By Stuart Matson
With a Mercury nominated debut album plus the likes of Mike Skinner and Roots Manuva singing his praises, Ghostpoet has been receiving some much deserved attention of late.
But while his rumbling vocals and candid lyrics have turned heads, it’s the 24-year-old’s dress-sense that has opened our eyes to the revival of geek-chic.
So in tribute to the geek renaissance we have dissected the style into its key components so our readers can reproduce it for themselves.
Hat
Starting from the top, Ghostpoet, aka Obaro Ejimiwe, is never without a tweed trilby or pork-pie hat. Both styles evoke 60’s Detroit and were worn by the likes of Marvin Gaye and Ray Charles, so Obaro is in good company with this choice of headwear.
The Tear Drop Straw Trilby by Bailey of Hollywood is an excellent compromise between these two styles. The short snap-brim is similar to that of the pork-pie, but a pinched front hints at the trilby’s classic contours.
Both designs come in a variety of shades, materials and sizes, which makes it the perfect accessory to lead our geek-chic style.
Glasses
The most recognizable facet of Ghostpoet’s nerdish is his thick rimmed glasses, a style that’s been pioneered on the rapping circuit by the likes of Tinie Tempah and Kanye West.
Fortunately for those of us who wear specs there is an array of chunky frames that can be found for around £35 in high street outlets such as Specsavers.
However, for the 20-20 vision reader Topman offers a range of non-prescription glasses, notably the Black Flat Top Geek Readers. These specs, priced at £14.00, are available in black, and closely mimic the rappers own choice of frames.
Shirt
Central to the geek look is a crisp smart shirt, with Ghostpoet typically opting for plain, long-sleeved and with the top button fastened.
As with any shirt, spend the little extra and not only are your nipples concealed, but you’ll end up with a superior fitting garment.
Burtons and Next have a range of casual and smart shirts, but again it is Topman that has embraced the geek design with close fitted numbers such as their red Navigator Shirt, priced at £28.
Cardigan
Oversized baseball jackets, baggy denim and glossy leather have long been the staple of a rappers wardrobe, but the geek look demands a more restrained and modest choice of apparel.
It is fitting then that Ghostpoet dresses in tweed blazers and thickset cardigans when performing. The cable knit cardigan offered by River Island is trans-seasonal and at £45 it is a sensible investment in ones conversion to geek-chic.
Jeans
In keeping with his close fitting shirts and jackets, Ghostpoet’s trousers are equally snug.
Most clothing outlets now offer skinny or supper skinny jeans, even ‘spray-on’ jeans – but the latter can be very restrictive in areas where a man shouldn’t be. . . uninhibited.
At H&M, the Drain fit is a suitable compromise between comfort and a stylish, slender shape.
Shoes
Finally our fashion guru has substituted the stocky ankle high trainers that have dominated the rap scene for years, in favour of suede boots, completing his style.
Suede can make for a pricey purchase, but there are some good deals out there. For instance, Debenhams’ green suede desert boots, designed by Jasper Conran, are available at £48; a bargain!
Where to buy:
Bailey of Hollywood – The Tear Drop Straw Trilby: Buy here
Topman – Black Flat Top Geek Readers: £14.00 Buy here
Topman – Red Navigator Shirt: £28 Buy here
River Island – Cable Knit Cardigan:£45 Buy here
H&M – Drain Jeans: £29 Buy here
Debenhams – Green Suede Desert Boots:£48 Buy here
