GQ names South Africa's Best-Dressed Men of the Year

Jon-Paul Bolus, the owner of Cape Town clothing stores, Loading Bay and Blue Blood, has been named as South Africa’s Best-Dressed Man by GQ magazine. His name heads a list of 40 ambassadors of style who appear in the November issue of GQ.

Olé Ledimo, a fashion designer and Founder of House of Olé, and Sandile Msimango Senior Manager of Mergers and Acquisitions at MTN, were listed at two and three. Making the Top 10 were: YFM DJ, Sizwe Dhlomo; Mark de Mendez, drummer for the Dirty Skirts; businessmen, Thabang Skambwane, Tshepo Molale and Mandla Sibeko; Anthony Keyworth, Co-owner of Paul Smith; and new media strategist, Devon Brough.

The lifestyle magazine’s annual Best-Dressed Men of the Year Awards ceremony was held at The Westcliff in Johannesburg on Monday night .

List of 40 best-dressed men with interviews of Top 10:

Arts & media
Frank Magongwa Musician
Sizwe Dhlomo MTV Base VJ and YFM DJ*
Jimmy Dludlu Musician
Colin Moss Actor/TV presenter
Kabelo Mabalane Musician
Kwela Tebza brothers Musicians
Mark De Mendez Musician*
Devon Brough New media strategist*

Business
Andile Gasa Managing director of IPS South Africa
Brett-Warren Blythe Director of companies
Arie Fabian MD of Fabiani
Thulane Hadebe Owner of Brand Ambassadors
Jon-Paul Bolus Owner of Loading Bay and Blue Blood*
Sandile Msimango Senior manager of Mergers and Acquisitions at MTN*
Mandla Sibeko Chairman of Seed Capital Investments and Netflorist, co-owner of Pick n Pay, Kliptown, Soweto *
Romeo Kumalo Group executive of business strategy & development at Vodacom
Ningi Mhinga Account manager at Draftfcb
Paul Diamond Entrepreneur, The Shine Group
Dion Chang Corporate trend analyst, director of Flux Trends
Tshepo Molale Director of SoftAudit consultancy*
Thabang Skwambane Director of Kaelo Consulting*
Sakhile Ngcobo Head of corporate affairs at De Beers
Stephen Hickox MD of Kreame Lifestyle Industry
Khaya Dludla Group financial director of Draftfcb
Anthony Keyworth Co-owner of Paul Smith and Antanna*
Ebrahim Fakir Political analyst with the Centre for Policy Studies
Gidon Novick CEO of Kulula.com and joint-CEO of BA Comair

Fashion
Linda Makhanya Fashion editor/stylist
Ephraim Molingoana Designer for Ephymol
Olé Ledimo Fashion designer and founder of House of Olé*
Felipe Mazibuko Stylist
Grant van den Berg Owner of Frank Bespoke
Javaid Jagadi Owner of Jagadi Haute Couture
Themba Mngomezulu Owner of Darkie clothing
Cameron Foden Fashion designer
Heinke Kriel Footwear buyer for Markham

Sport
Brian Baloyi Sundowns goalkeeper
Herschelle Gibbs Proteas cricketer
Jonathan Snaith Horse trainer, Snaith Racing
Matthew Booth Bafana Bafana footballer

* indicates top 10

The selection panel: Shaldon Kopman; Noni Gasa; Precious Moloi; Brad Armitage; and GQ’s Arthur Malan-Murison; Robert Cilliers; Dylan Muhlenberg; Siphiwe Mpye; and Craig Tyson

