Men's Short Hairstyles
Men's Mid-length Hairstyles
Men's Long Hairstyles
Men's Curly Hairstyles
Men's Black & Afro Hairstyles
Celebrity Hairstyles
Tinie Tempah
“Well, if the shirt wasn’t sufficient, Tinie’s signature thick rimmed Ray-Ban eyeglasses should definitely be enough to trip the nerd alarm.” For those of you wondering who was responsible for the current geek chic look – complete with fake glasses and buttoned to the top shirts – you need look no further than Patrick Okogwu, better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah.
GQ’s current Best-Dressed Man in Britain, who often reclines in the personal shopping suite of London’s Selfridges, has a dress sense as sharp as his lyrics. First becoming interested in style at the age of 16, Tinie ensured that his clothing mismatched the crowd he was performing to. Eager to be considered as a musician that set himself aside from the typical fashion trends, the rapper was never known to request a designer for tips or suggestions. This man is a raw idealist, who carves his own fashion for his fans.
The 23 year old has a number of style icons, mostly consisting of younger, modern males. George Lamb, Adrien Sauvage, Brian Gathii (a designer for To-orist watches) and his manager Dumi (also his cousin) are but a few. Pharrell Williams and Kanye West also top his list for musical reasons as well as their unique personal styles.
Disturbing London Clothing
This April saw the Londoner launch his all new debut clothing collection at Selfridges, called Disturbing London. It’s sharp, just as you would expect from an artist who saw his debut album reach the UK number-one spot, preceded by two British number-one singles. The debut collection has a streetwear feel, predominantly consisting of graphic print sweats and tees, aviator jackets and chinos – all priced between £25-£245.
“I love clothes and this brand expresses my style of street-cool culture mixed with high-end fashion,”
Tinie Tempah on Disturbing London Clothing
Previously, the only rapper to ever have the opportunity to design his own trainer collection for Nike was Kanye West. It took Tinie just three years for the global American brand to sit up and recognise his fashion capabilities. Nike immediately requested the musician for his creative ideas. His ‘Disturbing London x Blazer’ collaboration was the end result, creating a now iconic trainer silhouette that he is often seen sporting. Of course, he gave the traditional Nike Blazer his own unique and contemporary spin, making the footwear an instant hit during SS12.
Musical Achievements
On par with Mr. Tempah’s work within the men’s fashion industry, his musical style is a bold mix of old-school sounds and more modern arrangements (take the collaboration with American-Swedish rock vocalist Eric Turner). His domination of the UK charts throughout 2010 and 2011, along with four Brit nominations, represents the talent that runs through his veins.
After recently winning the Best EP of 2011 – with ‘Happy Birthday’ – at the ‘Official Mixtape Awards’ 2012, Tinie announced his new album, Demonstration, which will be available this winter. A number of big name acts are supposed to appear on the album, including Adele, Sleigh Bells, James Blake, Drake and Chris Martin. There is increased pressure for any artist to deliver with a sophomore album, and we have a feeling Tinie is about to rise to the occasion and cement his place as a superstar.
Tinie Tempah Style
It’s evident the rapper loves clothes. A whole range of products and colours left us here at FashionBeans spoilt for choice when picking out a few favourites. What sets this star’s personal style apart from other icons featured, his unabashed willingness for risk. Carefully layered tailored pieces are combined with retro sneakers and jackets, giving the ultimate mix of old and new, as well as smart and casual:
Inspired By Picks
- Nudie Jeans Organic Chambray Saw Tooth Gusten Shirt
- Allsaints Yale Cashmere Roll Neck
- Allsaints Ranger V-neck T-shirt
- Reiss Al Single Breasted Boiled Wool Blazer Dark Grey
- Farah Vintage Raleigh Satsuma Waxed Jacket
- Allsaints Corunna Shirt
- Selected Bubble Gilet
- Topman Mid Blue Authentic Wash Skinny Carrot Jeans
- My Yard Cubism Sweatshirt
- Allsaints Raleigh Jacket
- Levis Monochrome Grey Sky 511 Slim Jeans
- Maison Martin Margiela 11 Men’s Brass Ring
- Reiss Cambridge Polka Dot Navy
- Kg By Kurt Geiger Wenham Suede Tassel Loafers
- Nike Blazer Challenge Red Suede Trainers
Signature Look: Typical Tinie
The modern day classic attire, consisting of a top buttoned shirt, chinos and sneakers, is hard to miss. Tinie Tempah was one of the few artists who originally incorporated such a diverse look. Notice the wide mix in colours, which helps create a memorable appearance. Choice of footwear is paramount.
- Vintage Surplus Button-up Denim Shirt
- Adidas Originals X Opening Ceremony Reverse Zip Off Black Multi Jacket
- Asos Tapered Coated Twill Chino
- Topman Navy 50s Style Classic Readers
- Topman Ltd Gold Bracelet Watch
- Nikeblazer Mid Vintage Leather Light Charcoal Sail
Signature Look: Bright Prints
Tribal prints, African inspired prints, tie dye – nearly every form of bright pattern has been adopted throughout the British fashion scene this season. These hipster inspired patterns are increasingly popular in high street stores, meaning Mr. Tempah is the culprit for the second time this year.
