Let's Hear It For The Boys!

Call me old school, but nothing is better than a man with style. Most young people hear the word style in reference to a man, and immediately think homosexual. In other words, he dresses better than his girl because he really wants to be a girl. Hence, the flack my good friend (in my head) Kanye and Pharrell get for simply...matching. So in the same way that doing well in school has become "white," things like dressing up, coordinating and ironing are now "gay." (Please don't get me started...actually, nevermind, I'm talking about it...) 

Along with the demise of hip hop has come the nosedive of fashion for young men. Trust me when I say I love rap, live for it, and even adore the 106andpark culture in a let-me-show-you-the-right-path kind of way. But what I can't condone? Crisp fitteds with the sticker on the brim, baggy pants (leave it in the '90's boo), anything and everything connected to bling and above all, shorts and Timbs (admit it, they hurt your feet! and I know your toes are sweating something terrible in the summertime). You're scared to wear flip-flops even at the beach (huh?) and when you put on suits (in a bright, ole ignorant color...like green), you have to add canes, pimp cups, matching alligator shoes, gawdy jewelry, a tear is falling down my cheek as I type this. But I write all this to say a confident, sharply dressed, well put together, sweet-smelling man is a rare find nowadays. So those who come along and have the courage and the swag to break from the pack, should be honored.

That said, the DAPPER RAPPER award goes to the distinguished, ubertalented Andre 3000 who singlehandedly made 2009 the year of the gentleman. His style is 30's English meets 00's eclectic. Yes, he's preppy and polished but he's also supercool and well, crazy. Whether in tomato red fur and green fringe or a smart fedora, waistcoat and worn-in riding boots, he's a hip hopper's dream: he experiments and innovates while paying homage to the classics.

Three stacks with glamazon of the century, Rihanna at Madonna and Gucci's Unicef Benefit.

Yum.

Benjamin Bixby is the birthchild of Andre's crisp, classic, crazycool swag. It's a Britain/Collegiate/American Football/Late 30's inspired line of varsity sweaters, checked knickers and cropped jeans. It's moderately priced and available at Harrod's in London and Barney's New York. Glamazons, perfect Xmas gift for your man...every lady deserves a gentleman.

Mr. Benjamin and famous friends, Stuart Townsend and Charlize Theron, at the launch party

Runner-Ups:

Fonsworth Bentley for teaching a class on gentleman-hood---it's about time...but...something ain't right...

Ludacris for cleaning up like it's Easter morning...but what about every other day?  

But he is looking kinda fine though...

Anyway, more awards to come.

Kisses,

Coutura

Photos: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images. Benjamin Bixby. GQ.com. NYMag.com.