Music & Menswear: Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix

Posted on by Ashley Laurel
By Vanessa Lynn, Men’s Style Editor
The more pictures that are leaked, the more excited I get to see Andre 3000 play Jimi Hendrix in the upcoming biopic All is By My Side. Andre 3000 is very much a style icon in his own right. In 2008, he launched his own clothing line called Benjamin Bixby with plans to revive it in the upcoming seasons. To me, Andre 3000 channeling Jimi Hendrix is something so magical that it’s almost too good to be true.Hendrix was my first experience with classic rock that wasn’t bubblegum pop or the Beatles and to have him brought to life again, even for a short while by Andre 3000 is truly cool. I think he’ll do a really excellent job portraying Hendrix, even with the limitations production is encountering. After all, I rather enjoyed his version of the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan show and while not quite the same, I’m hoping the movie will be just as good.

Andre 3000 on set

So how would you achieve the look Andre 3000 is going for in his portrayal of Jimi Hendrix? Start off with a corduroy trouser in an interesting color or a basic neutral bottom. On top wear a button down shirt. Look for solids or prints and patterns that reference the late 60s like bold woven designs or paisley. If you opted for a solid button down, you could layer it with a patterned vest. Either button down option can be paired with a colored suit jacket or one that is military inspired. Hendrix was known for wearing vintage clothing and would often purchase actual military castoffs. Just remember to keep your cuts modern. You want to take inspiration from the 60s and not look like you walked right out of them. In this aspect, channel Andre 3000 and not Jimi Hendrix.

Jimi Hendrix

If you’re feeling daring enough, you could try adding a hat to your ensemble. Hendrix often wore a dark colored hat with a wide brim whereas Andre 3000 usually favors a straw hat. For shoes, you could try a woven leather derby or a Bob Dylan-esque boot, which was an extremely popular footwear option in the late 60s.

To finish off your look, either layer a few interesting necklaces or tie a handkerchief around your neck. If you’re especially daring and have the hair for it, you could even try tying the handkerchief around your forehead like Hendrix did. As last touches, complete your look with a funky stone inset ring and a pair of tinted aviators.

Andre 3000 as Jimi Hendrix
For more Andre 3000, check out one of his most recent musical collaborations: DoYaThing by the Gorillaz featuring Andre 3000 and James Murphy.

Music & Menswear: Julian Casablancas of the Strokes

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

By Vanessa Lynn, Men’s Style Editor

“I know I’m going to hell in a leather jacket.”
-Julian Casablancas, lyrics from Out of the Blue

I’ve always had a special spot in my heart for bad boys. It probably comes from watching too many classic films featuring Marlon Brando and James Dean at an impressionable age. I loved everything about them; their style, uncompromising attitudes and tumultuous inner struggles. In music, Julian Casablancas of The Strokes fills that niche for me.

Casablancas has a distinct edge about him. His lyrics and riffs are confident and bold. He’s not afraid of saying what he thinks and his personal fashion reflects those attitudes. Perhaps the most iconic pieces of his wardrobe are his leather jackets. It’s actually rare to see Casablancas without a leather jacket. When you do, he’s usually wearing some piece of outerwear that references a leather jacket through its style, making nods at Americana in the same way. So when putting together your Julian Casablancas inspired look focus on finding a jacket that fits your style, whether it be biker or aviator in cut- that’s up to you. Because of the Fourth of July heat, you may want to opt for a light denim button down instead of a leather jacket.

Underneath your jacket, layer either a t-shirt or a tank, choosing a style that feels a bit vintage. I particularly like how often Casablancas wears bold stripes underneath his jackets, coordinating with skinny fit red or blue  denim jeans. For shoes, try a boot that references biker gear or rock and roll. Or, you can go with the ever-classic Converse, which are a must for any summer music festival attendee.

To make your look complete, pay some attention to the smaller details. Casablancas usually wears a variety of accessories. Try layering a few necklaces, leather bracelets, or wearing a chunky watch. You could even tie a handkerchief around your wrist or have it sticking out of your back pocket. Choose a handkerchief in colors that contrast from the rest of your outfit for visual interest. Finish off your look with a simple solid leather belt and your favorite black sunglasses, perhaps Ray-Bans.

Julian Casablancas

Music & Menswear: Max McElligott of Wolf Gang

Posted on by Ashley Laurel

By Vanessa Lynn, Men’s Style Editor

As I’m writing this, it’s a rather dreary and overcast summer’s day in Madison, WI. But I’ve never been one to get down by rain because I’ve always felt that rain can bring us closer to fantasy; children trapped indoors by the weather allowing their imaginations to run wild, opening every cupboard door in search of the next Narnia.

The music by London-based band Wolf Gang makes me feel kind of like that. Their symphonic rock style and picaresque lyrics create another world entirely and Scottish frontman Max McElligott certainly dresses to fit the part as creator of that world.

The King and All of His Men by Wolf Gang

Max McElligott’s style is clean, but not too clean. He adds small touches to give his look personality that makes it completely his own and super recognizable. Generally, McElligott starts off with a very neutral base, (so neutral that half the time I think he could make an admirable Corneliani spokesman), just as admirable as his pairing with Burberry. His base wardrobe consists of a variety of suits in white, tan, or black with a slim fit.

McElligott’s signature go-to top is a white button down shirt. He usually pairs said button-down with a woven scarf that has an antique vibe to it, either loose around his neck or tied cravat style.

Finally, a Max McElligott inspired look is not complete without a little ornamentation. He usually favors a simple cross earring, which can still be rather daring to most.

How to pull this all together? If suits are not your thing, try a pair of dark-wash skinny jeans with a cuff or neutral chinos. As alternatives to McElligott’s favored white button-downs, try out either dusty (muted) turquoise or burnt orange. It will give the neutrals a pop of color but will still be understated enough to reference McElligott’s simplicity of dress. For shoes, try either a brown leather boot or a basic loafer.

If you don’t have an ear pierced or aren’t sure if that look will be your cup of tea, you could first try out an ear cuff. If that’s still too bold of a statement for you, try going for a rosary inspired neck-piece. It will be more subtle but will still capture the McElligott inspired look you’re going for.