Every now and then, I have the pleasure of coming across someone with impeccable style. I’m not talking about the person who is steps it up for a special event, and any other time you see them there’s nothing to be desired. I mean someone who is well dressed from head to toe even if you run into them at a Starbucks or charity event.
Most recently, Kaine Hampton is that sparkling treasure, and whether you’re a guy or a girl his style is sure to impress. Last week we took off on a pretty cool project for our Coffey Break readers, The Fashion Review; and we proudly highlight Kaine Hampton for our inaugural edition!
Enjoy!
-Chelsea
How would you describe your sense of style? What is your first and foremost inspiration?
My sense of style definitely comes from my grandfather; he was very much into dressing the part. Suits, button down shirts, and tailored clothing are all things I adopted from him. If I had to term my sense of style by anything, I would say I am The Urban Gentleman.
What are the key factors you consider when putting together a look? Do you generally style a look the night before or the day of?
I dress myself based upon my mood; clothing is a direct reflection of your personality and mood. When you walk into a room, your presence should leave a good impression. A person’s aesthetics is the easiest way to leave a good impression. I consider myself to be a very calculating person, dressing myself is no different. Like most people, I dress according to the environment I’m expecting. I focus on varying key factors based upon the article of clothing, for blazers, I pay close attention to the detailing: buttons, stitching, lapels, etc.
Which celebrity’s style do you admire most?
Kanye West by far, his style influence is apparent throughout the hip hop industry right now. He helped shift the trend of what was “cool” for rappers to wear and what wasn’t. He wears what is comfortable and synonymous with his personality, that’s what it’s all about. The close second would be Tom Ford, his commitment to his style and how he turned it into a career for him is amazing.
Where should Coffey Break readers inspired by your style shop to get the look?
My favorite stores are Brooks Brothers and J. Crew. I like the quality of their clothing and there upkeep with trends.
Where would you say you run into the most fashionable people in Houston? Is there a specific part of town? Restaurant, groups, etc.?
This is a hard question for me to answer, I don’t deem anyone to be “fashionable” or not. I think everyone dresses according to their identity, but I personally am inclined to the style I see on the east coast versus Houston.
The Coffey Break has a heavy music theme, so we need to know! What are the top 5 songs you’re jamming right now?
- Kanye West/ Jay Z- No Church in the Wild, I haven’t taken this song out of rotation since Watch The Throne dropped. As I stated on twitter before, you can teach an entire college course based on the content and message in that song.
- Wale- Ambition, I am a Wale fan and I like the lyrics of this song, my favorite line would be, “Ambition is priceless ,It’s something that’s in your veins and I put that on my name…”
- J.Cole-Sideline Story, If you have ever worked relentlessly to obtain a goal, you will love J.Cole’s music.
- Gotye- Somebody That I Used to Know-I first heard this song on the radio; I liked it enough to browse more of Gotye’s work.
- Aloe Blacc- I Need A Dollar, I first came across his music through Spotify, he is super talented.
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Kaine Hampton is a recent graduate of the University of Houston with a major in Finance and African American studies minor. Kaine is currently enrolled as a 2015 J.D. candidate at American University, Washington College of Law. After expanding his education to West Africa, and working as a staffer for Congresswoman Maxine Waters, he has facilitated a strong desire to bring politics to our generation; he co-founded www.MyBlackCoffee.com to do just that. MyBlackCoffee.com serves as a community advocate and a means to help a younger generation make informed decisions at the polls.
With the exception of a quick run to tutor one of my favorite fourth graders and stop by the grocery store to get flour for my oatmeal raisin cookies, was a working from home on my laptop kinda day. This look had just enough going on to send me out the door with a little pep in my step. I’m a big believer in dressing beyond your mood, so whether you’re feeling on top of the world or down in the dumps, I always remind myself that a little bit goes a long way.
