What Brothers Are Wearing - fashion style of African American men - Brief Article

IT has long been true that the most fashionable clothing--the trendy, the stylish, the cutting-edge-has been worn with aplomb by African-American men. For years, Brothers have set the fashion tone, displaying panache and a level of sartorial splendor that has been emulated around the world.

The EBONY Man 2001 is no different--stepping out in a wide array of outfits that are heavy on comfort and eyecatching appeal. In other words, he knows what looks good.

On these pages, we feature some of the hottest ensembles--dressy and casual--that have been sighted at numerous award shows, movie premieres and other public places in recent months. More and more, the trend appears to be leaning toward more casual, longer and "hipper" styles that are reminiscent of the '70s and allows you to make an individual fashion statement.

If these outfits (or some that are similar) aren't already a part of your wardrobe, then chances are they could be in your closet in the near future.

FLAIR, FLAMBOYANCE and understated chic (respectively) are reflected in the outfits of singer LENNY KRAVITZ, who's dressed in a paisley jacket with pinstripe slacks and a low-cut striped shirt; the NBA's MVP SHAQUILLE O'NEAL, sporting an attention-getting, shoulder-to-heel suit ensemble with a 10-gallon hat; and actor CUBA GOODING JR., whose casual attire, with unbuttoned shirt, reflects his mood.

ELEGANCE AND STYLE come in various forms and are exhibited in the outfits of TV personality BRYANT GUMBEL, who sports a pinstriped suit that's accented with a white pocket square, and actor RICHARD ROUNDTREE dons a single-breasted, two-piece suit. A more formal look is displayed by Gideon's Crossing star ANDRE BRAUGHER, accenting his tuxedo with a conventional necktie, and entertainer OBBA BABATUNDE opts for contemporary style, choosing not to wear the traditional bow tie with his tuxedo and wingtip formal shirt.

COLORFUL AND CLASSY on the runway are Ebony Fashion Fair models who make a fashion statement with some stylish, trendy combinations. At left, RODNEY HIGH and PHILLIP GRIFFIN exhibit a dressy-casual took while sporting two-piece, shirt/jacket suits in eye-catching colors. Griffin strikes a pose in a black velvet jacket embroidered with red floral pattern over black pants. High (below) is confident in a two-piece, velvet suit (with a 3/4-length coat) that's accented with white gloves and a white shirt.