A lobbyist with winning style
Colin Miller knows style. Dapper with a twist. The lobbyist for Forum for Equality keeps his look on point by adding his personal stamp to the classics.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to aim for a classic look with a modern flare to it something unexpected like bright colors or a strong pattern. I feel that buying clothes and dressing yourself should be fun and enjoyable and that it's never a bad idea to buy clothes that will be wearable for a long time. I think one of the big trends right now with men's fashion is to ape the "midcentury male." I won't lie - I've totally bought into it, but I do try to add my own flavor in the way that I dress.
Who or what are your style inspirations?
I think that my work in politics and public relations has had considerable influence on my personal style. I've worked as a lobbyist and civil rights organizer on and off for several years, and in that field, it's important to look sharp. For me, it's also about feeling good and confident, so I want everything to fit just right and make a statement about why I'm there. As for people who have influenced my style, I think that David Bowie has been my biggest personal and artistic inspiration for many years.
Any signature colors or pieces or collections?
I'm not one to get excited about particular brands or designers. I generally just go with what feels right to me, but I can think of a few local businesses that I love to visit. F. Camalo, Genterie Supply Co. and Maven Menswear are owned and curated by delightful people with excellent taste.
Has your style changed and if so how?
This is actually a hilarious question for me to answer, as I was actually "goth" as a teenager. Black clothes, knee-high tanker boots, makeup, colored hair - the whole thing! I know the administrators at my alma mater were so worried about me, but I turned out OK.
If not you, who would you be?
That's a tough one. I think that most of us imagine what it's like to be someone whom we admire, but we probably wouldn't want to be them if we actually knew. With that said, I would absolutely love to have some of the qualities that make certain people successful in my eyes. For instance, I wish I shared President Obama's incredible patience and temperament or Gregory Crewdson's artistic drive and vision.
