Considering that you are reading these words, it’s safe for me to assume that you are at least a LITTLE bit inclined towards fashion. I’m sure you have a few friends who are too - maybe that’s how you heard about our little space in the universe.
Now for the fun part: how many of your friends are fashionable? How many of them are guys? Eliminate the ones “playing for the other team”.
Got any names left? I have one for you: Leonardo Cruz.
While appearing to most as hip-hop, Leo’s fashion is self-proclaimed streetwear because he refuses to restrict himself. And it’s true – sometimes I see this guy donning the latest preppy trends of boat shoes and folded jeans, once in a while he’s wearing a mildly hipster tribal patterned shirt with a snapback. “I’ll be safe and keep myself within the streetwear umbrella,” he says.
Pinning him down may be a task. Not only does his personal style refute any labels, but his tendency toward the fashionable in general is not something he considers a defining characteristic. There may be only two exceptions to his rule: classic pieces and sneakers. Read on for the interview.
-------------------
Q: “What do you think got you interested in fashion?”
A: “I consider myself a very visual person, so I am really into aesthetics. Sometimes, in fact, I consider aesthetics and external features even before i get to know a certain thing more, like cars. I wouldn't know what model it is or when it came out, but I can appreciate it's beauty. I wouldn't really call myself interested in fashion, but again i appreciate aesthetics so if it looks good, I'll wear it. Lately though I've been looking for branded finds when I shop. The whole process of appreciating aesthetics is also a big part of how I collect sneakers, but with sneakers I more or less know the history of what I buy.”
Q: “Did anyone or anything else influence your interest in fashion? People like family or friends? Or was it more of celebrities?”
A: “I'd say it was more of what I saw on the internet in general. From music artists to websites... If I saw something really cool, I'd try incorporate it to my personal style. I know this is such a Hypebeast-ish answer but it is what it is.”
Q: “So could sneakers have been the gateway to your fashion interest? Are your sneakers usually the anchor of your outfit?”
A: “To be honest, yes. There are times [when] I have to match either my shirt/jacket etc. with my sneakers or my cap with my sneakers. I hardly ever not match when I'm wearing my nice shoes.”
Q: “During the shoot a lot of your pieces were vintage. Were they from your brother or your dad? Or were they vintage finds?”
A: “They were vintage finds. I have some pieces from my brother and dad though, but most of what I have were dug up.”
Q: “Hiphop fashion is usually futuristic or ultra urban. Its not known to look back, unlike trends recently. Why the vintage finds?”
A: “Anything vintage, for me, are classics, and classics are timeless. I don't think you could really label thrifted or vintage as a trend, but it has been popular to more people as of late. Also, I don't really consider myself to dress "hip hop", i just take in elements from their fashion.”
