Image via Complex Original
We consider a lot of looks "eccentric" these days. Some are a little more out there than others. With an emphasis on individuality catapulting to the forefront of style, there is an abundance of oddball looks and seemingly "unique" style choices proliferating the men's fashion world at the moment. But it's not always clear who is really blazing his own trail, and who is just jocking.
From designers and writers to stylists and entrepreneurs, these are the guys who always look fresh, and never look like the next dude. You may know their names, or their work, or maybe you are discovering a few of these dudes for the first time. And you don't have to model your look after them, but you gotta appreciate what they do. Learn a thing or two about individuality from The 10 Style Eccentrics You Should Know.
Yuki Matsuda
Yuketen/Chamula/Monitaly
Inspired by small sections and ethnicities of the U.S. and Mexico, Matsuda's designs and style obviously cater to a certain demographic. On days you don't spot him rocking his prized leather apron, you will definitely find him taking the Japanese-Americana look to a new level.
Shayne Oliver
Hood by Air
If we were discussing Shayne Oliver's hand in the street goth movement two years ago (pre-A$AP Rocky), it might have gone unnoticed. But the Hood by Air creator's style is definitely at the forefront of the discussion. Oliver is sure to take advantage of his recent success this year and he should be one you look to for what's next.
Stephen Mann
Stylist
You may not be familiar with the man, but you have definitely seen his work. London native Stephen Mann has styled looks and consulted for Norse Projects, Inventory Magazine, Missoni, and Arc'teryx Veilance, to name a few. But it's his keen eye for combining Japanese menswear with street and sportswear that makes him a leader in cult style.
Lapo Elkann
Italia Independent
It's pretty easy to have eccentricities when you have mo' money, mo' money, mo' money. Entrepeneur Lapo Elkann is a prime example. Once the creative mind of Fiat, "Lapo of luxury"'s love affair with menswear has been well-documented as he's been established as one of the sprezziest dudes you'll ever see. Bright suits, big-framed shades, slick-backed hair. The style hero's money is long and peacocking is strong.
Chris Julian
Fruition/UNKNWN
Mixing high-end fashion with streetwear is nothing new. But the way Chris Julian, creator of Fruition LV, does it is a little different from the rest. Customized pieces and pieces you have never seen and will never get your hands on strung together for vibrant looks, the fashion visionary's style and know-how is why Kanye considers him a friend, and why UNKNWN in Miami hired him to help launch the shop.
Doug Bihlmaier
RRL
God damn, Doug Bihlmaier is a G. RRL's whole vintage Americana aesthetic? Thank him for that. He might look like stylish bum, but make no mistake, this is an exercise in meticulous swag. Scruffy beards with layers of vintage sweaters, jackets, chambrays, flannels, patchwork pants and, of course bandannas, Bihlmaier's hand in Ralph Lauren as a vintage buyer has been heavy since the 80's.
Angelo Flaccavento
Men's Style Writer
Italians just do the whole tailored thing better, don't they? Angelo Flaccavento is a prime example of how to "mix it up." Slim, tailored blazers, straight leg trousers, funky neckwear—this famous Italian fashion journalist known as "Waka Flaccavento" definitely goes hard in the paint. Documenting menswear worldwide with for the likes of Italian GQ, Fantastic Man, and Uomo Vogue, no front row is complete without him.
Daiki Suzuki
Engineered Garments
Daiki's style can best described as impeccably odd, and we can all use a little odd in our wardrobe. The man who lead the workwear movement with Engineered Garments, also helped menswear grow up and get comfortable with tailoring. His style has been well documented at various fashion trade shows and industry events, but it's his collections season after season that show you what his personal taste is really all about. Daiki is king.
Glenn O'Brien
GQ
The man who once referred to himself as a "renegade traditionalist", Glenn O'Brien is not your ordinary stylish gent. The "Style Guy" at GQ has a storied career, ranging from author, to "TV Party" host, to menswear aficionado. His eclectic lifestyle is quite apparent in his style. When the dude is giving Supreme shoutouts with Tyler, the Creator one day and sitting front row with Ye in pinstripe knickers the next, he is pretty much saying he can do whatever the fuck he wants.
Takahiro Miyashita
The Soloist
Two of the best labels to come out of Japan were conceived by the genius mind of one man: Takahiro Miyashita. Once keeping the game on their toes with his now defunct line number (n)ine, Miyashita now designs for The Soloist, which comes directly from his personal style, using asymmetrical cuts and unique modifications to staple pieces. If you haven't checked out Miyashita's line or seen him put an outfit together, here's your chance. Can't say anyone else does it like him.