February

Ben Boateng.

@_ghanaian.king

How do you create your “perfect” look?

The look usually depends on the day

and how I’m feeling, but it helps that my closet is color coordinated.

I usually build my outfit around the pair of platforms I’m gonna be wearing and the shirt.

From there, I just go crazy

trying on different pieces with the fit to see what makes it look right to me.

A lot of the time I start with my pants and the platform shoes I’m gonna wear (platforms are a non-negotiable for me). I then from there figure out which tote bag or purse I have that will complete the look.  All of these things, plus jewelry, help me create

THE PERFECT LOOK.

What is your style in three words? 

Streetwear, Preppy, Unique

How has your experience on the Show Team and involvement with TU Fashion shaped your personal connection to fashion?

Ben (right) helping backstage at the 2024 TU Fashion Show, “The 4 Seasons.”

Being part of TU Fashion and the show for the past

3 years have helped me elevate my style choices.

The fact that I get to be around so many fashionable and creative people has helped me understand my style more and has also helped it evolve.

I credit my show family these past few years for being instrumental in me trying new things out with some of my looks and taking some creative style risks. 

How do you feel inspired to create your sense of style? 

I usually draw a lot of inspiration from where I grew up (The Bronx and NYC in-general) and pieces of art that I enjoy.

Art is one of my favorite things in the world, and after studying art history, I tend to combine that with my feelings and the rich cultural hub that I’m from.

In all honesty, I feel as if the majority of my inspiration

comes from being a New Yorker.

How is the winter to spring transition for you? 

It’s not that big of a transition for me.

I’m usually a person who mixes winter and spring wear all year long. If I can’t wear styles from all seasons, I feel like I’m betraying my style, and I always make it work. 

Do you use fashion as a tool to communicate? If so, how?

I think fashion has always been my best communicator

for my feelings and sense of pride.

Growing up, my mom would always ask me about different clothing styles or outfits whenever she was getting custom-made clothing from Ghana for my siblings and me.

Because of that, I tend to communicate my style through the colors I wear and the cut of an item.

What are your favorite upcoming trends or style pics?

I’m very excited about the return of denim.

I have a lot of denim pieces, and with the return of western clothing, I can mix and match so many things together. 

WAVE-MAKER

WAVE-MAKER