With a name like Al-Fuquan it is obvious that he was destined to be unique. If you’ve seen him around on campus (and if you haven’t, come out from behind the rock you’ve been hiding behind) you know what we mean. His style speaks for itself, but we wanted to know more about where his inspiration comes from, his favorite trends, and his fashion blog.
We love your look. Were you always this stylish?
Hmmm, good question. Being stylish has always been an important lifestyle to me. Growing up, I always wanted to be the stand out child, or always be the child to “rock” the latest and most known item in my area. There has never been a point in my life when I actually “hated” dressing, but there was a point in my life when I chose to step my style up and try different things, and that was around the age of 12.
Did you (like us) love playing dress up as a kid?
Playing dress up with my sister was always something I got into. I would try on my dad’s new wingtips and try to pull off his new blazer, which was way to big for me.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Speaking of my dad, I would actually say that my inspiration in the beginning definitely came from specific family members, such as my mom, my dad, and my older cousin. Due to the fact that they were and still are so stylish.
What’s the single feature people always compliment you on.
My clear skin “face”, and my haircut. I’m guessing the haircut is a big thing, due to the fact that it is so unique and you don’t see every other guy wearing it. But, I have to agree that my skin happens to be one of my best features as well as my hair. I say that because I have always been complimented on my skin growing up. It’s the first thing people see when they see me.
We agree. What is your regimen?
I just was my face at least two or more times a day. No cleansers or anything, just soap and water. Same with my hair, a hair cut every two weeks is what I try to follow.
What trend do you love?
What trend do I love? Looking at the trends that have come and gone, and the ones that have stayed, the trend I happen to love the most would be layering. There’s nothing better then layering your spring items with you winter features. That’s why I love it. The sun has been out, but the wind has been blowing, so I’ve been choosing to go with a blazer, tee’s, button ups, and scarf’s.
What item can’t you get enough of?
I actually have two fashion obsessions: blazers and chains. I just can’t get enough of a well-priced vintage blazer, that I know no one will ever have and a chain that just sets off my outfit and adds something to it that another item couldn’t. Speaking of blazers, I do need to restock…
Hmm. We might have to come shopping with. Anyway, you are very bold with your style. Do you ever think about not wearing something because you’re afraid of what people will say or think?
There actually have been plenty of times when I thought about not wearing something because of what I thought other people may think about me. But, as I’ve been growing up, I’ve learned to not really worry about what others judgment happens to be about me. I don’t get dressed for the public, or people on campus, I get dressed for myself, and if people don’t understand my style it sucks for them. I love to be different from everyone and to always be that “stand out” individual. With that being said, I will always and forever be bold with my style.
What are your wardrobe staples?
Looking in my closet now…my hats, and my boots. I don’t think I could ever live without those items, because of the fact that they are so important to me. When it comes to my blazers I use those just to add a finishing touch to my complete outfits. When it comes to my hats, whenever I haven’t been able to make it to get a haircut, I use those just to pull off a fresher and cleaner look. When it comes to my boots, I have to say that I use those for the days with the worst weather, knowing that my feet will probably get wet.
You seem extremely confident and self-assured, are you?
I am very confident and self-assured, more then I actually used to be. While I was in high school, I was semi-confident, but I can also say that I wasn’t really self-assured. I cared about what people thought of me so much and I just wasn’t assured with who I really was and who I was meant to be. But going towards graduation and coming into college, my confidence has boosted, as well as my self-assurance. I have began to realize no matter what you do, what you wear, or what you take part in you will always be judged, and with me knowing that I chose to stick to who I really am and find out who I am really meant to be. There are times when I don’t feel as confident as I would like to feel, but when that happens I just say to myself “Suck it up Al-Fuquan, and do what you were born to do. Be you.”
What does your current wish list consist of?
Osborn Design canvas sneakers, and a Mac Computer. I actually haven’t been able to get those items because of the fact that all of the Osborn Design canvas sneakers I liked weren’t in my size, and with the Mac computer it’s just to much right now—the price.
Who’s style would you steal if you could?
If I could steal anyone’s style it would probably be Mr. Kanye West or Pharell Williams. I say their style because of the fact that they’re so close to mine. It just gives me an “I don’t care” attitude, and that’s what I like. I up to everyone’s style individually, and I feel as if everyone can be iconic once they put that “right” outfit on. But, I do look up to Kanye West’s style a lot. He can pull of Timberland boots with a Louis Vuitton scarf, and also wear a Tom’s Ford suit, and Christian Louboutin shoes. He’s very versatile, and I like that about him. He wears what he wants to wear for himself, and I give him credit for that.
We know you blog.
Why, yes I do! When it comes to blogging I feel as if I can say and post what ever I want, without anyone stopping me. I also feel as if my audience can really understand what I like about fashion and how much love I have for that field of creativity. I am a very creative person and when it comes to my blog, I show that very well. Leaving college I would like to take up Fashion Journalism and actually get into some print work. So, this blog is getting me ready just for that.