#DRExTheMindUp 

It's been more than a minute since we've made our last post but we're back with a new Style Profile. Style Profiles are our way of mixing fashion, and creativity with friendship. Where we spotlight a few of our very fashionable friends so you guys can learn about their interests, inspo's, and just have a brief insight to these amazing people we surround ourselves with.


Adrian was someone we became acquainted with as teenagers in high school and as the years progressed, so did the extent of how well we got to know him. A boxing training, science undergrad who's always been a fun time and carried himself with the friendliest demeanour - it was a no brainer to ask Adrian to be our next Style Profile! Streetstyle is such a big wave of fashion that crosses over to becoming practically a lifestyle and with that being said, Adrian comes to mind. We know many people who dress with a streetwear flare but no one quite like Adrian. He's always been able to make his fits more unique than others, and his confidence for trying different ensembles is something we both admire. We can't wait for you guys to see what he has to say about his biggest inspirations, Kanye West, self confidence, and his fashion favourites & must haves! 

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INTRODUCE YOURSELF AND DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE:

Hey my names Adrian, but most people either call me Dre, or Ria (long story).  If I had to describe my style, I would say its a mix of streetwear, which include baggy shirts, sweaters, hats, etc., with a slice of formal. It's really versatile, and not to mention comfy 😂

WHAT GOT YOU INTO FASHION?

I think I've always been into trying to look, for lack of a better term, my best. I remember growing up my mom would let me get one pair of shoes for the school year, and that alone was a painstaking process in itself, for I would comb through Footlocker, Champs, or whatever store we would go to, to find the shoes that I thought looked the best on me. I remember setting up my clothes the night before school, having fun with picking and choosing what clothes went with what. I didnt think it was fashion at the time...  it was just me being picky with what I put on my back. Not only till I got older that I really realized "huh, I'm into this shit hey?"

A LOT OF PEOPLE SAY THAT FASHION IS A REFLECTION OF THEIR PERSONALITY. IS THAT THE CASE FOR YOU? 

Nah, I don’t think so 😂.

But let me explain. 

I really believe in the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” Applying this to fashion, I think that the way someone dresses isn’t enough to determine a person’s personality, haha. Maybe sometimes that’s the case, but if I would have to guess, not as likely as one might think. What I will say though is that fashion, just like any art, is a great way to express yourself!! It’s important to dress for YOU. Whether you’re having a good day, or a bad one, having this tool to express your individuality is fucking awesome. If you look good, you’ll feel good, no cap!!

WHO ARE SOME PEOPLE YOU CONSIDER YOUR FASHION INFLUENCES/INSPIRATION? 

I look to rappers usually for inspiration. Travis Scott, Kanye West, and A$AP Rocky to name a few. 

I also like to follow creative directors on Instagram such as Ian Connor (@ianconnorsrevenge), Jerome Jhamal (@bloodyosiris) and even Virgil Abloh, head of Louis Vuitton (@virgilabloh). 

I like how a lot of these guys mix high end fashion with street wear, making things like Margiela, Raf, Prada, etc look casual and everyday (I will never be able to afford these things by the way, I’m just saying it’s cool aight).

FAVOURITE PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET?

I got this denim Sherpa jacket that I picked up from Urban Outfitters. This is probably the most versatile piece of clothing I own. Yeah, it’s kind of basic, but I love that I can dress it up, or dress it down. Plus it helps that it was on sale from 130 bucks to 12 bucks 😂. Whether I’m going to school for 10 hour days, or heading out to a party, this thing is PERFECT.

WHAT'S A CLOSEST ESSENTIAL YOU THINK EVERYONE SHOULD HAVE IN THEIR WARDROBE?

EVERYONE NEEDS A PULLOVER HOODIE. FOR SURE. 

These things are my favourite. You don’t even need a bullshit expensive one from Champion or whatever company is trying to scam you. I have plenty of my favourite hoodies from Value Village, I promise you. Just like my denim jacket, you can dress these things up, or dress them down. Throw a jacket over it, a shirt, wear shorts, wear pants, the possibilities are endless. Not to mention they are the comfiest things to ever exist in humanities small time on earth. Not an exaggeration. Okay, maybe slightly.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR PEOPLE THAT MIGHT FEEL INSECURE OR AFRAID TO DRESS THE WAY THEY WANT BECAUSE OF THE OPINIONS OTHER PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE OF THEM?

Let me tell you a story of my favourite rapper of all time..

Kanye. West. 

Back when I was a teenager full of hormones, and feelings, I was lost. Transferring to a really big high school was a bit of a challenge for myself. New friends, new classes, new relationships, but most importantly I didn’t know where I fit in. It got so bad to the point where I tried to change myself to make other people like me (this is stupid kids, don’t do this LOL). Then, I started listening to Kanye. The first album I listened to was actually Cruel Summer, and that peaked my interest enough to listen to his old stuff. With that came my research into who he was, and what he stood for. And my goodness it blew my mind. For those who don’t know Kanye is well known for being controversial,  but that was only because all he cared about was pushing forward. Whenever he tried new things, people gave him shit because it was “different.” And now we have those same people praising him for pushing the art form of hip hop forward 🙄🙄. He was the first rapper to have a collaboration with a high end fashion brand (look up his Kanye x Louis Vuitton collection). Heck, he even made those shutter shades a trend. The dude didn’t give a FUCK, he was just being himself, and did whatever he wanted. 

That’s what I took away from his music. Just be yourself. It really helped me with this stupid teenager problem that everyone goes through. I chose to just be myself, and made really good friends because of it, friends that I’m still very close with till this day. This carried over into my style as well. I just wore what I wanted. Yes, I was the guy that showed up to school with a long coat, or dress shoes, or dress pants. Whatever, I didn’t care, because Kanye didn’t care. And that’s why even now, I’m confident in whatever I throw on because I’m not looking to impress anybody. If I’m wearing it, it’s because I want to wear it. 

If you’re feeling insecure of trying out new things, not only in fashion but in life itself, remember, Kanye didn’t care and he is now on the Mount Rushmore of greatest rappers to ever live. Take it from me, it sounds cliche and cheesy but being myself has literally saved my life. Sometime as simple as that gave me so much. Fuck what they say! Haters will hate, regardless. And that’s the sad truth. But being yourself is something that they can never take away from you, and that’s facts. 

Thanks ‘ye

And that's a wrap on our collab with Adrian! Here's to hoping this isn't the last we'll see of this team up.




Thanks Adrian for allowing us to feature you on TheMindUp!

- TheMindUp (J x K)