SNAPPED & CAUGHT: JOHN STEWART

The Truth Behind The Shades

When our team thinks about a Fashion Forward Man, naturally his sense of style would generally come into play first. However, the process doesn't quite end there. In fact, if we find ourselves particularly intrigued, our goal is to learn more about about various aspects of his life. Personality, Points of View, and Beliefs...we want to know it all. Just to share it with you of course.

 Back in March when we decided to ask for your submissions to become part of our  Snapped & Caught Series, we put the ball in our readers court. We were open for almost anything that came our way, and we welcomed it with open arms. What we didn't expect was a submission from New York native (and friend to FFM) John Stewart. 

For those of you that were heavily involved in that downtown, meets lower east side, meets antique boutique, meets diesel, meets robots, and sugar babies era of the mid 90's in NYC, chances are you have met John. Once a heavily pierced face lad, the John Stewart of the past may be gone, but the underbelly of this intriguing man still lies within.

So how did the coming of "John" begin??? Our inductee recalls it all began with his father taking him to The Village. Surrounded by eccentrics, and the carefree, this trip into the city would be one that he would never forget. One can only imagine the feeling of excitement and dare we say a hint of fear the young J.S. was experiencing.  

"The freedom that people displayed was crazy, the unbothered attitude, the fearlessness, struck a cord. I knew I was gonna dress village, work in the village, and BE the village. I never looked back from that mindset" he shares.

As if his venture into town weren't enough, the final destination would be. His father was taking him to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the 8th Street Playhouse.
 He was celebrating his 13th birthday...

Pivotal points arise in all of our lives, and in most cases, they happen several times throughout. It can be visiting a foreign place for the first time, experiencing a breakup, or receiving a miraculous blessing. How we choose to receive and react to these moments mold us into the beings that we are today. For John, it just so happens that one of his life changing moments involving seeing a man prance on stage in panties and garter belts.  

Though the famous musical may have effected our latest Snapped and Caught inductee to an extent, that doesn't mean that he chooses to mimic the wardrobe choices of the show.  As always, we ask the question, how do you define your personal style? 

"Hmmmm. Kinda definitely bohemian,urban ,nomadic,future vintage,sporty spice realness, lol. I cant really define it other than to say "I know what I like," he responds.

As long as we have known John, his approach to fashion has been rather consistent. That doesn't mean that there hasn't been any mishaps along the way. Stewart shares a story of him being a little boy and wearing bell bottoms. As if to personalize his look, John explains that he would purposely sag the pants to give the illusion they wear drop crotch. But the primary purpose of doing this was to have the widest portion of the pant, completely cover his shoe. (Lets give that a moment...) Yes John, we agree with you when you say that wasn't one of your better looks. To pour salt onto the wound, John also shares that he used to wear bulky sweaters, that he would tuck into his pants with a belt...Welp, we are happy that you left that behind too mister.  

 We know that we are sounding a bit tough on John, but for those of you who doesn't actually know him, we should only be fair and inform you that he would have it no other way. John himself is very witty, humorous,sometimes dark, and most of the time very direct. 

Slightly more evolved and more defined John recognized that he needed to tweak a little of his approaches to his personal style and how he wanted to be seen.  

"I completely know my body now. I know how something is gonna fall, sloach, drape, whatever...

When I see something, I know immediately if thats my look. I know how something should fit to fit my temperment.... Its a FEELING!!! A bold POW WOW feeling,'' he laughs. 

Currently working as a Freelance Brand Specialist, John has been the go to guy for many years. Assisting companies in Consulting, Sales, Promotions, and Product Placement, Stewart is a silent weapon of sorts making new companies and designers more visible to the public.  

Coming across so many brands, and after being in the game for so long, Stewart has seen his fair share of brands come and go. Deciding not to fully venture down the road of reminiscence we asked him to name a few that he currently favors (and why) 

HoodByAir-Pushing urban market out of comfort zone.

Boris Saberi-Very hi-tech menswear

Demobaza- The best #walkingdead collection out....[favorite]

Jianhui-Accessories line made from nature out of London very forward 

Vivienne Westwood- #mothaofthehouse

For his last "brand" John surprised us with his mentioning of NewNowNext. Showing us that he is about more than just fashion, Stewart gives us more insight to him as a person. Quoted as saying that he likes NNN because of their "always fresh/political"views. A man who knows whats going on in the world. We like that!!!

 

When he isn't working for others, John has found solace in Gagworthy, a news /media group that can be found on facebook.  Though he highlights cool moments in fashion, John also invites us in his somewhat twisted little head by posting funny yet cringe worthy imagery and article as well.  Want to read about a mans relationship with a silicone doll, or maybe your curious about cool/on the hush events in New York, Gagworthy has it all.So how did it begin?

"I figure if I'm gonna chronicle my likes and dislikes does and don'ts on fashion,style and lifestyle I might as well join the matrix and start a page lol. I like the idea of like a magazine or newsletter..At the end of night I like to go on my page and scroll the days madness and crack my self up."

Other alone time moments that John enjoys doing when he has time are: 
d.i.y. home projects, spending time with his dog,health/health and more health. 

Our latest inductee does have his flaws. Like most of us, we are all a work in progress. Though health is an key of his life, he does confess to coming up short in this field due to a few vices.  He loves to smoke, and says that he drinks to much tea. We imagine that those teas are most likely from Long Island. 

As of lately, men's fashion has come more front and center. The world has shifted and now recognizes that men like to look good too. This movement has been helped immensely by talents in the public eye. Whether it be a singer, a musician, an actor, or an athlete, these men have fans and followers. And many of these enchanted souls want to look like those same gentleman that they hold in such high regard. And though we see J.S. as having his own amazing personal style, that doesn't mean that he doesn't applaud others efforts. Below are just a few that he has kept an eye on and why.

 

Pharell-freestyle

Jeff Goldblum-Mens chic/legendary

Jared Leto-ANDROGYNY meets life.

Brad Pitt-chameleon 

Nick Wooster-Turned turning it into a business

 If you are a native of New York, the topic relocating to a different state almost seems taboo. But  for John, the thought has crossed his mind simply because of the recent and major changes that the city has undergone. The grit is quickly being scrubbed away, leaving the on appreciated freaks and rebels with no where to go.  Currently single, their really isn't anything really holding him back. And though he may move, our guesses are that it won't be anytime soon.  For now, John continues to focus doing what he enjoys, and hopefully makes lots of money along the way.  
 We will keep you posted on all updates.