Rainbow Speckled Glen Check

She’s a Gent is back in full force!

While I may be challenging myself, this year, to merge my basketball style with dapper, I will always love a dapper double breasted ensemble. I mean seriously… what is more powerful, bold, and jaw dropping then seeing a confident masculine presenting, non-binary, or gender non-conforming person in a suit?!

The Design Process

Designing a new suit has always been an exciting and anxious time for me. I’m sure that’s, in part, due to how overwhelmed I get when looking through all of the gorgeous colors, prints, and patterns. As a suit lover, and fashionista, it can be hard choosing just one pattern to design, especially when I want them all. Shao can definitely relate to this struggle, but on the flip side, she can always sense when I am getting overwhelmed and is, ready to step in and offer her expert opinion. One of the things that I love most about working with her is that she never tries to push her agenda on me. Shao knows my style, possibly better than I do, and knows how important it is to feel your best in your clothing and be visible in a male dominant suiting space.

Shao and I have formed a close friendship over the years, so my suiting consultations are a little different than the norm. After catching up, each one of our consultation starts with us new and innovative ways to push the style envelop while we casually look through 5-10 different books full of swatch patterns. Once we’ve figured out whether we are sticking to the color and/or pattern or using multiple patterns for a patchwork concept, we move onto the style of the suit (ie: single or double breasted) including suit details like the lapel, buttons, cuffed ankles, etc. The only piece of the suit I don’t select is the lining. Shao always likes to surprise me. The finally step to my design consultation is the shirt, and I have to be honest, I lean on Shao a lot when choosing the right shirt – this is because she is has years of experience with pairing suit and shirt textures and patterns.

Safe Space

I think I’ve come to terms with the fact that Shao refuses to let me design a traditional suit. Some may think that I should have the autonomy to design whatever I want and I want to be clear, that I do! However, Shao believes that my style is unique and unordinary and so, she doesn’t think that I should settle for what has been done already, which I appreciate and completely agree with. I can’t stress how thankful, blessed, and yes, I know – privileged, I am to have someone in my life who designs clothing, but more importantly sees me and wants to help me look my best in my truth. It’s so hard to put into words how much Shao’s love and support means for my personal journey. So, I thank Shao for refusing to allow for me to be seen as anything less than extraordinary and continuing to help me push the boundaries on style.

Rainbow Speckled Glen Check

On Instagram, I recently shared a glimpse of my closet including my suit rack. I’m not sure if you noticed, but I don’t have many grey suits so, this winter, I was determined to add a new grey suit to my wardrobe. Last year, Shao created two different grey patchwork suits for me – a solid suit and a patterned suit. I have to add that both suits were double breasted – my favorite and go-to! This time around, we decided to do something different. Are you familiar with the glen check suit? If not, now you can be!

In thinking beyond the suits traditional form, I opted for the rainbow speckled glen check pattern. As I’ve shared in the past, I’ve never been fond of brands using the rainbow as the only way to share ones queerness. However, in the case of this suit, I love how unassuming yet present the rainbow is. The subtle speckled details harness and embolden the classic glen check suit and give it new meaning. For the record, let’s face it, who said that suits were only meant for the patriarchy.

—