The Way We Dress Now: Bed-Stuy Street Style
For our September print issue—the style issue—we sent our photographers to ten Brooklyn neighborhoods (from Greenpoint, to Flatbush, and eight others in between) to document the way Brooklyn is dressing now. Style is different than fashion, and our goal was to capture the highly individual, creative, and inspiring styles representative of the people who sported them, and the spirit of the neighborhoods in which they walked. This is Bed-Stuy.
Natalie Cosby, 43
Occupation
Yoga Teacher at Stacked Yoga
Where are you headed?
Dinner at Chez Oscar
Tell us about your outfit?
Dress is from some random store in Park Slope for about $20.
Purse: Martine’s Dream. Birkenstocks.
Favorite item of clothing?
Birkenstocks and anything comfortable. I’m a shoes girl.
One piece you covet more than any other?
A dress that is super comfortable and pops with all types of jewelry.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
All over. South Africa, India, Martine’s Dream, J. Crew
Style icon?
Lisa Bonnet, Rihanna, Hippie chic bohemian
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
Hippies, South (??)
Cecilia D Woodfolk, 32
Occupation
Artist/Creative Director
Where are you headed?
Home from the library
Tell us about your outfit?
I have today a typical black outfit. Rocking a new pair of
Wranglers I just thrifted. Everything I have on is thrifted.
Favorite item of clothing?
My hat. It belonged to a young Jewish boy.
One piece you covet more than any other?
My hat gets all the love. I purchased it in a Thrift shop in Sunset Park.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Thrifting around Brooklyn and the city, or gifted.
Style icon?
Marvin Gaye
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
60s, Oakland or Bed Stuy, or Panama in 1971
Cornelius T Finley, 29
Occupation
Director of College and Career Readiness
Where do you live?
Bed Stuy
Where are you headed?
Peaches
Tell us about your outfit?
Hat-vintage shop in Scotland. Pants- Forever 21 Shirt- H&M Shoes- Aldo
Favorite item of clothing?
Shirt
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Shop many places but favor Top Man/Zara
Style Icon?
Kanye, but not a big fashion person believe it or not.
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
European style, particularly British
Tracey Totten, 33
Occupation
Entreprenur
Where do you live?
Crown Heights
Where are you headed?
Business Meeting
Tell us about your outfit?
My outfit is simple, yet stylish. My faux ‘locs abd head wrap
are my statement pieces today and my business logo necklace.
Favorite item of clothing?
Ripped Jeans
One piece you covet more than any other?
My custom gold Hashtag Sassaries necklace
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Thrift shops
Style icon?
Rihanna / Halle Berry
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
70s all day
Tish Ferguson, 30
Occupation
Celebrity Makeup Artist
Where are you headed?
Peaches Hot House
Tell us about your outfit?
Shirt-H&M, Vest H&M, Hat-Target, Earrings- Forever 21
Favorite item of clothing?
Maxi skirt
One piece you covet more than any other?
I love my bag because it’s thrifted and timeless
Store where most of your clothes are from? Thrift shops, boutiques, and custom made pieces
Style icon? Dorothy Dandrige and Diana Ross
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish you were around for in its original iteration? Harlem Renaissance
Christina Reid, 28
Occupation
Creative Designer
Where are you headed?
Bed Stuy
Tell us about your outfit?
Shirt, jeans, and shoes – Primark. Bag -River Island.
Favorite item of clothing?
Shoes
One piece you covet more than any other?
Definitely shoes
Store where most of your clothes are from?
boohoo.com
Style icon?
n/a
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish you
were around for in its original iteration?
1900s corset era
Daniel Hazlewood, 30
Occupation
Music PA
Where are you headed?
Brooklyn
Tell us about your outfit?
Casual, I guess.
Favorite item of clothing?
Sneakers.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Asos
Style icon?
Kanye West
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
80s NYC
Name Whitney Alexander, 29
Occupation
Makeup artist
Where are you headed?
Home
Tell us about your outfit?
I live for all black. It is true beauty in the darkest shade.
I always add a pop of color to my all black outfits.
My bag speaks to my culture instantly.
Favorite item of clothing?
Red Bottoms. My heart’s desire.
One piece you covet more than any other?
A dress that is super comfortable and pops with all types of jewelry.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
The Little Red Boutique in Bed Stuy
Style icon?
Olivia Pope, Jessica from ‘Suits,’ Michelle Obama, Rihanna, Jackie O
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish you
were around for in its original iteration?
