Brian Mutinda is an agency copywriter and digital influencer known for his great fashion looks. Nailantei Norari caught up with him to learn more about his style and social media journey.

Growing up, what did you want to be?

I always wanted to be a pilot. I think we all wanted to be either pilots or doctors.

I am now a content creator and soon to be a drone pilot. So, I would say there is no definite intersection between what I wanted to be and what I am now, but I am happy at how my life has turned out.

And it is okay not to be mired in pre-conceptions of what we think we ought to have been and live fully and to the best of our abilities in what or who we are now.

Is there an intersection between your work and fashion?

Yes. To me, image matters a lot, especially when meeting new people. So, I got to always have detailed knowledge of new fashion trends and styles.

I then have to personalise the trends with my own flair. I believe that fashion is an extension of your personality, and can influence new business and relationship outlooks and outcomes. So I leverage it.

In your opinion, how has social media impacted on fashion?

Social media is the main avenue through which we consume fashion trends. It has made it faster to get wind of trends as well as purchase said trends.

It has made it easier to experiment with trends. Personally, I am exposed to different cultures and trends through social media, which in turn inspires some of my style choices.

What does fashion and image mean to you?

For me, I don’t think of fashion as just a trend. I think of fashion and clothing as a necessity; a way of showing up as your authentic self.

You need a pair of pants, shirt, and shoes to go to that interview, maybe some simple sleep-in slacks to the kibanda shop, and a chic sweater and pants to hit the club. It’s how we present ourselves to the world. 

Describe your style and how it has evolved over time?

I would say I have always been a minimalist. I tend to think I live by my own design.

Most of the time I favour simple and laid-back looks, but I can get quite playful with my style choices when given an assignment.

Over the years, I have learnt how to play around with colours. I have always been a black or grey guy; I‘m sort of still are.

Which is your favourite fashion item?

It has got to be a nice simple neckpiece and a nice scent. I especially love my Chris Adams scents; they always complement my look. They say when you look good you should always smell better!

What do you think about accessories? Do you think bikes are accessories?

I like accessories, I think they can elevate the aesthetical appeal of any look, especially when they are not overdone.

As I said earlier, I like my simple neckpieces. But no, my bike is not an accessory. I look at it as a mode of transport.

I also do some dope content with it, you should check out my TikTok page Brian.mutinda.

What is the best fashion advice that you have ever gotten?

Usiwahi overdo! I think that is self-explanatory. Whether we are talking about accessories, colours or anything fashion. there is something like too much, unfortunately.

One piece of slaying advice you can share…

Know thyself. There are no prizes for dressing like a clown unless indeed you are one. But whatever you are wearing, own it.

Confidence is that secret sauce, or not so secret sauce that every outfit needs.