We thought it would be fun to start the new year with our first ever GENTLEMAN Awards. This isn’t an event (yet) just an annual tradition we’ve decided to start that will give worldwide web recognition to the best of 2009.
Best Trend: the Plaid Shirt
An extension of Clodhopper: Farmer’s Delight, the plaid shirt made a permanent fixture into the lives of trendsetters everywhere. The plaid shirt made it easy for people to look cool this year. When in doubt on what to wear, one only had to put on a plaid shirt, denim jeans, and pair of their favorite shoes– be it TK Society Supras or Common Project loafers.
Best Accessory: the Wayfarer
Like the plaid shirt, instantaneous style and swag was brought to those who wore wayfarers this year. And though it started with the traditional Rayban wayfarer other eyewear designers have created modified versions of the wayfarer that make choosing the perfect pair quite difficult these days.
Best Brand: Levi’s
Jeans are a basic essential for every person in the modern world, and this year their importance was magnified by popular trends (such as summer rolls, plaid shirts, and skinny jeans). Levi’s is one of the few brands that can be seen on the most frugal working-class person to the most lavish pompous celebrity. The mixture of popular trends and Levi’s classic brand image made the jean company one of the best in 2009. They continue to develop their styles with each passing year, while keeping their price-points low and quality high… everyone should own a pair of Levi’s.
Best Designer: Etro
From their handsomely diverse models to their one-of-a-kind patterns and motifs, leave it to Etro to do fashion as it should be done. In a year of unwanted gloominess from messed up economies its only right to give the best designer title to a label that brought us happiness through opulently colorful designs.
Best Dressed Musical Artist: Kid Cudi
He’s the face of our assorted swank and you guys voted him as having the best style. Kid Cudi has had a great year, so why not top it off by giving the man on the moon best dressed musical artist.
Celebrity Urban Gentleman of the Year: Zac Efron
It’s like he made the Rihanna transformation, he went from having a cute Disney teeny-bopperish persona to dapper masculinity. Zac is always hitting the gym, trying new looks, and most importantly he continues to bring forth consistent well-put together style (which includes top-notch grooming.) He doesn’t over do it, but does just enough to keep him on anyone’s best dressed list… he’s sort of like the mini David Beckham. I’m curious to see how his style matures in 2010.
Local Urban Gentleman of the Year: (two way tie)
Jamie Ryan McFarland & Kendrack Lewis
We get alot of submissions for Local Urban Gentleman, and though we appreciate everyone’s eagerness and want to be the next Urban Gentleman very few people submit clear clean obviously stylish photos. Jamie Ryan McFarland– our first overseas local gentleman exemplifies the type of submissions we like to get for local urban gentleman. Read more HERE.
Handsome southern educator Kendrack Lewis is also one of our favorite Urban Gentlemen to date. His style is exactly what our founding editor had in mind when she first created The Urban Gentleman. Read more HERE.
Icon of the Year: Michael Jackson
He is was literally the most famous person in the world, the most influential artist, and a true humanitarian– our planet suffered a huge loss when Michael Jackson passed away this summer. He’s the King of Music and will be forever missed. Rest In Peace MJ.
Tribute posts: Michael Jackson: The American Idol.
Person of the Year: President Barack Obama
Whether you had the majestic opportunity to vote for him or not, we all must admit that this man being president has literally changed our world– for the better. President Obama inherited one of the worst financial situations ever and constantly faces hate from the unfortunately ignorant, but still manages to be the perfect example of what a man should be and continues to develop into one of the best world leaders this world has ever seen. Oh and let’s not forget he won a freakin’ Nobel Peace Prize. He’s obviously not perfect, no one is, he’s going to make mistakes, but he has a good heart and for that reason the world continues to support him. Go here to keep the support up.
Let us know your best of 2009: best trends, styles, celebrities, moments, etc. And feel free to tell us the worst of 2009 as well.
Happy New Years everyone! Be safe tonight and don’t drink and drive.
great nominations.. especielly zac efron and kid cudi. They're both amazing fashion icons
haha i said the same thing bout Zac too. Him and Vanessa defenitely remind me of a little David and Victoria Becks. I don't like him too much but the boy can dress!
how 'bout cristiano ronaldo for best dressed international sportstar? love our page