Pics by Reze Bonna
A trained architect and
one of Africa’s most sought-after fashion photographer, Reze Bonna has not only
put extra effort to make celebrities, models, statesmen, designers and
fashionistas look alluring in pictures, but has also stood out with his unique
dress sense.
The multi-talented body painter and actor, who recently shot with world
class designer, Roberto Cavalli, Vogue
Italian editor and team has indeed upped photography and fashion with his
lenses.
Reze is synonymous with taste and
style, and artistically illustrates it through his paintings, photography or
architecture.
He
is a member of different photographers club and association, including the
Camera Club of Johannesburg and the Professional Photographers of America,
where he is the only black male member. Reze has shoot top celebrities, models,
designers and magazine, including Kirk Franklin, Chevelle Franklyn, Cece
Winans, Fred Hammond, Shaggy, Ne-Yo, Ozwald Boateng, David Tlale, Deola Sagoe, Elite Model Look, Supermodel of the World, Bunmi Ademokoya, Oluchi, Delta State
governor and family, the Uduaghans; Ita Giwa, Guardian Life Magazine Thisday
Style and others.
Join the stylish
brigade
Get Reze’s style
secret
Trends come
and go, but style is something one possesses for a lifetime. Fashion comes
naturally while style is incorporated into ones daily life through numerous
ways. Below are few tips that can help you embrace the style of Reze.
Colour it bold
Do not shy away from colours. Be playful with your look
and bring in a zest of life by bringing forth an eclectic mix of colours into
your otherwise dull wardrobe. Colours play major part in every man’s fashion.
Men across the globe, including Reze have begun to integrate bolder coloured
pieces into their everyday look and making a real statement with them.
Going gray, sporting
silver
Embrace gray
hair. Some say gray hair is a sign of aging and wisdom, but the simple
physiology of graying hair has more to it than the chemical and physical
changes occurring in man. However,
many believe you have to change your hairstyle when it goes gray, Reze has
totally prove us wrong, as one can look stylish in gray hair. Embrace the
silver. You’ve earned the right to be sexy whether or not you’re gray. Reze
adds, “ the hair is natural, I really don't do anything except cut and comb it.
Most times, I'm only reminded it’s there when people comment about it, because
I don't get to see it.”
Style
genius
Style
must be a very personal thing and therefore should reflect your lifestyle and
values. Some are vibrant with their taste while others simply show what they
believe is appropriate for an occasion.
Don’t try too hard
Just
like Reze, your look should not be forced, but relaxed. You should place
comfort before fashion, instead of the other way around. Comfort is important
both at the physical and emotional level. What is the point, if something is
good-looking and not comfortable?
Quality
Don’t sacrifice quality while developing
your personal style. There are certain pieces in a man’s wardrobe that are
worth investing in. A well-tailored suit or a jacket will ‘shape’ itself to
your body.
Dress to suit your occasion
A lot of people do it the wrong way,
but remember there is time and place for everything. Dressing to
suit the occasion is very important.
Barometer of taste
Without
doubts, you would agree with me that accessories are barometer of taste. No
wonder Reze invests in them. Your shoes, scarves, hats, ties, cufflinks, belts
and wristwatches to mention a few highlight your attire and can lift your look
from drab to fab; so, they have to be perfect. He says, “for accessories I love
watches, my favourite is Rolex and Hublot.”
Go classic, wow
people
A whole
ensemble can be made interesting with the play of colour, proportion and
styling. Wow people with your taste and individuality, not your spending.
Designer’s clothes are great; they keep you in style and up on the current
trends, but choose your pieces based on how they look on you, not just for the
label. He enthuses, “I work with many designers, locally
and internationally, so, it’s hard to say; but I doff my hat for Ozwald Boateng
and what he's achieved so far.”
Mix and match
Men’s
clothing should be a blend of technology and tradition. The ability to mix and
match make a man even more appealing. Play around with prints to dress your
look up or down. Be bold. Go ahead and experiment as much as you please. The
basic thumb rule is to match your leathers with your leathers and your fabrics
with your fabrics.
Wear clothes that spell comfort
When dressing up, comfort should always
be given utmost priority. Never wear clothes you do not feel at ease in.
Clothes reflect your personality, so you should be comfortable in what you
wear.
Always smell good
Fragrances
are not just for occasions. However, it should not be overdone, because you
would not want to end up smelling like a rose garden. A man’ good smell is a
bonus to his being well dressed. You can go for Reze’s favourite, Gianni
versace pour homme.
Good Shoes
The first thing often noticed in a
man’s dressing are his shoes. A perfect pair of shoes completes a stylish look.
Your shoes say a lot about how you pay attention to the minutest details.
Confidence
Finally, the most
important component that would help you raise your style quotient is to carry
your clothes with confidence and élan. Wear your outfit in a way that oozes
grandeur and comfort, following there is no stopping you from being rated as
the most stylish man.
Have your own identity
The greatest thing about being stylish is having
your own identity. You don't need to look like everyone else or fit a certain
mold; instead you need to figure out what makes you feel confident.
Body product
Just like Reze, use cocoa butter.
Be fit
Everyone wants to look fit and smart. For Reze, “I go to the
gym, but mostly, when I'm out of the country, which is on monthly bases.
Fortunately, I have a personal pool in my house in South Africa and also one at
home in Lagos, so, I swim a lot to keep fit.”
Don’t die for it
Unlike others, Reze do not have any fashion pieces to die
for. He says, “no fashion item is worth dying for, because there's nothing new
under the sun; fashion keeps revolving. Today’s fashion faux pas is tomorrow’s vogue.”
fashion photographer - Reze BONNA(rezebonna@gmail.com)
