Style Icon - Karl-Edwin Guerre (street-style photographer)

Karl-Edwin Guerre is an artist and photographer with many interests. Probably the best-dressed street-style photographer out there, Guerre takes the crown as the king of swagger. His impeccable eye for capturing sartorial snapshots carries over to to how he immaculately puts himself together. He's never seen without a pocket square or a fanciful piece of millinery, and doesn't need an excuse or occasion to get dressed up. He has fun with fashion and playfully combines bold colors, patterns, and textures.

A dapper presence outside most NYFW shows, Guerre finds the modern masculine dandy throughout the city. Best checked before any attempt at serious pattern or color-contrasting.

ELLE Girl Interview

ELLEgirl: Give us a style 101 cheat sheet on how men with swag should dress today.

Karl-Edwin Guerre: I don’t use the word swag anymore, but in my opinion, men with style master two things: 1. Understanding: understanding what works for them whether it’s the right colors, the right fit, the right fashion. 2. Imagination: knowing how to be creative and think outside the box (while maintaining number one).

EG: Who is your favorite fashion photographer and why?
KEG: It’s kind of hard to call. I don’t have a favorite. I like the work of Richard Avedon because it was full of life. I like Jamel Shabazz because he covered hip-hop when it was new and cool.

EG: Where do you usually wander to snap pictures of fashionable people?
KEG: I carry my camera with me 80 percent of the time. I always have an eye open when it comes to style. Sometimes I get lucky and find great styles in unexpected places. I like to keep it fresh in terms of locations I shoot and am always open to check a new place out… at least once.

EG: Tell us your perfect summer attire.
KEG: Anything that makes people smile. I love colors and you’ll never catch me without a hat.

EG: Tell us your vision of a woman’s perfect summer attire.
KEG: Comfortable, and flowing. Simplicity!

EG: How should men accessorize? Give us your key pieces.

KEG: I think accessories should be a reflection of the person (like everything else they wear). Usually, I think less is better, but some guys can really pull off the multiple bracelets. The key pieces are the watch, a bracelet, and possibly one or two rings. If a man decides to wear multiple rings, he should consider one wearing one ring (multiple ring: one bracelet). Other key pieces include the hat, pins are cool, and (sun)glasses are often a nice touch.

EG: How do we get our boyfriends to stop wearing a T-shirt and the same pair of jeans everyday without retaliation?
KEG: Give them an option. Show them that other things that work well for them and let them know that there are outfits that compliment them much more than the same jeans and T-shirt. Help him find what works for him and watch the light bulb start to shine.

EG: What is your go-to outfit when you’re short on time and patience?
KEG: (smile) When it comes to style, I make it a point to make time and always have patience.

EG: Who are your favorite designers? What is your favorite brand?
KEG: I like Ozwald Boateng—my favorite suit comes from him. I’m also big on Ralph Lauren. I really like his products.

EG: What are you wearing right now?
KEG: I just came from the last day of Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy where they showcase the best in men’s style. I’m wearing a lime green linen pants from Ralph Lauren, a cream linen shirt, also from Ralph Lauren, and a pair of cream bucks and a straw fedora.

EG: You’ve got a golden eye for style, but what is it that attracts you most about a person?

KEG: Energy is important, that’s something you can’t buy or fake. Style is a reflection of personality—energy is its foundation.