In the world of fashion, more specifically, fashion blogging, many are on a quest for distinction. As fashion bloggers strive to differentiate themselves from their fellow “fashion blogger,” two men in particular plan to virtually monopolize the fashion blogosphere. Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs have come together to form something spectacular, digitally documenting the essence of Men’s fashion by way of their blog Street Etiquette.com. Street Etiquette is a collaborative effort that focuses on the fashionably elite through candid imagery and commentary. Much more than that—Street Etiquette shines the light on traditional fashion values with an urban flair.
The 22-year-old duo from Mount Vernon, are well versed in regards to Men’s fashion, in fact, it would be an understatement to merely imply that they are simply knowledgeable—these two mavens are style virtuosos. Joshua and Travis exercise their meticulous expertise in many areas, everything from the seemingly minuscule details such as successfully picking the perfect accessory that compliment an ensemble to being able to explain the significance of each article of clothing representative of a carefully crafted outfit. Accoutrements such as belts and accenting pocket squares are viewed as quaint, but necessary in the perception of these two young men.
Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs
Joshua, who is of Ghanaian ancestry, credits his Father for embedding one particular wardrobe element. “My interest in suiting only came with age and a growing comfort in wearing them. My dad wearing them every day no doubt influenced my eventual fondness for the suits” Joshua explained on Street Etiquette in reference to his matured appetite for wearing suits. Fashion sense is an esteemed facet of awareness, something that is developed not only from a nourishment of constant interactions with style, but also something that derives from the soul. Joshua and Travis have collaborated with many other members of their burgeoning fashion society, namely, the reminiscent-minds of Brooklyn Circus, a retail store focused on classical garments and revitalized urban trends.
The two comrades are also pals of notable jazz-soul singer, Jesse Boykins, with whom Joshua and Travis were featured alongside of for Street Etiquette’s Black Ivy photo shoot. The Black Ivy photo shoot took place in order to divert attention to the black predecessors of Men’s style, a tribute to the black collegiate population who paved the way for this current generation of black students. “When Josh and I first started thinking about this concept, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to intertwine style, character, education and art with a culture that we are not only familiar with, but actually a big part of… What the original Black Ivy league did for folks many years ago is what we strive to do today with individuals that inspire, motivate and spark the creativity of beings around them” Travis shared on Street Etiquette in reference to the feature.
Joshua and Travis have garnered a generous amount of media attention since StreetEtiquette.com’s formation back in 2008. The collective fashion eminence that is Street Etiquette, has been featured in prestigious magazines such as; GQ, Complex, Essence and Vogue Paris. The up and coming icons were recently featured in the Thursday Style section of the New York Times in an article entitled “Serious about Cool” and the accompanying internet article “Pushing The Boundaries of Black Style”. Undoubtedly, much to Joshua’s and Travis’ delight, the article was a beacon of obvious success being placed in the ‘Top 5 Most Emailed Articles of The Day’ amongst the New York Times archives.
As far as the general reception of Street Etiquette.com goes, reviews are mixed, but despite the negative reactions to an approach of Men’s style, that some see as “non-masculine”, the general public is in high favor of Street Etiquette. As early followers of the not-so-typical Men’s fashion, Travis recalls being somewhat ridiculed in High School for his clairvoyant sense of style, but as with most influential individuals, critics are natural elements of prosperity. From braids and baggy pants, to tightly cropped cuts, crispy dreads and high cuffed designer jeans or pleated khakis these two young men have achieved great success doing something they love, being stylish, while offering others their valued outlook on Men’s style. Street Etiquette is selflessly encouraging Black men to pursue the upper echelon of fashion, pushing the boundaries of black style indeed.
Peace!
Jay Rasean
