Interview with celebrity and fashion photographer Antonio Martez - Examiner

Antonio Martez, award-winning international and celebrity fashion photographer sat down for an impromptu interview on twitter earlier this afternoon and shared his views on Men's Style. 

Q: Give me a description of 'your style'

A: My viewpoint on my style is that, style is non-conforming to the trend of today, but more of a conversation piece. I blend eras to create my own unique flare with a bit of European flare, as well as bit of yester-year together with a hint of contemporary. I like to look at myself as a 'trend setter' or a 'jet-setter' per se. I zig while others zag, so I am always ahead of the trending curve. 

Q: What do you view about Miami men and their 'sense of style' when your out working or in a social setting?

A: Miami is such a 'melting pot', that you see men with so many variations of uniqueness for the individual. You see many who will play it safe with the color pallets and stick to your traditional warm earth tones, but you have those few that will push the extremes--mixing polka-dots and stripes, bold colors with bowties and sport coats with plaid button downs. 

Advertisement

Q: 'warm earth tones' meaning greens, blues, browns?

A: Yes, that is correct. the "Safe Colors" what I call it. The 'blues, blacks, browns and greens'. 

Q: Do you view fashion magazines (GQ, Details, Esquire) to get ideas for your wardrobe choices? TV Shows? Specific people in history?

A: Yes. I view many of the notable fashion magazines such as your 'Vogue Hommes' and GQ, but mostly the European versions which are usually on the cusp of fashion for Americans. I've always been a fan of the seersucker garment, but with a bold appeal sporting a bright fuschia or yellow bow tie. More of a classic preppy look. 

Q: I see what you mean by 'jet-setter' or 'trend setter'. Do you get your male models to dress the same?

A: Most of the male models I work with, the wardrobe stylist tends to lean towards the European style with the pencil leg pants, slim necktie and the athletic fit jackets. These styles grab more attention and are more of a 'conversation piece'. 

Q: Yes, the typical Miami male combo dress is jeans/polo, jeans/t-shirt, jeans/long sleeve woven button-down shirt flanked by either earrings, sculpted hair and/or tattoos. 

A: Yes, that is true. 90% of male you will see will be dressed in the traditional style of the everyday man. The typical Saturday night clothing of the 25-45 year old male--the safe fit, button-down and jeans with some hard bottomed shoes. When in doubt, safe is better than sorry but that motto is good but not always best. In today's world, its all about networking, and as human beings we are visual creatures. So your style has to capture the attention and that will make you more approachable. Now that curiosity has sparked an introduction. You can build a network off the appearance alone. 

Be creative, add flare and make a statement is my motto in all. 

Antonio Martez' photographs and biography can be seen at his website antoniomartez.com 

He can also be followed on twitter @antoniomartez and found on facebook at AntonioMartezPhotography.