- Folk Mens Circular Dot Limestone Grey T-shirt
- Lyle & Scott Camouflage Print Hooded Parka
- Asos Aztec Jumper
- James Long Mens Marble Print Tee
- Dockers Navy Slim Fitting Chinos L34 Dockers
- Nikeair Max 1 Dynamic Blue Dynamic Blue White
Signature Look: Red Carpet Killer
The street is not the only ground where the British rapper makes a name for himself. His choice of suiting is also nothing less than impressive.
The addition of diamond earrings and wide framed Cutler & Gross glasses helps the artist showcase his alternative edge when strolling across the red carpet.
- Reiss Newton 2 Classic Fit Shirt White
- Burberry Prorsum Satin Bow Tie
- Topman Black Micro Shawl Skinny Suit
- American Apparel Hanover Eyeglass
- Armani Exchange Ax2103 Watch Silver Stainless Steel Bracelet
- Hugo Boss Lemmy Safari Trainers
Conclusion
With talent, style and charm; Tinie Tempah is branching into the fashion world, bringing with him same high expectations we have for his music.
Now known as the ambassador to the newly formed Men’s Fashion Week, it is safe to say his life has taken a dramatic shift since the release of his debut album. The South London MC has had no problems adapting to a more lavish lifestyle. His hard work and entrepreneurial mind have awarded him instant success, and boy does he deserve it.
Sabir Peele: Style Profile
Fabio Attanasio: Style Profile
5 Unlikely Men’s Style Icons
Celluloid Style: The Anti-Hero
Back To Top
Meh, overrated tbh. That said, I do respect him for deviating from the typical dress of rappers. That takes some balls.
So does he actually need to wear glasses then or not?
Non-prescription glasses can get out of my sight.
Amen brother!
I see what you did there.
Not maybe a big icon for me but he ure goes his own way. Creds for that! Btw, great to read some style icon articles!
How did this dude score best dressed man from GQ? I’m not from the UK and have no idea who he is and have never listened to his ‘music’, but the outfits as shown in the photos are not very impressive: just typical street wear – big deal!
what brand are his glasses? at first thought they might be SUPER or Mykita but they arent. does anyone know?
He used to wear Ray Ban, he now rocks Cutler and Gross which are a British brand. These glasses are hand made, I think he might actually be collaborating with the brand on a design.
This is my type of style, the man is definitely an inspiration. This is the definition of personal style- it is creative, and defies the conventions of smart-casual boringness!
Not impressed…nothing original here.
He definitely is extremely creative and rather inspired. Excellent sense of style, one of that is quite rare nowadays and sets him apart from the white-shirt-and-beige-chinos collective masses.
Loving his look and glasses…
But it’s business as usual with the Fashion beans commenters… If the guy doesn’t look like David Beckham or Johnny Depp then they can’t possible be a fashion icon.
Wow such HATERS! I think you can write about whomever you want and call them whatever you like. I give props to whomever steps out of the shine of the regular while trying to make a name for themselves in a mainstream business.
A young black man trying to find himself Hurrah Hurray! In a country like England being black and young must be a trip. Last I was there being a foreigner helped out a lot.
Tinie Tempah is not my man but I appreciate the ones opening new doors and walking through.
Thank you for the Style Icon articles, more please!
Tinie Tempah makes looking cool, effortless. Perfect blend of streetwear and awesome tailoring. An absolute trend setter.
As a young (youngish) black man from the UK. I think he is a style icon……I am into the urban and underground music but like to dress stylish and not too ghetto….Tinie ticks all the boxes…however not all the above pictures look good…..when you are into fashion you will always make mistakes…..However if David Beckam wore the same clothes would he have got so much hate?……Stereotyping methinks!!!! we need style icons from other races on this site more often……….not all men are white or camp!!!!
Some of these comments piss me off. You can not particularly like the way someone dresses without being a “hater”. Why make it a race thing? People’s views aren’t to do with only wanting camp, white guys (hopefully not anyway). If he’s an inspiration for you, then great. If he’s not an inspiration for someone else, then that’s fine too. It’s all a matter of personal opinion.
Sometimes Beckham and Depp look great, sometimes they look pants
Could not agree less, NATE. Each and every reader possesses their own opinion in what designs good and bad. To truly understand all concepts of male fashion, an open mind and appreciation for other styles is certainly needed.
Overall I like his look although, personally, I’m not a fan of non-prescription glasses. I think he’s a prime example of “It’s not what you wear, but how you wear it” as few of the pieces seem different from what a lot of people wear but the composition is spot on.
I totally agree with the comment above by Lou. Some of the items Mr Tempah (how formal does *that* sound!) has would not appeal personally. This is true for him as it is with a few other ‘icons’ that have been mentioned like Ronson, etc
But the underlying and overriding truth is that his composition, whatever it is, is generally exceedingly well put together, and does not look like he emerged from an obsessive compulsion resulting in a 24 hour credit card transaction binge of a combination of All Saints, Top Man, and Asos – something many British males on the streets of the UK seem to suffer from nowadays, thereby inducing a migraine just from seeing their mismatching disaster on the high street.
Why does race have to be brought into everything in todays society! what does the colour of his skin have to do with this AT ALL?. However, he dresses smart and ‘street’ and pulls them both off and creates a balance between the two, but like everything everyone has their own opinion. The thing is about fashion is it is meant to divide opinion thats the whole point get people talking about it and be interested.
Allot of respect .. looks fresh and presentable word upp .. love it