Describe your personal style?
I’d say I’m extremely label-centric and fashion-forward. While I’m in tune with what’s current, I don’t follow trends unless they work for me. (For example, I’m not wearing skinny jeans and a silver-buttoned leather moto jacket just because it looked good on 140-pound Adam Levine!)
How did you develop your fashion sense and style?
My general fashion awareness came from my mom. When I was young, she dressed my older brother and me in matching Polo and Lacoste outfits. As I got older, I added Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Girbaud, Z. Cavaricci and Calvin Klein (c’mon, it was the ’90s!). Then I discovered Gucci, Louis, Dior and Prada—and the rest is history.
What would you wear to, say, a typical outdoor barbecue on a Saturday afternoon at a friend’s house?
My standard attire would be shorts, a Gucci T-shirt, Gucci belt and Gucci sneakers. If I’m feeling super casual, you might find me in full Nike or Lululemon.
Two points of note:
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Other than the occasional Nike T-shirt/cap with Lululemon pants/shorts, I never mix designer brands.
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The belt always matches the shoes.
What are your favorite colors to wear?
My closet is a former bedroom that includes a granite-topped island and 12 racks and shelves filled with designer shoes and clothes. Sadly, about 85% of my wardrobe and shoe collection is made up of gray, black, navy and brown or camel. Yeah… I probably need to branch out a bit.
What would you recommend to other men looking to develop their own sense of style?
Don’t deviate from who you are—just own it. Pay minimal attention to what magazines and celebrities have to say. If it fits you properly (yes, I’m an alterations addict) and you wear it with confidence, you can pull off almost anything. A guy makes the clothes—they don’t make him.
Any fashion you see as a definite don’t?
Great question! I could probably fill three pages, but I’ll try to keep it brief.
Looks I don’t do: graphic tees; ankle jeans or pants (they just look like high-waters or capris to me); jeans with bedazzled pockets; dress pants that fit like joggers; navy blazers with gold buttons; full denim outfits and/or jean shorts; long-sleeve button-ups with chest pockets.
Catch us up on what you’ve been up to.
I’m currently general counsel for Winter-Dent & Company and advise student-athletes on NIL agent selection. I also serve on a regional bank’s advisory board.
I’ve also really enjoyed getting more involved with a faith-based charity called Fight Club (fightclub-us.com), which serves young men through confidential peer support groups. With the rising teen suicide rate and the unavoidable negative influence of social media, the need for emotional, mental and spiritual support for teens is more important than ever.
Introducing Binghams' new owners Jake Black and Brian Milner, along with former owner David Danuser.
David, how did you know it was time to bring new owners into Binghams?
I was looking at retirement and wanted to see Binghams stay a staple in the community.
Jake and Brian, what drew you to Binghams?
Jake: I saw the potential to build upon its strong foundation while bringing fresh perspectives to its timeless, classy, yet modern trends.
Brian: It's Columbia’s only locally-owned option for high-quality menswear. I wanted to be a part of keeping that tradition alive.