SNAPPED & CAUGHT: CURTIS BRYANT
EDUCATED, WELL INFORMED, UNDENIABLY INDIVIDUAL!!!
Now that the holiday dust has settled, we couldn't be more thrilled to share with you our the latest inductee in the Snapped & Caught series. Driven, Fun, and oh so Stylish, Curtis Bryant is a gentleman we are truly happy to spotlight.
During his childhood, one could probably see that Curtis would grow up to become a more creative soul. Since his adolescence, our current man of the hour recalls how he grew up being surrounded by not so typical children's toys. Instead, he was introduced to staples of the art community such as paints and ceramics.
As we review Bryant's responses in our"getting to know" questionnaire, it becomes quite obvious to us that he comes from somewhat humble beginnings. Making him the man that he is today.
"My dad use to work for a local newspaper in the Bronx and this is when they were heat pressing letters (PRE INDESIGN), my mom and both my grandmothers can sew. My father's mother would sew her church looks the night before sometimes. They all encouraged me in their own way but my mom's mother did it more than others. Every time I stayed over her house, she would have a composition notebook and crayons ready for me," he explains.
New York has a very interesting way of quickly snapping people in the harsh realm of reality, and at the young age of 26, the city has already contributed its fare share of eye opening whip lashings. Surrounded by floss and facade, in the midst of what he refers to as 'The Scene," Bryant launched his clothing brand called Fake Socialite. A term that he and a good friend of his came up with, Fake Socialite was not birthed in malice, despite the negative tone of the name. It actually serves as a reminder for people to stay humble and true.
"Use your pedestal of popularity as a platform to encourage and inspire people to be they're best selves they can be.Your presence is more valued than you know."
Certain bursts of freshness are meant to be short lived. After two years of existence,
Curtis and his partner Ekwel decided to dissolve the company. He assures consumers not to worry. The occasional piece or two may sprout up from time to time.
As we review Bryant's responses in our"getting to know" questionnaire, it becomes quite obvious to us that he comes from somewhat humble beginnings. Making him the man that he is today.
"My dad use to work for a local newspaper in the Bronx and this is when they were heat pressing letters (PRE INDESIGN), my mom and both my grandmothers can sew. My father's mother would sew her church looks the night before sometimes. They all encouraged me in their own way but my mom's mother did it more than others. Every time I stayed over her house, she would have a composition notebook and crayons ready for me," he explains.
New York has a very interesting way of quickly snapping people in the harsh realm of reality, and at the young age of 26, the city has already contributed its fare share of eye opening whip lashings. Surrounded by floss and facade, in the midst of what he refers to as 'The Scene," Bryant launched his clothing brand called Fake Socialite. A term that he and a good friend of his came up with, Fake Socialite was not birthed in malice, despite the negative tone of the name. It actually serves as a reminder for people to stay humble and true.
"Use your pedestal of popularity as a platform to encourage and inspire people to be they're best selves they can be.Your presence is more valued than you know."
Certain bursts of freshness are meant to be short lived. After two years of existence,
Curtis and his partner Ekwel decided to dissolve the company. He assures consumers not to worry. The occasional piece or two may sprout up from time to time.
Bryant's Fake Socialite venture may have come to a close, but that doesn't mean he is scrounging around searching for something to do. In fact, FS may have actually been a side project.
Since graduating from Parsons New School for Design, the 26 year old has been working as a freelance visual artist. He also does graphic design, His current works can be seen at: (www.curtisbryantdesigns.
(CB Work Samples)
We at FFM absolutely love to hear backstories about our "subjects," but if it weren't for their eye catching personal style, chances are we would not have the luxury of getting to know many of them. So as we shift gears, we prepare ourselves to learn more about the clothes that make the man.
Calling his style Urban Prep, CB explains that his look is an infusion of preppy attire and streetwear. With the ability to change up his looks, depending on the outing, or occasion, Bryant also takes pride in being comfortable.
A label whore by no means, we gain information that thrift shops such as Buffalo Exchange and beacons Closet are among his favorite places to shop.
