Every year, GQ magazine compile a list of the UK’s “Best Dressed” which they run in conjunction with their February issue. They pick 50 individuals who they feel have been pushing the boundaries of fashion and as they say themselves, “it is definitely one of the best-of-British ways to welcome in the New Year.”
While the Top 3 names included Eddie Redmayne [who won it for the second year in a row], Nick Grimshaw and Sam Smith, a notable name within the Top 10 was Skepta who came in at #7 ahead of the likes of model David Gandy [#10], actor Benedict Cumberbatch [#9] and golden child Romeo Beckham [#8].
It’s not the first time Skepta has been noticed by GQ, last year saw him debut within the list at #36. This year saw him jump nearly 30 places which is a relatively impossible feat but goes to show the meteoric rise of the North London rapper. From sharing stages with Kanye West and Drake to performing in New Zealand, Australia, USA and Canada, Skepta has gone from strength to strength and this has not gone unnoticed. As GQ put it “The grime star has been a fan of fashion since his rave days but refuses to be pigeon-holed and can pull-off anything from Supreme to Moschino.”
Designer Astrid Andersen commented on the nomination, saying; “Skepta has convinced everyone he is a very important figure in UK culture and now he continues to push, educate and grow with this generation. Best-dressed should not just be about being able to buy the most expensive suit but about influencing a culture and for understanding how to bring a strong personal sense of view across.”