Interviews with top 10

Best-dressed man:
Jon-Paul Bolus
Owner of Loading Bay and Blue Blood
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
Alex Jasper; Steve te Pas; Jarno Harbers; and Joal Touwen, all from Blue Blood; Jean Marc Lederman from Le Studio; Brad Armitage from ⋃ Tyler Brûlé (editor of Monocle magazine).
Who are your style icons?
Steve McQueen; Marlon Brando; James Dean; Robert Evans; Kate Moss; Johnny Depp.
What is your signature look?
Distressed denim jeans – a raw purple selvedge denim. Next would be a leather jacket – two key items in my wardrobe.
What’s a grooming tip that works for you?
Shower twice a day and don’t wear too much fragrance. Be original in your style and don’t be scared to express yourself.
In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?
Business is filled with individuals... Each employee should have the correct clothes in their wardrobe to suit their position.
What’s a good look this summer?
A great pair of distressed denims to mix with a basic V, a cardigan or a light leather jacket combined with a scarf and vintage shades. Next, you need to have a pair of raw selvedge denim jeans which you’ve been wearing every day through the winter, and by now have amazing character and unique marks. Roll them up, slip on some loafers and a nice quirky shirt. Have a cardi and light suede jacket as back-up for the night out. Other key items: a beautiful cropped blazer, chinos, veldskoens and shorts.
What should a man avoid?
Anything too tight or too big. And don’t wear anything that’s not you.

2.
Olé Ledimo
Fashion Designer and founder of House of Olé
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
Cido Ledimo; Felipe Mazibuko; and Nthato Mashishi.
Who is your style icon, the person who inspires you? And why?
My father, Selaotswe ‘Tizza’, because I am still wearing his stuff today. And Agapê.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
A House of Olé velvet loafer and a tailored jacket. Every man should have a tailored black jacket.
Give us a style tip that works for you.
Keep it clean and minimal, and get it tailored. You can have the best suit but if the fit is not right then it’s pointless.
Is there a business dress code one should follow?
It depends on the kind of business you are in. If you work in an office, grey and navy are a must.
What’s a good look this summer?
Aviators and loafers. The combination will forever be in vogue. You should smell good, too.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Avoid brands, and go with what works for you. Oh yes, and no to very pointed shoes.
What’s your porn star name (based on the name of your first pet and your mother’s maiden name or the first street you lived on)?
Hobsi Motse Matli.

3.
Sandile Msimango
Senior Manager, Mergers & Acquisitions at MTN
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
Nana Sao; Martin Mbete.
Who is your style icon?
David Beckham. He always pulls it off, no matter what he is wearing.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
Tailored, and it should be able to transform from boardroom to cocktail bar.
Give us a style tip that works for you.
Always be comfortable. Find things that work with your body; shape; and personality.
In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?
Keep it dark; grey; and navy.
What’s a good look this summer?
Espadrilles; short shorts; and plain golfer Ts.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
It’s important to keep it simple, don’t over accessorise.

4.
Sizwe Dhlomo
MTV Base VJ and YFM DJ
Who is your best-dressed man of the year?
Ephraihim Molingoana.
Which style icons inspire you, and why?
Beckham; P Diddy; and Kanye West. Diddy for his formal wear. Beckham can pull it all off. And Kanye because he’s really out there, and bold.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
I don’t really have one. Whatever I’m comfortable in. I love my jeans, they’re a good cut.
Give us a grooming tip that works for you.
It’s not really about how expensive your outfit is, but rather how expensive the outfit looks.
In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?
Depends on your business and your position. However, always look presentable.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Michael Jackson’s socks. The glove was cool.
What’s your porn star name?
Cocky Maphumulo.

5.
Mark de Mendez
Drummer: The Dirty Skirts
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
Mike Leslie of Red Bull.
Who is your style icon, the person who inspires you?
Not one particular person. The Internet, Mr Internet, I guess.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
At the moment, a plaid hat. Dressing semi-smart, however, needs an angle of quirkiness. If it doesn’t at least make me giggle, then I don’t really want to wear it.
Give us a style tip that works for you.
Never worry about looking silly. Trust your own instincts.
In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?
It depends on your business. Some might have a dress code and expect that the code is followed.
What’s a good look this summer?
It really depends on the temperature, but probably a good pair of shoes.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Can I get back to you on that one... Open shoes are a no-no, though.
What’s your porn star name?
Zootsy Bower.

