A Prince Among Menswear

As GQ and Esquire release their annual Best Dressed Real Man shortlist Amy Bowles catches up with Prince Cassius, one of the youngest of the twelve finalists, to find out if he's dressed for success. With the winner announced this weekend, could he be Britain's best-dressed man?

Hi Prince! First things first; is that your real name?

People find it hard to believe but yes it is!

What is the Best-Dressed list and how did you involved with it?

To be honest, I wasn’t expecting it. It began with my sister, who sent photos that I took with my friend Annette Schimek, a student photographer, to both GQ and Esquire magazine. When I got a call from the publications telling me that I was shortlisted from thousands of applicants, it was really overwhelming and very exciting. I felt utterly inspired, and I was pleased that I'd managed to convey my distinctive look. I remember talking to someone from the magazine and was told they had over 15,000 entries each.

How do you choose what to wear in the morning, do you plan in advance?

Hmm... I have several favourite items of clothing, especially from Brooks Brothers, Hackett, and Gant, so most mornings you’ll find me wearing one of them. I’ve never planned what to wear in advance, apart from special occasions.

You recently graduated in Media and Cultural Studies at University of the Arts London. Did your degree and being a student affect your dress sense?

One of the main things that attracted me to the course was that it covered a wide range. I wouldn’t say it affected my dress sense, but I think that when I attended lectures the teachers though I was over-dressed. Which was fun because I love clothes, whether I've gone for a casual look or I'm dressed up smart.


What was your experience of being a student in London? Was it hard to be best-dressed on a budget?

I was raised in London and I think its one of the most exciting cities in the world. My experience in London helped my chances and involvement with the fashion industry. I was able to work as an intern with one of the best fashion PR companies as well as designers, because I was able to live and study in the capital. I actually believe that you don’t have to spend lots of money to look like a million bucks. Its all about individuality, mixing-and-matching and recycling your old clothes. People tend to forget that fashion repeats itself, so don’t throw away your clothes because they’ll come in handy again before long.

What's your favourite outfit?

My favourite outfit is my vintage blazer that belonged to my father, skinny Levis jeans and John Lobb shoes. Plus a Gieves and Hawke pocket square! I’m fond of this look, as it gives a sense of my identity and personality, plus the colours are rich and its very comfy.

Do you have a signature personal style?

My personal style is a combination from 70-80s era and the quintessential preppy modern man. I think that the idea of preppy is synonymous with sharp in many ways, and as such it is important to keep it somewhat classic and tasteful. The biggest influences in the way I present myself come from Michael Jackson in the Thriller years – 80s glam, big hair and blazers. But I believe everyone should create their own visual style and uniqueness which identifies them.
I must admit I do get regular looks on the streets. I think people are more interested because I'm breaking the boundaries of what it is to be quintessentially British. I look like Michael Jackson, my name is Prince and I dress quite dapperly.

Do you have any plans for if you win? How are you finding the media attention?

I personally feel these days the younger generation don't have a positive role model or spokesperson. If I won I would love to be a spokesperson and a role model for others. The level of public interest that the competition has brought me has been overwhelming. Its still hasn’t sunk in, I guess. I definitely started noticing it recently – the glances on the street, people approaching me asking to take a picture with me, the members of the public recognizing me. It’s been really phenomenal and exciting at the same time.

Where do you shop? Mostly high-street or vintage?

The majority of clothes that I own today are vintage and they actually belonged to my father. I mix the vintage blazers, ties and accessories with wearing high street clothing.

What would you say to current London students? Do you have any tips on how to dress well?

My personal advice to all the London students would be to be open minded, never worry about what anyone says about you or what you wear. Be experimental and always remember never throw your clothes away, they eventually will come back in fashion and you’ll save lots of money. My tip on how to be best-dressed would be to always invest in the best pair of jeans, shoes or blazer, and as long as you have the essential clothing mix it up with colours. That definitely doesn't just make you stand out, but also brightens up your day.