Real Style: Street Etiquette
By Jenna Fain • Jul 3rd, 2009 • Category: Style
Travis “Trav” Gumbs and Joshua “JKISSI” Kissi are leading a revolution, even if you don’t know about it yet. They’re bringing Street Etiquette to the streets of the Bronx, and they’re challenging pre-accepted notions that style is merely aesthetic.
What strikes us most about their respectively edgy, yet experimental urban style is that they own it. It is clear that JKISSI and Trav dress for themselves; but in doing so, they have come to represent their oft-overlooked borough. They take old-fashioned pleasure in attention to details; whether it be a handkerchief peeking out of an oxford shirt pocket or perfectly rolled pant cuffs. This debonair duo is set to explode! The only question is, what will they be wearing?
TSM: How do you describe your style?
JKISSI: In a recent post on our site, I talked about how the term ‘Street Etiquette’ described the way we dress. The word ‘Street’ applies to the upbringing and cultural influence of New York City’s widely urban environment. In contrast, ‘Etiquette’ is what we have learned through the years that we have applied to our style. I would not say we are drastically different than anyone else who dresses similar, but we do strive to put together some interesting color palettes for our outfits that I have not seen before. I feel that we put together items that if not seen in person, the people would not view them as well-dressed.
Trav: Street Etiquette is a mixture of class and sophistication with a gritty, urban twist. Everyone’s style is different in some way. I look for inspiration from the simple things in front of me, things from the past and present. My love for using unique colors and mixing different shades of the same color for a clean, simple, non-tacky look is what makes my style my own.
What do you guys do when you’re not leading the masculine style blog revolution?
T: These days it feels like I do too much but not enough; if that makes sense. I am a full-time student majoring in Marketing. I lifeguard at an indoor pool for that little extra money on the side. I am a aspiring tailor/designer, and last but not least I am a blogger.
JK: I’m currently in school pursuing a career in the medical field; it is quite ironic that I love fashion so much. Most people are shocked that I’m not going to school for anything involving style or fashion. I like to think of it as chapters in my life; you never know what the future chapters have in stores. I also work part-time at the Top shop/Topman store on Broadway.
Why did you decide to start Street Etiquette? You have the first guys’ style blog that makes everyone glance twice. How is your site different and better than others out there?
JK: At first, we started the site just to give people an all-around view of our world. Both Travis and I felt there was a void as far as men’s fashion/lifestyle blogs online therefore forcing us to take on the task. At the time, there were a lot of female driven fashion blogs around who were doing a pretty good job; just to name a few: Style Bubble, Sea of Shoes, and Karla’s Closet. The term ‘Street Etiquette’ was coined by Travis as it embodied everything we stood for. Our site provides people with informative content that is merged with fashion from our perspective. It is more than just pictures on a site - we actually put the images as well as ourselves out there. The fact that people from all over the world read our site displays its universal appeal. Our readers feel like they know us, and that’s the feeling we want them to feel when they are on our site. People will be pretty surprised of our Street Etiquette-branded products in the near future. With the current over-saturation of fashion blogs, it is becoming more difficult to find the really good ones, but once you do the search is well worth it.
T: I should first mention that the term “Street Etiquette” came from a Nas song. I instantly fell in love with the term and have been using it as my motto for years. It is amazing how complex a simple two-word phrase can be. When Josh and I decided to start our own lifestyle blog, there was no question what it would be called. We decided to start Street Etiquette because we felt we had a lot to contribute to the blog world. The Bronx has been at the bottom of the tadpole in the fashion category when compared to other boroughs as of late. Street Etiquette is an ongoing and steadily growing attempt to bring back that spark to not only The Bronx but also to the entire urban culture. We also wanted to journalize and document our style as it evolves. Our blog seems to be very popular based on the fact that it primarily involves us, people get to see what we do and like and get a visual insight on the culture that we contribute to. It is very ironic that this makes us different, a blog once used as an online journal for the writer, these days many personal blogs are filled with distant, impersonal news and celebrity gossip.
How does living in the Bronx affect your style?
T: I love the Bronx. Street Etiquette wouldn’t exist without the Bronx. Living in The Bronx forces me to go that extra mile. The birthplace of Hip-Hop and sneaker culture needs a rebirth of pure style, art, and culture. The Bronx is shunned by many when compared to the other boroughs; it is our job to bring it back.
