The picture says it all.
Tinie Tempah – Style Icon
Tinie Tempah, real name Patrick Junior Chukwuem Okogwu, is a South London-born rapper, increasingly known for his cool and sophisticated style since making it big in 2010.
The star’s first single ‘Pass Out’ was released in February 2010 and went straight to number one. Just three months later Tinie Tempah was supporting Rihanna on tour and performed his single with Snoop Dogg at Glastonbury, and his first album went to number one later that year.
Tinie quickly became known for his original street-meets-geek chic style. 2012 saw him crowned GQ’s ‘best dressed male of 2012’, with an original and playful look, mixing preppy and urban to perfection. As in his music, Tinie Tempah likes to mix a huge variety of influences to find something new and fresh.
The rapper has become involved in fashion himself, launching his label, ‘Disturbing London’ in Selfridges last April. The brand mixes a street wear and high-end fashion aesthetic. Tinie also designed the popular Disturbing London x Blazer for Nike; becoming the only British rapper to ever design a shoe for the Nike brand.
How to emulate Tinie Tempah’s Look
Read our handy guide
- Shirts – Tinie’s casual style tends to include a plaid or denim shirt in a slim fit.
- Glasses – Channels geek chic with thick rimmed, black glasses from Cutler & Gross.
- Suits – Experiments with different colours and styles.
- Bow ties – Popular accessory for black tie occasions, taking inspiration from the British dandy look.
- Trainers – Retro style trainers are a favourite, and are worn with casual and smart outfits.
- Gilet – He often layers with a slim-fit gilet for a casual look.
- Loafers – Cool leather loafers add an edge to Tinie’s suits.
- Bright prints –Tinie experiments with tribal prints, African prints, tie-dye and more, for an individual look.
Tinie Tempah is above all master of the suit, showing other young people that it needn’t be a stuffy or overly-formal choice. He wears a t-shirt and chooses a fabric to make the look more casual, or rocks a tuxedo style and bow-tie when he is attending a red-carpet event.
Tom Ford is the star’s designer of choice. He likes to be playful and opt for a stand-out look – as with the bright red suit he recently wore at GQ’s London Collections Men Celebration.
The key to Tinie Tempah’s style is a willingness to take risks and have fun with his clothes. Tailored layers and bursts of bright colours help this star stand out from the crowd, and his trademark glasses, trainers and sharp suits make his look distinguishable.
On my instruction they acted themselves. Men don’t pose. This was LCM in January
Collage products:
- Bruin Vintage trainer, Nike, exclusive to Size, £65
- Glasses, Cutler and Gross, £295
- Red suit, Paul Smith, £895
- Gilet, Jack & Jones at House of Fraser, £55
- Plaid shirt, Barbour, £80
- Leather Alarias loafers, Ted Baker at ASOS, £77
- J.Crew cashmere scarf, £100
- Watch, Piaget
- Bow Tie, Duchamp at House of Fraser, £52
Image Credits: Maria Scard
