UGO MESSI'S 7 MENSWEAR COMMANDMENTS

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I’m a 30 year old Frenchman, working in the alcohol industry in Kenya for almost 2 years now. My style is disruptive, but I must say it is very “French” and it would blend better in Paris.

I’d define my style as being urban casual: always a pair of sneakers, but as I witnessed when I was living in the Netherlands it is totally possible to match this with a business outfit! In Amsterdam most people wear sneakers to go to work and I just loved this trend, even before it hit France.

(Btw Ugo, be sure that the same vibe & style has hit the streets of NAIROBI just as hard)

Besides my job I am very passionate about music, especially French rap. Quite interestingly a friend of mine is a music producer, and during a recent trip to Paris I’ve had the chance to write and record a track with 3 other friends in a studio. This was a first and I liked everything about it, from the creation process to the emulation between friends during this sleepless night. I must admit the result is quite bad, but who cares?

I try to travel as much as possible. I really love discovering new countries, meeting new people and getting to understand how they think, how they behave. A recent memorable trip was to Hong-Kong, because everything was so different to anything I had experienced before!

For example, they have a really nice sense of fashion and everyone is quite proud to express it in a unique way. They are very big on sneakers, so I had to bring a pair back. I went for a reedition of a classic: Nike Air Span II. I like bringing a new pair whenever I travel, so every time I wear them I remember the good memories.

I would definitely say my favorite destination in Kenya is Lamu. This place has such a cool vibe. It is the perfect option to get out of Nairobi. I do not go there for shopping, but when I am there I make sure I carry a few essentials: a good book (Flowers for Algernon for example), “espadrilles” shoes (Le Slip Français – France), a pair of swim shorts (Orlebar Brown – UK), a fancy T-shirt (Maison FT – France) a nice pair of shades (Ace & Tate – the Netherlands), and a cap (24 apparel – Nigeria).

I like spending time with myself, exercising at the gym. Ever since I started focusing on this I must say my level of confidence has really gone up… But this is not just a question of muscles: I genuinely feel better, since I also modified my diet habits. Even though it obviously did not change my personality, all this changed the way people see me.

When it comes to dressing up I am indeed more confident to wear clothes that are more fitted thanks to this.

2. What was the highest moment in your life and what were you wearing?

I’ve had the chance to celebrate some successes, but I also really love celebrating my friends’. My most recent high moment was one of my best friend’s wedding happening in Normandy, France. It was quite special as it was a multicultural union – my friend’s wife being Moroccan – also with different faiths. For this purpose, I decided to wear a custom tailored dark grey suit, with a discreet kitenge printed lining (We’re still waiting for the pics Ugo, wink wink). Being half French / half Cameroonian myself, this combination means a lot to me in addition to being elegant, stylish and different.

It also shows that dressing up can serve a greater purpose, and I like the fact that anyone can share a message and express her/himself in such a simple way.

Get inspired by others but remember to add a personal touch. You’ll never be able to please everyone when it comes to dressing, so at least do it for yourself… Be unapologetic about your style!

Ugo, works for Pernord Ricard East Africa as the Brand Ambassador for Martell, Mumm & Perrier-Jouët. Fine drinks in their own right. He is an avid football fan and supports Barcelona FC, well at least he says it’s because the G.O.A.T (Lionel Messi) plays for them. In his Mixtape he sings about Hatem Ben Arfa (plays for Ligue 1 club Rennes), deserving the Ballon d’Or. “It’s basically non-sense but that’s what makes it fun!” he added. You can listen to the mix-tape on this link here . You can keep tabs with him on his Linked In page or his Instagram  handle @ugo_messi .

Ugo Messi, was dressed & styled by Genteel. Feeling the need to #BeUnapologetic about your style, Book an appointment with us today here or click on the banner down below.

We would wish to express a special thanks to Milan Restaurant,Lounge & Bar and to Martell Kenya for making this edition of the Seven Menswear Style Commandments possible.