JK: The Bronx is the last borough left untainted from any effects of gentrification in New York City. Most people think of the Bronx as a devastated area where feral people are ready to pounce on you at any time. This is false - the Bronx has its good parts and bad parts like anywhere else on the map, but it just so happens there are way more bad parts. When people think of the Bronx, their first thoughts are distant from “fashion” or “style” and that’s one distinction in particular that makes us stand out from the rest. People we have come across constantly think we’re from Brooklyn or Harlem and are surprised where we are really from. The Bronx has affected our style in the more street, or urban part, of our style more than anything. By now, we are used to the blank stares we get as we maneuver around from the Bronx to other parts of New York City. A lot of people don’t know this, but Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein are both Bronx natives, and we are looking for the same impact, if not more. The present day is very different from previous times now that this generation has creative minds and creative people like us who are ready to change this borough upside down. At the end of the day, I just have too much love for this borough.
What menswear trends are you excited about for summer?
T: Cropped shorts rolled at the end. I am loving this trend. It’s such an easy, clean look for the summer and it gives a little spark to the traditional shorts.
JK: To be perfectly honest, I have always been a dedicated fan of fall and winter but this time around, I’m ecstatic for the summertime. I feel like this past winter has been the longest and coldest I have ever encountered. I’m definitely looking forward to buying shorts and linen shirts. The color white will play a big role in my wardrobe this summer and I’m definitely interested to see what color palettes I can come up with, knowing that white goes with anything - I can’t wait.
What are your “trademark” items?
JK: Clarks footwear seems to always make an appearance in most of my outfits. I’m a big fan of desert boots and Wallabees, an example of classic footwear. This would not fall in the trademark items category, but I constantly like to roll my sleeves up past my elbows.
T: The oxford shirt is of course on top of the trademark list. The versatility of it is amazing. No matter the look, an oxford shirt can contribute its share to any outfit.
Is there a fashion era that tends to intrigue you?
JK: My favorite fashion era would have to be the early times during the Harlem Renaissance (1910-1930) and the Jazz Age. People really stepped out of the old dark colors and somber clothes to something much more with the times. Men were wearing things such as newsboy caps and neckband shirts with detachable collars. The intriguing thing is that some of the staples from back then are still present today.
T: The fashion of the Harlem Renaissance is by far my favorite and the most inspiring era. People were so immaculately dressed. The guys were stunningly sharp in their properly proportioned 3-piece suits and women stayed beautiful in their short, blowy dresses.
What girls’ trends will you never understand?
T: Uggz has had its time.
JK: The recent craze of UGGs, leggings, and a collegiate sweatshirt is something I will never understand! Hey, at the end of the day what can I really say but “To each their own”. Irony at its best.
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street etiquette is so far ahead on the men’s style blog, it’s not even funny. great Real Style!!
July 3rd, 2009 at 5:59 am
I first met these two interesting young men through a good friend of mine; Dr. Phil of the Award Tour brand. When I met them I thought the outfits that they had on were unique b/c I recognized the style and understood the aim. However when I discovered that this was their everyday style it became more important to me. Anyone can do it for one night or a week even but these two gentlemen dress like this day after day and that is what sets them apart. My own style varies as the days change, but that’s due to nature. With them it seems like no matter what happens they are going to dress within the limits of this style and thats cool.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 am
They’re inspirational, nuff said.
July 3rd, 2009 at 7:59 am
Desert boots fit very well into their style. And Joshua is just great with color.
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 am
Definitely one of my favourite reads in my blog roll! So many menswear blogs regurgitate the same old content but this is always so fresh and looks damn good doing it.
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:11 am
This was a great interview! It’s so powerful seeing young, educated, motivated, well-dressed black men doing their thing. Keep going!
July 3rd, 2009 at 8:53 am
I love these guys. I enjoy the blog so much I find it one of the more refreshing fashion/lifestyle blogs that I’ve read in a while… I can definitely feel them about the Bronx. Its the same here in Detroit, we often get overlooked when it comes to fashion, music, and culture in general. Its ridiculous. I definitely feel that same pride in my city that these guys have in theirs. I hope to one day work with them both when I make the big move to NYC….
