Sartorial eloquence

Inspired by artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and musicians like Gregory Isaac and Peter Tosh, Sheldon Edwards' style is all about individuality. "For me it's not so much about fitting in, its more about expressing yourself, so the things that I am interested in and who I consider myself to be should hopefully show through in my style," explains the boutique owner. Those interests and inspirations also include Kung Fu, Japanese animation, early 90s hip-hop, roots, rock and reggae.

Edwards opened Little Black Crown in St Kevin's Arcade in 2007 with partner Krystal Higgison (with whom he is expecting twins), which last year was named by Metro as the best fashion boutique in Auckland. Edwards tells us a bit more about his eclectic style.

Who are your favourite designers?

The late Alexander McQueen was an incredibly talented man. From his beautiful digital prints and amazing shapes to his extravagant shows. For me, he is the Damien Hirst of fashion. I also like Takahiro Miyashita - the designer for Number (N)ine. For me texture, twill, wool, felt, leather and Japanese linen are all the good things.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

Clark's Original Low Cut Wallabies in cream, my autumn shoes. I bought them in honour of Raekwon the Chef coming to Auckland a few weeks ago. An MC from the early 90s who brought what was a traditionally English gentleman's shoe to the forefront of the hip-hop scene, he would dye parts of his shoes to create individual style and to keep a classic style fresh. A favoured colour-way was cream Wallabies partly dyed blue.

Who does the best shoes?

I consider shoes a really important part of fashion, a way to express fashion sense and knowledge. Clark's Wallabies are always a present element in my wardrobe. Some of my favourites are Pierre Hardy, Common Projects, Giuliano Fujiwara, Golden Goose sneakers, Opening Ceremony boots, Trussardi 1911 sneakers, Schmid, Illex Kinni boots ... there are so many!

The best jeans?

Jeans are a staple piece of most men's wardrobes and we are bombarded with choice, so I think it's more about how you wear them and feel in them. The best pair of jeans I have ever had were straight leg Helmut Lang jeans; they are full of holes now and not really wearable but they still sit in my drawer. George Terrific and Bangs Boutique are great jeans and hard to find, which can be good if you get your hands on a pair.

What's the one thing that every male should have in their wardrobe?

Good perfume.

Worst masculine fashion crime?

Recently I witnessed a guy at the supermarket with tight short boxer briefs on and a pair of work socks with dress shoes. I found that a bit criminal.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

That's a hard one but most likely Kanye West as he would have everything under the sun, from Balmain leather jackets to high grade Japanese basics, the label BAPE... and, no doubt, full collections of Louis Vuitton luggage and rooms full of shoes including his own range of LV sneakers.

Is there anything you'd never wear?

I don't want to say never but I have never been a big fan of work uniforms or fluoro.