Name: Carlton J. Smith
Occupation: Entertainer
Nationality: American

Of all the sessions we've done so far, this was the most musical Fashionista shoot to date–literally. Our model, photographer Mao Dou and I all danced around the studio as playful shots were snapped.

“I satisfy all of my needs and desires at my shows,” says jazz musician Carlton J. Smith who perfoms at Shanghai Marriott Hotel Hongqiao, and I suppose that includes his wardrobe desires as well. Originally from New York City, this energetic singer's leather / fur vest and pants were made for him by designer Steve at Beau Gosse on 8th Street, as were the pony hair coat and fox hair collar. His boots were also picked up from his hometown, yet other favorite outfits ("like my Al Green / Marvin Gaye suits") are custom-made right here in Shanghai at–where else?–the Lujiabang Lu Fabric Market booth No. 338. The jazz musician has been a loyal customer in that shop for four years. He also often visits the Yanghe Handmade Shoe Store where shoemaker Zhao whips up special designs to ensure that Carlton is showtime-ready from top-to-toe. “There's nothing that looks better than a well-dressed man,”

Carlton says. “Shoes shined, smelling good and wearing his suit–but the suit's not wearing him.” Despite being clad in all black, you know that Carlton's thought about every piece he's wearing. His style is not simply about being monochromatic, but about texture, depth and detail. And it's absolutely essential to make a statement with what you wear. “Style means you dance to your own internal drum,” he concludes. “You don't wear anything that anybody else could even possibly be seen in, but you wear clothes that stand out so [that] people don't say, 'Where is he?' But instead, they say, 'There he is.'"

Click the image to see outtakes from this Fashionista shoot.

Fashionista by Emily Chu
Photographer: Mao Dou
Hair and Make-up: Ringier Studio