y Remmy Diagbare

“The Moment I Was Obamacized “ – an interview with Nigeria’s own Stan Mukoro by Remmy Diagbare.With calm controversy, Obama’s name still buzzes in the air. A red, white and blue hot commodity on any given day, the American leader is definitely a household name.

Opinions about his successes and failures at the 44th President of the United States is a trending topic that goes back forth more than a swing on a playground.

One in particular that has driven a dagger into the hearts of many here is the recent, foiled terror attack aboard a US aircraft on Christmas day by one of Nigeria’s own. The flurry of responses from Africa’s largest country has mainly been discontent. How can Nigeria step forward and play a significant role in the Obama presidency when we have to contend with the media sensationalisms and no microphone to speak our “peace”?

The emotional landscape of this country is catastrophic since the decision to place us on the terror watch list was made. Yet, we still hold our heads up proudly and move forward. It is time to step back and take a more in depth look at reality. There is a serious disconnect between the giant of Africa and the first African-American leader of America.

Instead of being reactive, we should be proactive. The divide is senseless and we are allowing our “ethnic” voices to be louder than our “ethnical” voices. It is time for an emotional adjustment and working together to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure is the hot topic.

Our destiny is in our hands. Among the Nigerian change agents living in America is Stan Mukoro, Allure’s contributing style editor. He has been an Obama supporter since 2004, when many did not know who he was or the impact he would have on the world. Stan read the stars and stuck to the Obama promise.

He, in fact, played a significant role in raising funds for Obama’s campaign in Atlanta, for which he earned a handshake and face-to-face time with the man who is making history. In this interview, Stan talk politics and passion related to the style mentoring business from which he is charting a new path. Enjoy!

President Obama with Sam Mukoro

How did styling become a business?
As mentioned before, my friends were my foundation. I never took for granted how they recognized and respected my fashion sense. As a manager for Mercedes Benz USA for seven years and BMW USA for two and a half years, I didn’t have time to dedicate my attention to anything else. I clearly remember one client saying to me, “You really need to go and research how much image consultants make.” I did my research and I was blown away.  Image professionals in New York and London are paid very, very well. So, it was only a matter of time before I changed my course. It wasn’t something I was looking for or ever imagined I would make money from but as I did my research, I realised that it was a very successful business worldwide.  So, here I am.

Did you have to train for it?
Actually, no, I did not. I have been involved in fashion all my life. My father is a very good dresser.  My brothers and sister are also very fashionable. In my teenage years, I did a bit of modelling in Nigeria. Whilst in England, I worked at several retail stores part time.

What is style mentoring?
Style mentoring is providing lifestyle consulting and wardrobe concierge services. It is professional and entertaining. At MUKORO|BESPOKE we cater to the wardrobe needs of the busy man with emphasis on their personal style and fit. We concentrate more on fit than the price of the garment. Our clients are important gentlemen who have multiple professional and personal commitments on any given day but their schedules don’t permit time to shop for wardrobe needs. We are the liaison between the client and retail stores. It really simplifies things without the thought of “what to wear when” for my clients.

I have a client who stays on the go.  I provide weekly wardrobe services to him. His wardrobe week begins on Friday and goes through Thursday of the following week. In one week, he may have 7 commitments and require a different outfit for each; he may have an event in New York, another in Los Angeles and perhaps even travelling internationally.

When planning his wardrobe, I have to take into consideration the weather in New York is different from that of Los Angeles. Comfort is key when travelling but what you wear while flying on a plane may not be suitable for a board meeting. This is just a sample of how I service a client.

This means you need to have money to afford your services?
Yes, it is a business that cost is associated with.

How do you determine a client’s needs?
We have a process at MUKORO| BESPOKE. We complete a wardrobe analysis during the first consultation to assess fundamental needs. Does the client own a charcoal grey suit, a navy suit and blazer? Does the client own grey or black slacks? If he does not have one, we build from there. Black shoes, brown shoes, burgundy shoes and you can build from there. Three white dress shirts, three blue dress shirts and you build from there.

Also during the evaluation, we assess special occasion options. Sometimes we find men who attend multiple black-tie or formal events a year but do not own a tuxedo. A tuxedo should be a staple in a man’s closet, period. For most of our clients, our services are not necessarily about buying or replacing their wardrobe entirely. The greatest issue is typically improper fit. When you lack proper fit, you don’t wear an outfit well. So, what we do first and foremost is educate on proper fit.

What do you mean by fit?
The best analogy I can give you is this  – why buy a size 34, if you are truly a size 30? Should a man wear a size 17 shirt if he is truly a 15? The answer is no. Typically, most men wear oversized shirts. They should be wearing shirts true to their size, not baggy or loose.

So how should a man’s shirt fit?
He should always follow the tape measure. Mens clothes shouldn’t be tight. Fitted but not tight. They should be appropriately sized to what the tape measure says. Again, if the tape measure says a man’s neck is a size 15, then don’t buy a size 17.  People confuse right fit with baggy fit.

On a scale of one to ten, how important is image?
Ten. We all only have one opportunity to make a first impression. There is no second chance. At MUKORO|BESPOKE we are about lifestyle, effortless style, grooming and a timeless look. Health and wellness are also areas we review.