50s & 80s
Frank Rathbon, 32
Occupation
Musician
Where do you live?
Bushwick
Where are you headed?
Tribeca
Tell us about your outfit?
Dumbwolves T shirt (By Ben Jaffe), Lev’s, Chucks, and shades.
One piece you covet more than any other?
Pecan Pie
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Rock Shows
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish you
were around for in its original iteration?
Here and now is pretty good!
Patrice Peck, 28
Occupation
Tech Entrepreneur
Where are you headed?
A date
Tell us about your outfit?
I run a beauty tech start up so my personal appearance plays a large role in making a great impression. I just came from a business meeting and am heading to a dinner date.
Favorite item of clothing?
Crop tops
One piece you covet more than any other?
This sexy bralette I just got
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Thrifted
Style icon?
Grace Jones & Rihanna
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
50s/60s/70s…but kinda problematic considering the sociopolitical climate at the time.
Ariana McLue / John O’Mahoney, 26
Occupation
Circus artist / Circus/Fine artist
Where are you headed?
Coffee
Tell us about your outfit?
I moved to Brooklyn and took over another circus faery’s room.
She left this gem for me. / This is my outfit for practicing.
Favorite item of clothing?
Leotards / My galaxy tank top
One piece you covet more than any other?
I have an amazing leo with all this sacred G pattern work. I love performing in it. It’s comfy and unique. / My leather shorts lined with fur pelts. I call them my beast.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
My friends either gift or create / Thrift of I make them
Style icon?
Me / Christine Geiger
What other decade and city’s style do you
most wish you were around for in its original iteration?
1968 / 850 AD
Tommaso Daniele, 22
Occupation
Delivery Guy . Student
Tell us about your outfit
Casual/sport clothes for day time. Big shirt and colored sweaters for night.
Favorite item of clothing?
Sweaters and jackets
Store where most of your clothes are from?
My family
Style icon?
NONE
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
80s
Uchenna Onyia, 33
Occupation
Broker at The Corcoran Group
Where you headed?
Headed to South Hamptons for business lunch
Tell us about your outfit
I’m wearing a colorful blue Zara suit with a grey shirt and grey Puma’s. Blue is my favorite color, and I love being colorful in the Hamptons because there are so many well dressed people
Favorite item of clothing?
A white tuxedo with a black bow tie and Ferragamo shoes is a must. Blue and grey Submariner Rolex to match because blue is my favorite color
One piece you covet more than any other?
I can’t live without a Navy Blue Zenga blazer with blue denim
jeans and a clean white shirt. It’s a must on Mondays
Store where most of your clothes are from?
A lot of my suits are from J Crew, and Zenga. Can’t forget Hugo Boss
Style icon?
Theres so many but Jay Z is my favorite and I have to
give a shoutout to Ouigi Theodore from Brooklyn Circus
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
The 80’s Graffiti era. I love suits and Puma’s. And then the Harlem Renaissance era. Some of the best dressed I’ve ever seen. My favorite show is Boardwalk Empire. That era is untouchable
Serena Maszak, 24
Where are you headed?
To fix my flat
Tell us about your outfit?
Black jeans I cut off, shirt I got from a friend, Vans, and Baggu
Favorite item of clothing?
T shirts
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Ebay, second hand stores, sidewalk
Style icon?
Bowie
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
I like NYC now!
Amanda Noa, 33
Occupation
Graphic Design at Us Weekly
Where do you live?
Williamsburg
Where are you headed?
Little Skips and Paul’s House
Tell us about your outfit?
Vintage shirt from Risk Boutique in Bushwick, Levis jacket, Courtshop shorts, random shoes
Favorite item of clothing?
Mexican Summer Shirt
One piece you covet more than any other?
Jean jacket & Xanax ring
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Vintage shops
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish you
were around for in its original iteration?
NYC in the 70s
Yakeema Decker, 21
Tell us about your outfit? DIVA MUCH!
Favorite item of clothing? Skirt
Tevin Gingles, 25
Where are you headed?
Home
Tell us about your outfit?
I call this look “space dude”
Favorite item of clothing?
Anything distressed/ rugged
One piece you covet more than any other?.
Shades/Glasses
Style icon?
Rihanna, Lil Kim, Alexander McQueen
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
1930s-70s
Shakele Seaton, 22
Occupation
Teacher
Where are you headed?
BBQ
Tell us about your outfit? White shift dress with jelly sandals
Store where most of your clothes are from? Boohoo / H&M
Charlene, 22
Occupation
Freelance
Where are you headed?
