The Influencer Emerges
The episode touches on the host's evolution into a menswear influencer and his passion for teaching men how to cross over from fashion to style.
He recognizes that his journey can resonate with men from all walks of life, and his mission is to make a positive impact on their appearances and confidence.
The Future of Menswear
Towards the end of the episode, he introduces his upcoming venture—a live training cohort called Master the Art of Dressing Well.
This educational experience aims to condense a decade of his menswear learnings into a short, impactful course, sparing others the confusion and mistakes he encountered on his journey.
In Conclusion
The podcast episode offers a powerful narrative of personal evolution, style realization, and the emergence of a menswear influencer. It's a testament to the fact that a passion for fashion can be kindled in the most unexpected places.
Whether you're a menswear enthusiast or someone looking to refine your style, this episode provides valuable insights into the journey of a menswear influencer and his mission to help others look and feel their best.
Peace!
