@stefisdope
Fashion is about self-expression. Its about expressing who you are in the clothing that you wear. But sometimes, fashion can also be about business. Stefan Grant knows a thing or two about business. He is the founder of Noirbnb, a short-term rental company which aims to provide welcoming and safe spaces for black travelers and for anyone who may have faced discrimination in the past.
The realtor, entrepreneur, and marketing consultant also knows a thing or two about dressing up for important meetings. We had an opportunity to interview the renaissance man on his fashion style and what its like to dress up for important meetings such as a TED talk which he conducted in 2019.
Stefan: I’d say my style is a blend between casual, athletic, and professional depending on the mood and setting.
As someone who is always in business, is it important to always dress professionally?
Stefan: When it’s a professional setting or for my Real Estate clients, I tend to dress more formally. Dress shirt, slacks, or full suit. Out of respect for my partners and potential clients, it just makes sense for me to get a little more dressed up.
Where do you get inspiration for your outfits?
Stefan: A lot of my style is inspired by 90’s hip-hop and skateboard culture as well as 70’s reggae. I loved the energy of those times and I think they’re reflected in what I wear.
How did you prepare your TED talk outfit? Was it something you really thought about?
Stefan: For my TEDTalk outfit, I put some thought into it but not a lot. I didn’t want to be too dressed up because I wanted people to see me, relate to me, and get a feel for my style. I try to be more laid back most of the time and I think that helped to get my point and message across.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Stefan: My favorite places to shop vary. It could be H&M, Polo Ralph Lauren, the Levi’s Store, Nike or Adidas for the athletic gear, or a cool thrift store that just has some dope vintage gear. Nowadays though because I have my own clothing line (POLYMATH DESIGN Co.) or company merchandise (Noirbnb), I tend to wear a lot of that because I can essentially wear what I design. I’m also a big fan of soccer jerseys though. I could wear soccer jerseys and joggers everyday, honestly.
What is your favorite fashion item you own?
Stefan: My favorite fashion item I own? That’s difficult to say. I have a lot of retro Air Jordans and I love those, I also have a vintage denim Levi’s jacket that I picked up a few years back at Occupy DC so I’d probably say that because it has a story.
Do you think its important for someone looking to impress you to dress well or is it irrelevant?
Stefan: I think dressing to impress is cool, but the most important thing is that people feel comfortable and confident in whatever they’re wearing. Their outfit should reflect them and make them feel better while wearing it.
What is the key to a good outfit?
Stefan: The key to a good outfit is comfort and confidence. If it makes you feel like a superhero while also not having to do too much, that’s always a win.
What advice would you give to aspiring professionals or entrepreneurs on dressing?
Stefan: I’d recommend choosing a style that matches them. There’s a quote from Ralph Lauren that always comes to mind. “I prefer style over fashion. Fashion changes with the season, but style is timeless.” I probably butchered the quote but I always focus on style. Once someone comes across a look that matches their style, they know it. They don’t have to copy it or only wear that kind of outfit because as people we have different styles for different circumstances, but I always recommend going with something timeless and clean.
Follow Stefan Grant on social media at @STEFisDOPE_.
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