Aimlessly traveling around the neighborhood
Tell us about your outfit?
Careless/ carefree
Favorite item of clothing?
Onesies
Store where most of your clothes are from?
L Train Vintage
Style icon?
Pharrell
Maroulse “SupeTheDude” Grant, 23
Occupation
Writer
Where do you live?
Bed Stuy
Where are you headed?
Wandering around
Tell us about your outfit?
My favorite fishing jacket with vintage jeans and vans
Favorite item of clothing?
Fishing vest
Kwa Gordon, 21
Occupation
Dancer
Where are you headed?
Home
Tell us about your outfit?
My slip I got on sale from Century 21 and my girlfriend painted on the crop top I have on. It says “Muhammad Ali” with some vans and a bag from Patricia Field.
Favorite item of clothing?
My Wang boots.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Thrift shops
Style icon?
ASAP Rocky
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
Tokyo
Aya Brown, 20
Occupation
Art Student
Where do you live?
Brooklyn
Where are you headed?
Gates Ave
Tell us about your outfit?
I’ve had this shirt for a while and never wore it but since
I dyed my hair blue two days ago it was time for her to come out.
Favorite item of clothing?
The pants I painted on. They have casino fruits on them.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Bitch I can’t tell you!
Style icon?
That changes almost everyday.
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
The future because I don’t like looking like others. I like to be a trendsetter.
Kenny Hargrove, 37
Occupation
Creative Director
Where do you live?
Bed-Stuy
Where are you headed?
To get wine
Tell us about your outfit?
Dashiki: from African market on Fulton. Jeans: Joe Fresh, Sneakers: Air Max
Favorite item of clothing?
My sneaker collection
One piece you covet more than any other?
My vintage Barney’s jacket
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Vintage, traveling, local boutiques
Style icon?
Grace Jones
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
30s for style alone
Michael Ford, 29
Occupation
graphic designer/coder/web developer
Where do you live?
Brooklyn
Where are you headed?
To an event or home
Tell us about your outfit?
It’s mine
Favorite item of clothing?
Jacket
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
Brooklyn
Winslow, 31
Occupation
Cartographer
Where do you live?
Ridgewood
Where are you headed?
I wish I knew
Tell us about your outfit?
It’s permanent
Favorite item of clothing?
My vest
One piece you covet more than any other?
My neighbor’s wife
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Merch tables around the country
Style icon?
Yes, thank you.
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
Jerusalem around 1 BC.
Deniese Lara, 22
Occupation
Filmmaker
Where do you live?
Bed-Stuy
Where are you headed?
DUMBO
Tell us about your outfit?
Dress and shoes from American Apparel, Waist highlighting but with practical shoes
Favorite item of clothing?
Dresses
One piece you covet more than any other?
Replica pink stilettos from Sex and the City
Store where most of your clothes are from?
American Apparel
Style icon?
Jared Leto and Cate Blanchett
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
NYC in the 70s
Kaja Williamson, 23
Occupation
Real Estate Agent
Where are you headed?
Trader Joe’s
Tell us about your outfit?
Dress: Free People on sale at Plato’s Closet for $12.
Shoes and backpack: TJ Maxx. Sunglasses: Local Williamsburg Boutique
Favorite item of clothing?
Dresses
One piece you covet more than any other?
Jewelry
Store where most of your clothes are from?
TJ Maxx because I worked there for 2 years.
Style icon?
Jennifer Lopez
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
NYC in the 90s
Jacinto Taras Riddick
Occupation
Actor, Screenwriter, producer
Where do you live?
Bed-Stuy
Where are you headed?
Home
Tell us about your outfit?
Guinean Dashiki and well cut dress slacks
Favorite item of clothing?
Fitted Suits
One piece you covet more than any other?
Well tailored shirts or fitted T Shirt and jeans
Store where most of your clothes are from?
No particular store, but I like suits from Sarar 375 Madison Ave
Style icon?
Herb Ritts Photography, Armani, Hugo Boss, Organic natural outfits
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
1930s to 60s
Daleysha Lockhart, 22
Occupation
Assistant / Pharmaceuticals
Where are you headed?
Brunch
Tell us about your outfit?
I’m giving Sunday brunch with style
Favorite item of clothing?
These shades. My friend Kianna Styles designed them.
One piece you covet more than any other?
My woven bracelet. It was the first gift my sister gave me.
Store where most of your clothes are from?
I’m either getting them from Topshop or thrift stores.
Style icon?
Chaka Khan
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
New York in the 80s.
