Focus On: Robert I. Brown
Imagine for a moment that you are 16 again. Now picture yourself eating lunch in your cafeteria and suddenly receiving a message from a major U.S. publication asking you to become a contributor on their website.
For the young and stylish Robert I. Brown of New Orleans, this is reality.
I caught wind of the 16 going on 17 wunderkind via Details magazine Twitter feed and instantly became a fan of his extremely well written and insightful blog, Robert I. Brown Style. After visiting the site almost daily, I had to pick his brain a bit.
Mr. Brown agreed to answer few questions for me via e-mail.
Made To Measure: Just for the record, you ARE 16 years old, correct?
Robert I. Brown: Yes, I am 16. I’ll be making 17 on April 30th.
MTM: What was the main inspiration for your blog?
RIB: The main inspiration for my blog was to document my ideas and tastes on lifestyle. The idea of running my own website and being able to show people what it’s like to be young and live a neat lifestyle sparked it all.
MTM: I would assume most of your peers do not share your advanced sense of style and taste. What is your advice to them especially when it comes to picking out clothing that works for their specific body types?
RIB: I have come across a very few who truly enjoy the idea of looking unique and taking a few extra minutes to think and put together an ensemble other than a t-shirt and a pair of denims. While nothing is wrong with occasionally wearing the t-shirt and denims look, I consider it the lazy approach when it is worn everywhere one decides to go.
MTM: What comes first for you: fit or label?
RIB: Fit. Always. If I can be honest, other than Ralph Lauren, I’m not too big on designer labels. I’ve never understood the hype and why a label can determine if you’re stylish or not.
MTM: I found out about your blog through Details magazine on Twitter. What was it like being approached by them to become a contributing blogger?
RIB: Yes! It was simply amazing. I received the e-mail during my lunch break at school and I’m guessing I looked a little bit creepy just smiling at my handheld (I’m sure that’s what all the students thought), but I was excited about the opportunity to write for one of my favorite magazines.
MTM: Your style seems to lean towards the classic American Ivy League look. Where did this interest spawn from?
RIB: Correct. The Ivy League look is a neat one, and I was further fascinated immediately when I found out about Mr. Chensvold’s website Ivy Style. Just looking at the old LIFE images of students on the Ivy League campuses inspired me to try and put together looks that came close.
MTM: Do you frequent a tailor?
RIB: No, sir. I won’t begin the search for one until I am about twenty.
MTM: If you had to pick one pair of shoes to live with for the rest of your life, what would that pair be?
RIB: Brown Clarks desert boots. They go with everything.
MTM: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RIB: In ten years, I see myself in New York, contributing to a major publication, and owning my own menswear store. I know twenty-six may be young to look into owning a store, but when you are truly ambitious, you strive to achieve.
MTM: Your writing style is far beyond that of a young man and I see you are an avid reader. What books are in rotation for you right now?
RIB: Thank you. Right now, I am reading Casino Royal by Ian Flemming and Remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. 40 Years Later by LIFE. The LIFE piece was made in 2008, but I recently found it around my home. It’s interesting.
MTM: Finally, I want to thank you so much for your contribution to menswear. At such a young age, you should be very proud that you will not have any embarrassing High School photos. Please keep fighting the good fight. You are one in a million, my man. I wish you all the best.
RIB: Thank you very much for considering me for the interview. Likewise.