"I also LOVE FOREVER21. People sleep on that store but they have really matured in terms of selection and design," he adds.
If you are one of our many readers that keep track of our Snapped & Caught Men, you will see that most of their personal styles differ greatly. While some of their aesthetics may lean more towards a rock and roll influence, others may be more bohemian. Some even prefer a more tailored but flashy appeal.In our eyes, none of them are wrong. However, that doesn't mean that everyone will agree with one anothers taste.
We jumped at the chance to learn more about CB's views on the subject.
"Mmmmm.... I don't really follow trends enough to spot them but I will say I dislike when men try and pull off a look that's totally out the box for them to fit in. Be yourself."
Calling his style Urban Prep, CB explains that his look is an infusion of preppy attire and streetwear. With the ability to change up his looks, depending on the outing, or occasion, Bryant also takes pride in being comfortable.
A label whore by no means, we gain information that thrift shops such as Buffalo Exchange and beacons Closet are among his favorite places to shop.
"I also LOVE FOREVER21. People sleep on that store but they have really matured in terms of selection and design," he adds.
If you are one of our many readers that keep track of our Snapped & Caught Men, you will see that most of their personal styles differ greatly. While some of their aesthetics may lean more towards a rock and roll influence, others may be more bohemian. Some even prefer a more tailored but flashy appeal.In our eyes, none of them are wrong. However, that doesn't mean that everyone will agree with one anothers taste.
We jumped at the chance to learn more about CB's views on the subject.
"Mmmmm.... I don't really follow trends enough to spot them but I will say I dislike when men try and pull off a look that's totally out the box for them to fit in. Be yourself."
Though it may ring of sound advice, at one point in his life even our featured gentleman had a difficult time achieving these words of wisdom (to an extent). Confessing that he was much heavier a few years ago, one can guess that his level of confidence wasn't quite where it is today. Finding clothes that fit him properly could have hindered his feelings of self worth. This could also be one of the reasons that Curtis doesn't go out his way buying expensive clothing, although his father was known to shower him with apparel.
To be clear, the higher the dollar amount is that one may spend on clothing does not make you the most fashionable. Hell, it doesn't even guarantee you being the best dressed amongst your peers. For most, style CAN NOT be bought. Either you have it or you don't.
To be clear, the higher the dollar amount is that one may spend on clothing does not make you the most fashionable. Hell, it doesn't even guarantee you being the best dressed amongst your peers. For most, style CAN NOT be bought. Either you have it or you don't.
Doing a brief recap on Mr. Bryant, we have learned that he could care less about trends, doesn't spend a fortune on clothing, and prefers to be comfortable. It almost sounds as though he is somewhat anti-fashion. He does however pay attention to what his dearest friends are finding cool apparel wise. Then there's that powerful nuisance called social media. it comes in various forms, and goods by various names such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Tumblr. So even if you think you are not interested in a subject, the dreaded world of social media has a way of shoving information (that you can care less about) down your throats anyways. Not completely naive he does have his own opinions on the current state of fashion.
"Menswear
and men in general are taking more risk when it comes to fashion and I
love it. I also love that it's coming from my people. Rappers are
so influential right now. Even though their taking from everyday people
on social media, the fact that it's seen on TV worn by a person with
melanin is powerful."
A few artists whose style that he tips his hat to are:
1. Chris Brown because his style is urban but he still takes risk whether it be with color, prints or cut.
2. Andre 3000 because he speaks for himself...
3. Wiz Khalifa because he is so trendy and unapologetic. 
In a true New Yorkers fashion, Mr. Bryant has he plate full with many upcoming projects and ventures. Currently enhancing his skills as a photographer, Curtis has also released a book. Entitled HOLY BAEBLE, the book is based on a series of new words inspired by the most recently popular term “BAE, which according to Urban Dictionary is a Danish word for poop. Adopted by the streets, the word is also being used to speak of someone a person holds dear.
Hoping to travel more, Curtis also hopes to get his Masters by the age of 31. We will keep you informed on his updates. Feel free to check in on him on instagram:
curtisbryant_ 
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