Keima Simms, 22
Occupation
Student
Where do you live?
Brooklyn
Where are you headed?
Therapy Wine Bar for a Breuklen Polished Fundraiser
Tell us about your outfit?
Sunday brunch chic
Favorite item of clothing?
My watch
One piece you covet more than any other?
My necklace that me mother bought me for my 16th birthday
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Boohoo and Zara
Style icon?
Naomi Campbell
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
New York in the 70s.
Sim Tiso
Tell us about your outfit?
Bleached T shirt and skateboard
Favorite item of clothing?
T shirt
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Scumbags/superstars.
What other decade and city’s style do you most
wish you were around for in its original iteration?
70s
Liz Ukilis, 20
Occupation
Student
Where do you live?
Bed-Stuy
Where are you headed?
Work
Tell us about your outfit?
Chill
Favorite item of clothing?
Shirts/Wraps
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Free People
Valiene Ferdinand, 32
Occupation
Habilitation Specialist
Where do you live?
Canarsie
Where are you headed?
Brunch
Tell us about your outfit?
Classic/sexy/spice
Favorite item of clothing?
High waisted pants and crop tops
One piece you covet more than any other?
A Line Dresses
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Fashion Novia (??)
Style icon?
Beyonce / J Lo
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
50s
Leandra Skyers, 33
Occupation
Senior customer service rep/banker
Where do you live?
Crown Heights
Where are you headed?
Brunch
Tell us about your outfit?
Chic, colorful, casual, and summery. Pants from Zara, top and jewelry from Forever 21, Bag and shoes from Aldo, Sunglasses from Lulus
Favorite item of clothing?
Fitted dresses (they accentuate my small frame)
One piece you covet more than any other?
Halter Tops
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Zara, ASOS, Missguided
Style icon?
Rihanna
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
60s
Rico the Outlaw, 23
Occupation
Freelance Artist / MC/ Videographer
Where do you live?
Brooklyn
Where are you headed?
Downtown to shop
Tell us about your outfit?
Dope
Favorite item of clothing?
Custom baseball jerseys
One piece you covet more than any other?
Sneakers
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Misc
Style icon?
ME
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
To be a little older in the 90s
Danny Mack, 21
Where are you headed?
Downtown Brooklyn
Tell us about your outfit?
Just chilling walking around my hood
Favorite item of clothing?
Sneakers
One piece you covet more than any other?
Sneakers
Store where most of your clothes are from?
All over really
Style icon?
Myself
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
90s New York
Shelly Voorhees, 32
Where do you live?
Bed-Stuy
Bay Li, 22
Occupation
Singer/Artist
Where do you live?
Bed Stuy
Where are you headed?
JFK for a flight to LA for work
Tell us about your outfit?
I got my top from Top Shop in Paris. My earrings are
Indian inspired costume jewelry. Adidas Stan Smiths.
Favorite item of clothing?
Jewelry & Accessories
One piece you covet more than any other?
My rings
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Thrift
Style icon?
No one
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
Late 60s, 80s
Nicole Yeo
Occupation
Product designer
Where do you live?
Clinton Hill
Where are you headed?
Crown Heights
Tell us about your outfit?
Sunday casual, keep it easy.
Favorite item of clothing?
Vintage coach bag
Store where most of your clothes are from?
COS
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
Late 60s
Katie Suskin, 26
Occupation
Product Designer
Where do you live?
Bed-Stuy
Where are you headed?
Home from a cafe
Tell us about your outfit?
I saw an article about the new line of vintage FILA
gear and had to hunt down these overalls.
Favorite item of clothing?
Jumpsuits in general
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
60s
Ronak Trivedi, 27
Occupation
Product Manager
Where are you headed?
Work
Favorite item of clothing?
Shoes
One piece you covet more than any other?
Yeezy Boosts
Store where most of your clothes are from?
Village Instincts
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
90s Fresh Prince look
Babutunde Alcowesy, 38
Occupation
Attorney
Where do you live?
Bed Stuy
Where are you headed?
Home from brunch
Tell us about your outfit?
Classic modern men
Lauren Darling, 32
Occupation
Creative Director
Where are you headed?
Brunch in Bed Stuy
One piece you covet more than any other?
My Strathberry bag
Style icon?
My mother
Erin Darling, 35
Where are you headed?
Brooklyn Museum
Tell us about your outfit?
Warpaint. They’re great.
Favorite item of clothing?
Jordan IVs.
What other decade and city’s style do you most wish
you were around for in its original iteration?
Venice in the late 70s and early 80s
