Toronto’s Best Dressed: Kofi Gyekye
The Silicon Valley–inspired innovator shares his innermost style secrets
He was born in Nairobi and raised in Rome, and trotted the globe with his diplomat father. Now, with his tech incubator, Usful, his grand plan is to help others change the world. We asked him to reflect on his internationally influenced style. Here’s what he told us.
I’d describe my look as…
Sprezzatura. It’s how you feel, rather than “I want to look like that.”
My style guru is…
My sister. She’s just brave. She was raised in Kenya and is very in tune with design in Africa and Europe, whereas I’ve been in Toronto for so long that I fall into the all black with white sneakers mode.
My favourite childhood outfit…
Depended on how much money we had. We were too broke to afford Nike Jordans, so we had Adidas Mutombos. At the time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was on TV, and I was like, “How does he have a new pair in every shot?”
I’m too cheap to…
Buy a $120 T-shirt. I don’t care how soft it is; it’s not happening.
I deeply regret wearing…
My Vokal velour jumpsuit. Oh, what a moment in my life.
My Stuff
“It’s just got that perfect weight to it—plus, I love those gold zippers!” $200.
The Legends League, 9 Camden St., thelegendsleague.com.
“Mario Badescu’s oil-free day cream makes your skin look amazing.” $23. Jacob and Sebastian, 622 Queen St. W., 647-345-0478.
“I got Bread and Circus designer Elisabetta Marrella to make a custom gold one for me. I love it.” $27. Shopbreadandcircus.com.
“I have been rocking Faded Lifestyle from day one. Their understanding of fabrics and cuts is impeccable, and all their garments are exceedingly versatile.” $285. Fadedlifestyle.com.
More of Toronto’s Best-Dressed People
![](http://www.facebook.com/sharer.php?u=https://torontolife.com/style/toronto-best-dressed-2015-kofi-gyekye/&title=Toronto’s Best Dressed: Kofi Gyekye&picture=https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/kofi-gyekye-toronto-best-dressed.jpg&description=[caption id="attachment_383418" align="alignnone" width="1600"] (Image: Evaan Kheraj)[/caption]
He was born in Nairobi and raised in Rome, and trotted the globe with his diplomat father. Now, with his tech incubator, Usful, his grand plan is to help others change the world. We asked him to reflect on his internationally influenced style. Here’s what he told us.
I’d describe my look as...
Sprezzatura. It’s how you feel, rather than “I want to look like that.”
My style guru is...
My sister. She’s just brave. She was raised in Kenya and is very in tune with design in Africa and Europe, whereas I’ve been in Toronto for so long that I fall into the all black with white sneakers mode.
My favourite childhood outfit...
Depended on how much money we had. We were too broke to afford Nike Jordans, so we had Adidas Mutombos. At the time, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was on TV, and I was like, “How does he have a new pair in every shot?”
I’m too cheap to...
Buy a $120 T-shirt. I don’t care how soft it is; it’s not happening.
I deeply regret wearing...
My Vokal velour jumpsuit. Oh, what a moment in my life.
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