Fonzworth Bentley plugged his new book Advance Your Swagger: How to Use Manners, Confidence, and Style to Get Ahead last night at Harlem’s own Hue-Man Bookstore. Here are some photos of the event!
Update: An excerpt from a New York Times story today on style critics:
Yes, you will also see people like Fonzworth Bentley, the former umbrella maid to Sean Combs who now comments on style for “Access Hollywood” and has written a new guide called “Advance Your Swagger.” His evangelical devotion to sartorial excellence, to chocolate Ralph Lauren Purple Label suits worn with lavender dress shirts, sounds almost demented, yet Mr. Bentley, who attributes his success to being recognized by important people for his fastidious style, said he is as qualified as anyone to comment on people’s attire.
“It bothers me when I see leading magazines lift up people as being icons of style who are wearing clip-on bow ties,” he said. “It’s ridiculous. This is going to sound a little mean, but I’m going to go ahead and say it. If you can’t drive a stick and you can’t tie a hand tie, you ain’t even a man.”
DaveP1128
July 19, 2008
This is how I see it. You have to be humiliated and be humbled before you become somebody. I see where he is coming from. Keep it poppin playa!
Manuel
January 16, 2008
Thank you Mr. Bentley…you have to tell them what you know about style.Loads of people want to know/ learn but are too up tight about asking. Ask them if they know a Brogue from an Oxford? A Homgurg from a Borsalino? A Pinstripe from a Bengal?
Once again thank you for your part.
Your style is that of a gentleman. Pure & simple.
Cheers-Manuel
LP
September 26, 2007
What is he famous for again?
twirling an umbrella?
smh
dosen’t take much nowadays
uggh
September 26, 2007
He is the idiot who used to hold an umbrella for Diddy. Wow, that is inspirational.
Anonymous
September 26, 2007
You advance your swagger through education, then you leverage that in the marketplace, who is this fool and why would anyone buy his book?