Conversations: Kyme McCray
Fashion Enthusiast and Model Kyme McCray sits down with Frasspot for a quick conversation.
Words by Damian Nicholas
DRAKESDIARY
Kyme McCray has and continues to establish himself as a quintessential black man. His style, attitude and bravado is a melting pot of tailored suits, a Tom Selleck stash, and an iced matcha latte with honey drizzle. Though a busy man of sorts, we reached out to Kyme for a quick interview to discuss style, inspiration and good fragrances.
I can confidently say we’ve been friends for the past decade and to be honest I contribute the longevity of our friendship to hours of conversations and support for one another. For those who may not be familiar with who you are, can you tell us who you are and what you do?
KM: My name is Kyme “Kem” McCray. I'm currently thirty three years of age and I’m currently the visual merchandising manager for Drakes of London in New York City.
Were you born and raised in New York City?
KM: I was raised in the Edenwald Housing Projects in the North Bronx.
Growing up, who were some of your biggest inspirations and how did they inspire you?
KM: My inspiration is deeply rooted in the works of Langston Hughes. Through his works I have an identity in safety and my ability to use spoken word to connect with many different people
Like Langston Hughes, James Baldwin’s work has inspired me tremendously. Would you agree that Langston Hughes work inspires your writing today?
KM: Yes.
You’re currently at Drake’s of London, but your fashion experience is extensive. We’re talking ten plus years in fashion with companies like J.Crew and Everlane just to name a few. I’m curious, what are your thoughts on the current state of fashion?
KM: Like architecture I feel as though the current state of fashion is a cookie cutter bland husk of what it once was. With very little risk takers, and the cool thing is to follow the leader. Surprisingly, there are very little leaders. But as a New Yorker who’s lived through so many different fashion moments I feel safe to say everything cycles and hopefully we’ll get back to where people Iron their clothes.
What brands do you favor at the moment?
KM: Oddly enough I’m in my big silhouette moment. I wear a suit almost every day but manage to keep it rooted in personal flair. Brands that help me accomplish that are Drake’s of London, Hender Scheme, Kapital, Vazquez, Snow Peak, Monitaly, Norbit, TS(S), Nanga, and South2 West8.
When you say “flair” are you referring to mixing suiting with pieces from these brands.
KM: Yes, but it’s more of a trial and error thing. Often time I make it work.
Okay, so how would you describe your personal style?
KM: My style (slight pause) it’s just me. I feel as though my style isn’t one you’d see in your everyday commute.
What are some of your “everyday essentials?”
KM: Without question Paraboot Camboards Shoes, Taos, 153 Monami Pen and Rollbahn Notebook.
What movie, artist, or book would you recommend at the current moment?
KM: If I had to recommend any books it would be We Real Cool: Black Men and Masculinity and The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by Bell Hooks. Those books helped me to understand how repression of my very being in a eurocentric society has molded the very structured of racist & sexist ideology, those books truly opened my eyes.
Name one thing people may be surprised to find out about you?
KM: I would say the main thing people are surprised by is the fact that I’m a HUGE Star Trek fan.
These days how do you spend your time when you’re not working or modeling?
KM: I don’t really have the luxury of leisure time but when I can I surely spend it cooking and perfecting recipes. During those train rides to the next job, I’ll open my notes app and write poetry and if I'm not too tired when I get home it's design planning for my future home with modernica and Herman Miller furniture.
How would you describe your apartment?
KM: Minimal would be the best way to describe it, wood accents, natural lighting, and just the essential furniture needed. Also, just added a large floor mirror to visually expand the space.
What’s the next purchase for your space?
KM: I’m currently looking for rattan curtains to divide my space.
Any advice for a good fragrance for men?
KM: Hmmm I tend to go for affordable & expensive priced fragrances. For entire body I use patchouli body oil which can be purchased from any body oil store. My affordable everyday fragrance is Bergamote 22 and my expensive fragrance would be my Tom Fire Vanilla Tobacco which I only use for special outings.
I know you're a fan of Porsche. What’s your favorite model?
KM: That’s a tough call to be honest. If I had to pick I would say the 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Package. I know you a fan as well, what’s your favorite model?
I have three favorites, but my favorite has to be the 1992 Porsche 964 911 Turbo.
What's your go-to coffee shop at the moment?
KM: Coffee to me is only for emergencies (laughing). If I really need it I’ll have a single cup of coffee early in the morning around 5:00 am, that’s enough to get me through the whole day. Big shout out the iced matcha latte with honey drizzle.
Last question before we wrap things up. Based on where your career is now, is there any advice you would give the younger version of you?
KM: The greatest advice that I could give to him is to simply listen. So many of us do not do this in our daily lives and it’s evident. Many of the issues we faces come from us not listening to each other or thinking we know better than the people who came before us and have mastered their craft. We need to realize that it is okay to not have all the answers, it’s okay to asking questions, especially when we donʼt know the answers and it is also okay to listening to those who know more than us and implementing those lessons learned into our own lives is a strength, not a weakness.
Damian Nicholas covers cannabis, lifestyle, automotive and design in New York. More about Damian Nicholas
Dec 13, 2023 – Updated March 05, 2024More in Journal
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