6.
Thabang Skwambane
Director of HIV/Aids consultancy Kaelo Consulting
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
Joey Khuvutlu – he never has a bad style moment and is always well put together.
Who is your style icon, the person who inspires you, and why?
George Clooney, he wears suits like he owns them.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
A suit without a tie, with a beautiful shirt.
Give us a grooming tip that works for you.
When shaving, use clippers – and not razors – if you get in-grown hairs.
In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?
You should always represent your business in what you wear. If your business is power-business, then dress as such. If it is creative, your clothes should reflect that.
What’s a good look this summer?
From a suit perspective, a light suit – creams and whites. Hats are also big this summer.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Don’t wear a brown belt with black shoes.
What’s your porn star name?
Bobby Dikgale.

7.
Tshepo Molale
Director of SoftAudit consultancy
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
David Beckham.
Who is your style icon, the person who inspires you?
Different elements from different people, and then I look at what works for me.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
I have two: suits made by Peter Selepe and Diesel jeans.
Give us a style or grooming tip that works for you.
Clothing should always be fitted, collars should always be tucked, and shoes and belts should match. Wear the right accessories and scent for the right occasion.
Is there a business dress code that one should follow?
In business one needs to be more conservative, yet make a statement.
What’s a good look this summer?
White shirts.

8.
Anthony Keyworth
Co-owner of Paul Smith and Antanna
Who is top of your list of best-dressed men this year?
Mark Graham; Gary Cotterell; Arthur Malan-Murison.
Who are your style icons, the people who inspire you?
Paul Weller and Jude Law. They’re dapper and smart, and can pull off classic, yet street.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
Scarves, T-shirts and loads of layering. Even in summer.
Give us a style tip that works for you.
Only iron what your really need to, never T-shirts or jeans. Always polish brown shoes with black polish – it makes them look vintage and gives them character.
In business, what dress code should one should follow?
Be comfortable and presentable.
What’s a good look this summer?
Three-quarter slim trousers. Light knits; vests; and gladiator sandals.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Tucking in your suit jacket [ha ha]. Not removing your suit label off your sleeve.
What’s your porn star name?
Frederick Lesley.

9.
Mandla Sibeko
Chairman of Seed Capital Investments and Netflorist, Co-owner Pick n Pay, Kliptown, Soweto
Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?
Richard Maponya.
Who is your style icon, and why?
Tom Ford – for his simple, clean, crisp white shirt; basic blues, black and greys.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
Classic with a twist of colour. Pocket hanky and ties.
Give us a style tip that works for you.
Keep it simple and use either one or two tones – your signature should send the message.
Is there a dress code for businessmen?
Not any more. However you should package yourself successfully. It speaks for you.
What’s a good look this summer?
Doing what I haven’t done in seven years – wearing shorts, chinos and a navy jacket.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Don’t wear linen for business.
What’s your porn star name?
Clioue Simelane.

10.
Devon Brough
New Media strategist at Curious Pictures
Who are your best-dressed men of the year?
Internationally, David Beckham. Locally, Dion Chang.
Who inspires you, and why?
Johnny Depp. He always has the perfect mix of smart and casual. He pulls off complex looks in such a carefree way. A good mix of vintage and classic makes his style timeless.
What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?
Blue jeans with a dinner jacket.
Give us a grooming tip that works for you.
Nothing attracts women like a well-groomed man. Spoil yourself. My tip: if you have facial hair get Egyptian threading done by a real Egyptian barber.
Is there a business dress code you follow?
Working in media allows me to express myself. Flops to a board meeting? Why not?!
What’s a good look this summer?
For me, I stick to black, whites and greys with one accentuated piece of colour.
What should a man avoid when it comes to style?
Be yourself and avoid trying too hard.
We’re guessing you have a fine porn star name.
It’s Thumper Houghton.
*
GQ’s November issue is on sale from Monday