Frontman Fashion: Mark Ronson

Introduction

Award-winning producer, former GQ Man of the Year and co-founder of Allido Records are three separate titles which many men would die for. For Mark Ronson, the producer has lived these dreams – and much more. This week FashionBeans takes a look at the musician who produced Amy Winehouse’s critically acclaimed ‘Back to Black’ album, the golden boy who models Dolce & Gabbana suits, and a gentlemen with his very own, high-profile list of supermodel girlfriends.

No one rocks distinctive 60s-esque button down suits and a Dylan inspired look better than Mark Ronson. This classy, chic look is an updated and contemporary version for today’s generation of men looking to put their own spin on classic tailoring. His personal combination of English gentlemanly heritage with rock ‘n’ roll fittings has resulted in the Londoner beating the likes of Guy Ritchie and Tom Ford to GQ’s Most Stylish Man in 2009. As of today, he continues to set himself well ahead of his fashion competitors.

Mark Ronson’s Style

As a child, Mark lived with his family in St. John’s Wood, London. His father’s family includes the powerful property tycoon Gerald Ronson, whilst his Mother’s side holds two senior Tory politicians. After his parents separated – when Ronson was just eight years of age – his mother moved to New York and married Mick Jones, the lead singer of Foreigner. Ronson continued to obtain contacts within pop royalty, attending a private school in Manhattan where he was a contemporary of actress Liz Taylor.

Fashion blood runs thick throughout his family. Mark’s sister Charlotte is a successful fashion designer and her twin, Samantha Ronson, a famous Singer/DJ herself, has also contributed to her twin’s clothing label. His Father Laurence was the manager of Eighties pop group Bucks Fizz, proving there is certainly no shortage of creativity among the family. Spending his spare time amongst the upper echelons of fashion has no doubt added a sparkle to his taste in fitted suits.

Ronson’s upbringing was a prestigious one – and by no means cheap. The obvious expectations of snobbery or attitude surrounding the producer are yet to be seen. His high class childhood indeed handed him greatly important, rare contacts, but also taught him the importance of good manners. Much like his laid back personality, his almost effortless way of slipping into a pencil-thin suit sends a message to several males still bearing the shirt and jeans combination: a true gentlemen will always look classy, sophisticated and on target.

Mark Ronson Lookbook:

Paul McCartney will no doubt proudly admire the shapes and fittings Ronson has extracted from a Beatles inspired look. A number of Morrissey inspired cardigans and Bob Dylan style drainpipes points to Ronson’s fashion inspirations.

One particular image in the lookbook which many readers will be instantly fixated to is the head-to-toe powder-puff pink suit. Mr. Ronson pulled this on at the Versace for H&M runway show, which is nothing less than impressive.

Mark Ronson Isnpired Clothing

• Reiss Jamison Short Sleeve Mercerised Polo Navy
• Jil Sander Mens Basic T-shirt
• Polo Ralph Lauren Plain Oxford Slim Fit Shirt
• Allsaints Drought Leather Biker Jacket
• Reiss Blackwood Single Breasted Notch Lapel Jacket Black
• Asos Slim Fit Suit Jacket In Berry
• Reiss Dynamic Double Breasted Blazer With Patch Pockets Black
• Austin Reed Contemporary Fit Blue Cotton Jacket
• Uniqlo Men Regular Fit Straight Colour Jeans
• Loro Piana Cotton And Cashmere-blend Corduroy Trousers
• Paul Smith Round Collar Shirt
• Austin Reed White Silk Handkerchief
• Grenson Lester Formal Derby Shoes 133354
• Polo Ralph Lauren Talbert Trainers
• River Island Suede Smart Shoes

Mark Ronson Signature Looks

Look 1: Suit & Trainers Combination

Ronson leads the celebrity line with the increasingly popular suit and trainer combination. The DJ has paved the way for men who believe dressing down is suiting up – this effective mix of smart and casual is no less than on trend today.

After designing his own personal line of men’s trainers for the giant fashion brand Gucci – with each pair of shoes coming with an exclusive 12” vinyl of Ronson’s latest project – the footwear looks impressive and effective when worn with a skinny suit and complimentary narrow tie.

• Worland Blue Animal Print Shirt
• Topman Brown Heritage Suit
• Lacoste Camous White
• Asos Oxford Shirt
• Alexander Mcqueen Plaid Wool Blazer
• Vans Authentic Demitasse Earth

Look 2: Casual Ronson

Polo shirts, henley tops and cardigans are popular amongst Ronson’s wardrobe when casual, laid back high street style comes into play. Ray-Bans and open top collars are also a popular choice for the record owner – those readers who plan to travel aboard this year, take note.

The leather jacket is another staple piece of attire, which is almost always accompanied with a tucked in shirt and black slim jeans. This look suggests that however casual Ronson is interpreted to be when ‘out on the high-street’, he still ensures that a smart and sophisticated aesthetic remains.

• Farah Vintage Lester Textured Bord Polo
• Allsaints Trine Cardigan
• Rick Owens New Rover Striped Leather Jacket
• Religion Map28 Manor Black Jeans
• Topman Black Retro Sunglasses
• Converse All Star Hi Optical White Canvas

Look 3: City Boy

For those readers that work in the city, or enjoy pulling on a suit, there is no question that several of you will already be bored of the on-trend navy suit this summer.

For those which this applies, look no further than the Manhattan inspired suits Ronson dresses in. The contemporary usage of colours and patterns will ensure you remain one step ahead of the rest of your office colleagues.

• Topman Green Ultra Skinny Two Piece Suit
• Burton White 24 Hour Tailored Plain Shirt
• Drakes Paisley And Floral-print Silk Tie
• Bass Weejun Burgundy Larson Loafer
• Topman Two Piece Berry Liquid Skinny Fit Suit
• Turnbull & Asser Polka-dot Silk Tie

Conclusion

It is evident that Ronson takes his style seriously, in terms of music and fashion.

He favours the tailors, which enables him to stand out from the everyday crowd. And when combined with his own, personal adjustments – such as pair of trainers or a flamboyant shirt – he creates his own unique and distinct looks on a daily basis.

His previous list of model girlfriends suggests he has the ability to win over most women, while his excellent head of hair has almost definitely aided him in doing so. Despite his modest and carefree behaviour, Mark is of course aware of the powerful influence his music and fashion has on today’s generation. In every sense of the word, Ronson is a fashion icon.