How and when did your passion for menswear develop, and did Paris have any bearing on this?
I became a dad when I was young, 20-years-old to be precise. When our first boy was born, we instantly grew from
adolescent to adult. A lot of responsibility arose; we moved into an apartment and found new work. Everything had to
be modified. Step by step I changed the way I dress – to be more mature; especially as I was going to pick up my
child from nursery. I started to open my curiosity to the sartorial universe by reading. The Rake magazine
was always a reference.
Parisian style was certainly a big influence, everything here is curated with elegance, for example the way a woman
lights a cigarette, or a gentleman walking on the Boulevard Saint-Germain in his bespoke suit. You fulfil the
pleasure of the eyes.
Over the years you’ve shown the way on how to authentically-yet-creatively execute looks from a variety of
origins. Could you tell us about your own style and who your personal influences are?
My own style is totally free. Yesterday, I wore a three-piece light flannel suit with a Borsalino hat and a pair of
tassel loafers and I’m actually writing this wearing a New York Giants baseball cap, a pair of chinos from WW2, a
short green corduroy bomber jacket and a pair of Chuck Taylor Converse.
I’m also very interested in the vintage shape. I try to protrude the perfect balance, high-waist, headwear, a rolling
gait and hop. I feel like the Nicholas Brothers.
Working at Ralph Lauren, it is well-known you’re the treasured senior sales associate of their flagship store
in St-Germain. Please could you give us an insight into your relationship with the iconic company?
There are two main reasons that makes this particular relationship with the brand. As I told you before, I was born
in Kigali in the Nyamirambo district to be precise. The important men in the society: the mayor, prefect, school
director, they all wore Ralph Lauren. So for us it will always be a synonym of success. And now I am there. It’s a
dream which became a reality.
Of course, the career of Mr. Lauren is a permanent source of inspiration. The other thing that makes this
relationship important is my passion for storytelling through clothes. It’s really exciting working for Ralph Lauren
because he puts great emphasis on transcribing the historic details in each collection. For example, the last Ralph
Lauren partnership with Morehouse College and Spelman College, recounted with loyalty the Afro-American aesthetic in
the ‘30s and ‘40s.
The collection, exploring the ‘30s and ‘40s makes me travel back to these decades and induces me discover personally
how history was made, for example the struggle that Afro-Americans had for justice and equality.
It is a collection perfectly demonstrating the actual context, and presents the evidence of the hardships of the
period. We see there has been some progress on tackling these issues, but the conclusion is that we need to continue
our efforts.
Paris has been home for more than two decades, and you’ve got a beautiful family to look after. For those
special days with your wife and kids, are there any specific places in Paris you like to visit, and would recommend
to all stylish fathers out there?
Paris is a unique place where it looks like the time has stopped; especially whilst standing in a place with an
aerial view. With my wife and the kids, we really appreciate spending time on the Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
rooftop. And Grands Boulevard Hotel in the 2nd district is magic and the kids are crazy about the homemade
syrup.
Talent: @Richardbiedul and @kevismanzi
Stylist: @melissajanetarling
Photography: @brandonhinton_jpeg