Some people may say this is vain.
No, it is not vain. It is about projecting an image that is totally healthy.

How long have you been doing this?
Officially, two years. When I say officially, I mean that’s when it became a business. However, I have been dressing men for the last fifteen years.

What is the awareness for image consulting in the U.S.?
There is a high-level of awareness. The economic downfall really made people step their game up because the job market is much more competitive now. Unemployment is at an all time high. Image is extremely important when applying or interviewing for a potential job and keeping it too. It makes all the difference.

What does it take to create or improve an image?
To achieve the right look, people have to stop breaking certain style commandments. For instance, there is a certain place the shoulders of a suit jacket should end, exactly at the end of the shoulder blades, not one or two inches below. The sleeve length of the jacket should meet the bone on your wrist.

The length of your jacket – if you keep your hands outstretched and down at your side, should end where your knuckles are. If it is longer, it means it’s oversized or it’s a trench coat. Those are just some of  the many rules men constantly break.

Four button suits are taboo. Wearing brown shoes with a black suit is a fashion faux pas. The tie that goes beyond your belt buckle is too long. Wearing a casual belt with a traditional business suit is another mistake. Lastly, wearing a linen suit on a rainy day is a no-no. When it rains, please wear a dark suit.

So, one has to be concerned about his look to employ an image professional.
That’s correct. Many times, it could be the wife of the client approaching us. Many men do not have mix ability, the ability to mix and match what’s in their closet. I work with my clients to develop that skill. Some are clueless on what to wear when black tie or cocktail attire is requested. Again, we provide wardrobe and image education across the board.

How has it been dealing with Nigerians?
Easy. I am product of Nigeria so cultivating  a Nigerian man’s wardrobe comes natural. We incorporate influences from all over the world.

How would you rate Nigerians in terms of style?
I would rate Nigerians on the same scale as Europeans. Nigerian men are among the best dressed in the world. They are very stylish. I can pick out a Nigerian in a crowd. They almost always have flair and style.

How would you rate the Nigerian woman?
I really can’t rate Nigerian women in terms of fashion because women are not my focus. I have seen some nicely dressed women when I am travelling there.

How has the global recession impacted your business?
It has helped it actually. Men want to dress, need to dress, especially with the rising unemployment rate.

How has writing in Allure affected you?
What I appreciate about Allure is the ability to express myself freely when it comes to fashion. A lot of what I write is based on my personal experiences in corporate America. I call myself the Chris Rock of writing. Chris Rock is a comedian in America, who says things that people think of but can’t say. It has been an unexpected tremendous success. Imagine that Vanguard is now the number one most visited media Web site in Nigeria.  I now have an international following that visits my Web site, www.mukorobespoke.com and my Facebook and Twitter pages to read my writings and advice.

Aside from style mentoring, you also played a significant role during President Obama’s campaign in Atlanta. Tell me about that.
Yes. I was a Host Committee member for the “Obama Atlanta Area Kick-Off” in March 2007 and helped to solidify over 600 donors to break the $500,000 fund-raising record previously met by the John Kerry campaign in 2004. My commitment led to my paying $2,300 each for my fiancée JeNika and myself to attend a VIP reception and also meeting the preset fund-raising level of up to $50,000 for the Obama for America campaign.

How did you feel meeting him one on one?
It was a moment filled with mutual gratitude; he really made me feel like I was speaking to my older brother. I immediately shook his hand very firmly, introduced myself and told him I was from Nigeria. I was very impressed with his memory and attention to detail. I will never forget that introduction; it was very special for many reasons.

Since becoming President, has there been any change in the perception of the African American in the society? And even, how has it changed the African American’s views of himself?
Absolutely. President Obama continues to deliver the “change” he promised during his campaign. He is a shining example of hope and promise. President Obama’s message to the young, middle-aged and old is that one can achieve whatever it is he or she wants to has lifted African-Americans intellectually and emotionally. There can be no more excuses. Period. As a Nigerian living in America, I am more encouraged and feel a part of President Obama in me and see a part of him in other African-Americans. All people of colour, particularly Africans and African-Americans should only feel proud. Barack Obama becoming President of the United States of America, 40 years after the death of Martin Luther King, Jr. is not irony.  IT IS DESTINY.
How would you rate his performance so far? Has he met with your expectations?
President Obama’s performance has been outstanding. He inherited enormous economic, healthcare, workforce and military issues from his predecessor. Yes, he is definitely meeting my expectations. I support him 100%.
Finally, what lesson did you learn from the experience?
The lesson here is: never say never. I remember sending invitations to several Nigerian friends and acquaintances in Atlanta and beyond in early 2007. Many of them did not believe America was ready for an African-American president. I participated in heated arguments in different parts of the world I travelled to – Europe, Africa, the Caribbean and different states in America. So many argued that he wasn’t experienced enough and had no chance of winning the election. They were all wrong. When you believe in a cause or someone, you stick with it or them. Eventually, the doubters and naysayers will disappear or join the bandwagon.

*Stan S. Mukoro, “The Eye of Style” is the contributing style editor of Allure Magazine. He is a style mentor living in Atlanta, Georgia. Contact: [email protected]