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:08 am
I have to say, the street etiquette guys are probably one of my biggest fashion blogging crushes. Their style, their insight, and their passion never ceases to amaze me!
It’s also so intriguing to read about how “Street Etiquette” came to be, and what it means to them. Having just read “Style Statement,” I love that these young men managed to discover their so early on and by themselves– it’s great to be able to define your style in just a few strong words that can convey so much.
Thank you for featuring these guys!
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:11 am
Awesome interview with two of the most stylish and intelligent young men to grace the interwebs! I love their style and love that they represent the beautiful diversity of NYC! Very good + informative interview, keep rawking my stylish lads!
July 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
I love what soho b said about their style. It’s true–they’re so consistent. They can’t be caught off guard and it takes real insight and interestin fashion to execute this in the bronx where jordans and tims still reign.
X
S.
July 3rd, 2009 at 10:12 am
Good interview. Yes white is in..and also cropped shorts will be in my closet as wel!
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:43 am
good read
SE on the come up
July 3rd, 2009 at 1:40 pm
These two kill it on the regular. Makes us old folks look lazy.
July 3rd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Wonderful interview . I’ve been a follower of their blog and I must say, it is always good to see style and class represented by young men.
July 3rd, 2009 at 11:52 pm
Great interview. I’ve recently started following and anytime I’m inspired to step my game up a little further, I follow what inspired me. Awesome job SE and Supermelon. I plan on my interview not being too far away hehe…..
July 4th, 2009 at 5:48 am
As an African American male finding guys with a fashion style that is unique and eye opening is comforting. I’ve been catching them for a while now and they are a group I continually pride myself on being part of. They bring a real African American spirit, classic clothing with personal flair. Great interview!
July 5th, 2009 at 10:20 am
SE has been a big influence since they’ve been out. I have nothing but good things to say about them. Good interview! I think I’ve found a new blog to follow! =) keep it up!
July 6th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I LOVE Street Etiquette blog and these fellas’ style is impeccable, I must say. Personally, I hate the skinny jean trend on men but these guys make me re-think that and many other menswear styles that I previously disliked. I was hooked since the first read and I love how personal it is. Can’t wait to meet Trav & JKISSI in person one day to collabo on something. Keep it up yall!! …..oh, and to Supermelon & Street Etiquette, AMAZING INTERVIEW!! *Live Life in STYL*
July 6th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I’ve just recently started following their blog but it has been a huge source of inspiration for me. I love what they’re doing with Street Ettiquette. Anytime you see young black men doing something postitive it’s a good thing!
July 6th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
love their blog, been reading for ages now. they have great style and are so down to earth. i hope SE carries on and gets the exposure it deserves.
July 7th, 2009 at 5:59 am
Thanks for the Q&A on these fresh boys. I’ve become an instant fan.
July 7th, 2009 at 7:54 am
I’m in love… =D
July 8th, 2009 at 2:54 pm
I’m a loayl and devoted fan. Wonderful blog, wonderful dudes. True inspiration to younger men like me; Trav and JKISSI continue doing what you doing, you guys can only improve and become better.
July 9th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
*sorry for typo. :/
July 9th, 2009 at 5:52 pm
Nice work, Gents. Way to keep it classy. Thanks for the read, Supermelon. Another good bookmark.
July 13th, 2009 at 7:30 pm
I’m in love with the boots. I’m saving up for a pair for women from J Crew. It’s good to see you featuring men on here.
bonbon’s vintage
July 14th, 2009 at 10:46 pm
The Street Etiquette gents provide endless inspiration in men’s style.
July 18th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
I love Street Etiquette, the concept is brilliant and I fully applaud these guys for stepping out there and showing the world what’s up.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I love Street Etiquette, the concept is brilliant and I fully applaud these guys for stepping out there and showing the world what’s up.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:30 pm
I want to come on here and officially thank everyone for the good words about Street Etiquette , we will continue to not let any of you guys down!
Thanks to the Supermelon for allowing us to this interview. Good job to all the people who took part in the process of getting this interview up on the internet.
Great thanks !!!!
July 29th, 2009 at 1:51 pm
… that was a great interview… glad i wasn’t the only one who thought that uggs has met its time line… def. learned alot about the site and the idea behind it.
March 13th, 2010 at 2:26 pm