Style Secrets of Carlton J. Smith
Each month in the magazine, I find a local style luminary to divulge their fashion and shopping tips. I am thrilled to republish Carlton J. Smith’s hilarious take on fashion published in the January issue. For those who don’t know him, Carlton is a singer and performs at big venues all around town – lots of soul and motown mixed in with funky renditions of modern hits. His fashion is as smooth as his voice….
Sum up your look in three words. Sharp, sexy, soulful.
Do you always dress so dapper?I’m dapper at all times… even in my sleep! I have dapper dreams!
What’s your favorite stage outfit? A phenomenal suit. When I walk out onstage, I can feel the audience looking at me and commenting. Although that murmur from the crowd could be because my zipper is open and I’m not wearing any underwear.
Where do you get most of your suits?I LIVE at Lujiabang Lu fabric market. It is the equivalent of a crack house for me. If they ever place a Krispy Kreme inside there, it’ll take the entire Chinese army to drag me out. My ONLY tailor is sweet Mary, located at Booth 338.
What’s your favorite off-stage look?Each morning I lie to myself yet again about going to the gym, so I can often be seen wearing workout clothes… even at Krispy Kreme.
How is your fashion linked to your music?I have to look good when I walk on that stage because I’m selling dreams of love lost and love found, and I can’t be dressed like everyone in the audience.
Let’s talk shoes… I love boots, particularly black suede boots because they’re sexy and mysterious. I get all of my shoes made at Yanye Handmade Shoes.
Give men some fashion advice…Shine your shoes. If you’re taking a lady out, put on a damn suit. Stop wearing French cuff shirts with jeans thinking you’re the second coming of Cary Grant. Then there’s the classic old school basics, like, if you have a hole in it, throw it away!
Check out Carlton’s website here if you want to book him for your next big blowout. He brings life to every party! You can also find him performing at Brown Sugar every Wednesday on ladies’ night.