The Stylist: Graying Reze

You’ve earned the right to be sexy whether or not you’re gray

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 one’s daily life through numerous ways.

Below are a 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 proved 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, accessories are barometers 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. “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.  “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’s 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. 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 basis. 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 does not have any fashion pieces to die for… “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.”