Crown Heights
Posted on June 10, 2008
Filed Under STYLISTICS
txt_Shawn Lawrence James//ph_Rahan Cotterel
Ever-aspiring to new heights whether through words or what’s he’s wearing, Will is towering over the clichés of his small town beginnings and adopting his views on the world in high definition.
Name: Will S. aka Bump aka WordSmith aka ill Will aka Prince S.
Age: I’m 23
Born: Bear, Delaware
Based: Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn
Occupation: I’m a former pro-athlete turned stylist, an actor, writer and model citizen.
Favorite brands: G-Star makes the best jeans for me (36X36). Vans Gucci chucks and Nike for footwear. I used to love Rocawear because it was urban chic to an extent, but now I am an American Apparel fiend. I think it should be noted that Frida is doing one hell of a job creating her own lane/line after the legendary and iconic Tom Ford.
Talk about the gumbo of influence that’s birthed the style you possess today.
My style is collectively eclectic. I am the product of growing up in a small state between Philly and Baltimore where I stuck out like a 6′8 sore thumb. I went to Villanova where I dabbled in the country club lifestyle and partied it up like the rockstar baller. I was in college. Then I lives just outside of Milan while playing pro Italia ball. And now, I live in Bed-Stuy — do or die!
As a result, I die every night and wake up a new person. I never try to achieve a look — I have learned over time to just get dressed until my clothes are on and let my confidence shine through.
Your way with words seems to be your perfect accessory. What’s your take on it?
I believe accessories are crucial to a complete outfit and anything can be an accessory, from avante garde peacock feathers to a fresh black Yankee to city of London ties to Goyard bags…
In terms of style, how did you adjust to complement the many cities you’ve visited?
Playing ball has allowed me to travel to Paris, Milan and other overseas locations. Paris and New York are my favorite cities for fashion as a whole and Italy has some of the most amazing designers.
My traveling has allowed me to move beyond provincial thinking and just say Fcuk It! So I wear what I want how I want. In the end, no matter what I wear, me shines through.
Can you kick a freestyle about your style?
From bear to bedstuy
My momma use to ask me why
Now she understands that she doesn’t understand like I do
That I don’t even know why I do what I do
Whoever I am that day
Whatever hue of blue
Has to explain in his way — and stay true
To what I wear and what I say
So until my pinks are muted and they bury me in dove grey
I’ma keep keeping it all the way WILL and do as I may!
Awww….I’m super duper proud. Best read yet…..put that 3-0-2 on the map son!