Personal stylist Jonathan Bodrick on what’s changing in menswear
Menswear has evolved. It’s now a larger and more diverse market that shops as much as its female counterpart. To better understand the heightened taste of this growing market, we reached out to a major purveyor of style, personal and celebrity stylist Jonathan Bodrick (@jonathanbodrick). We are so lucky to be able to tap into his fashion brain and gain insight on how menswear has unfolded into an industry where men truly care about the way they look. Here’s the scoop:
Tell us a little about yourself and your love for fashion.
I have been an avid admirer of fashion and collector of vintage clothing for most of my life. Back in 2004, I worked for a production company shooting videos of celebrities. With this, the opportunity to attend awards shows and red carpet events presented itself to me, and I became obsessed with where some of the celebrities found their exquisite vintage pieces. I would hear all the time, “Who are you wearing?” And they would reply, “Vintage.” My fashion path was set.
What led you to open a boutique?
When that same production company I worked for acquired a loft space, I asked the owner if I could begin producing pop-ups. From those monthly pop-ups, the seed was planted to start my company, and JB b.o.r.n Vintage was born. I owned the brick-and-mortar boutique for 12 years. Today, I run a fashion styling and consulting business, and I’ve gone back to my pop-up roots.
How did you enter the realm of public speaking?
One day I just decided to incorporate my love of public speaking into my business mix. Now, four times a year, I give a fashion discussion hosted by one of our renowned fashion gatekeepers. Currently, I have a Makeover reality show called “BorntoStyle,” airing in 68 countries.
How do you style men versus women?
I’ve found that it’s easier for me to style men because they have a chance to see me in the outfit. Men have been more willing to try new styles and trends, to have fun and play with color. They aren’t so self-conscious about their bodies. I feel there is more pressure for women to look a certain way. I start the process much differently when I style women. I have more of a dialogue with the ladies. Fashion is about creating emotion. The way you dress is really the way you feel, the way you live, what you read, your choices. Women are able to be more vulnerable, so I find out about their lifestyle and really get to the root of what’s holding them back from expressing themselves fabulously through fashion.
How has fashion changed for men over the last 10 years?
I really feel that social media and a huge shift of gender-neutral fashion has played a major part in men’s fashion.
Why do you think men have become more fashionable?
Because they see their favorite sports figures wearing certain designers. The NBA players have their own sort of runway. Music artists’ fashion choices have certainly played a major role as well.
Where do you think men’s fashion consciousness started, and where is it headed?
I think the consciousness starts with growing up watching the males in one’s life dress well. It starts with family values. I think men today are more risk takers. When you see your favorite NFL player dye his hair with blonde streaks, or when you see your favorite pastor wearing the brand Fear of God and hanging out with Justin Bieber, it gives [you] a different perspective.
Is menswear still limited in comparison to women’s?
Yes, I think that men’s fashion is limited. Think about a man going shoe shopping. The colors are still very basic. Women have an array of styles and colors.
Where do you see the future of men’s fashion going?
I see the future of men’s fashion going to technology, like 3D printing. And the focus on sustainability is phenomenal.
What would you add to menswear for 2020 if you were designing?
I would add more colors for shoes and suits.
What’s your general advice for men when you style them?
Secure a great tailor. Fit is everything!
What did you think about the recent fall 2020 menswear collections?
I’m loving the Alexander McQueen collection — very masculine yet feminine at the same time. [It’s] bold yet subtle. It’s completely in step with the culture’s changing views on masculinity.
What do you consider a well-dressed man?
A well-dressed man has an undeniable confidence. His suits fit impeccably. Pairing a khaki suit with a striped tee and loafer, the versatility of this look can take him to the office, dinner, summer wedding or a Sunday brunch.
Who is your favorite menswear fashion designer and why?
Thom Browne. His clothes are perfectly constructed. I like the uniformity of his clothing. He has redefined the way men wear suits, definitely making fashion fun and less serious.
Who are your top three style icons?
Pharrell Williams, Nick Wooster and Mahershala Ali.
Who has the most influence on what men wear right now?
Gucci. Virgil Abloh has had a huge impact with his appointment to Louis Vuitton and with his own brand Off White. Carmelo Anthony is definitely setting menswear trends. Rick Owens has his distinctive point of view. He’s in touch with his own views on masculinity which are in sync with today’s fashionable set.
Michelle Alleyne is a fashion strategist and professor, and Sandra Roy is a graduate student studying social work. They can be found at @mshopnyc and @altruistic9, respectively, on Instagram.
