August 23, 2022

AFRICAN-AUSTRALIAN HIP-HOP SENSATION BLESSED GUIDES US THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CHAPTERS OF HIS PERSONAL STYLE JOURNEY.

little over a year ago, we published the first edition of GQ Dressed. Our goal? To create a series that highlights the personal style of people you might see walking down the street, shredding at the skate park or soft-launching a fire look at a local art gallery opening. Men whose style we find inspiring but approachable, too.

We wanted to know where they shopped, what kind of brands they were into and how they found the confidence to wear exactly what they wanted and not what society tells them they should. And we figured you'd want to know, too. We hope you've found (and stolen) some tips and recommendations as Dressed has progressed because we certainly have.

Our guest today is guaranteed to get anyone with an ear to the ground excited. That's because Blessed Samuel Joe-Andah—aka Blessed—is generating some well-deserved hype in the music industry right now, following the premiere of his galvanising album, Aussie Blackstar, which dropped in June.

But Blessed isn't just a music trailblazer. Much like his own style icons did for him, his unique sense of style is also inspiring a generation of young hip-hop fans. From humble beginnings in a Ghanian church, where he learned that fashion could be a form of creative expression, to the chunky chains and cargo pants he performs in today, we feel confident in declaring that Blessed knows how to dress.

Full name?

Blessed Samuel Joe-Andah.

What do you do?

I’m a musician.

Where are you from, and where do you currently live?

Originally I'm from Ghana, I grew up in Australia and I currently live in London.

Do you recall when you first became interested in fashion?

The Ghanaian culture is rich with fashion as a form of expression. Growing up, my mum always had great taste in clothing and colour coordination. She would dress myself and my younger brother in the flyest African pieces for church on Sunday. As I got older that taste in quality and that individuality of expression rubbed off on me.

Where do you look for style inspo?

I find style inspo in real life from what people are wearing when travelling or out for the day. I'm more attracted to individual style rather than collective trends.

Colour or monochrome?

Monochrome.

Tattoos or piercings?

Tattoos.

How does the Aussie music scene influence your style?

I tend to look to Europe and Asia for inspiration on personal style.

What piece of advice would you give to someone figuring out their own personal style?

Look for an era that resonates with you the most, whether it’s the '90s, 70s, early 2000s… and blend the colours, silhouettes and cuts with what works well with your body type and skin tones.

Original Article: The Artist Pioneer ing a New Flavour of Hip-Hop Fashion