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BN Style Spotlight: Naeto C
We are back this year with BN Style Spotlight. BN Style Spotlight is a periodical feature on the style page that provides our readers with a detailed analysis of the personal style of a budding fashion star.
Since the onset of this feature on BN Style, women have been the focus – deservingly so! However, this year, we want to take it to a new level, and explore areas previous untouched. That is why for the first feature of 2011, and for the first time ever, we are putting a man on the spot, and it is not just any man, it is Naeto C!
Naeto C born Naetochukwu Chikwe is a rapper and music producer – His quick rise to fame can be attributed to the release of his debut single “You Know My “P” in 2007, which got the industry buzzing about this newcomer with a fresh sound, and that all too commanding “Yes Boss” swag. However, it was his third single “Kini Big Deal” from his debut album, that legitimized him as force to be reckon with as it soon became the club anthem and ruled the charts.
With songs like “Ringtone”, “Ako Mi Ti Poju”, & “10/10” , Naeto C has proven he is a one-of-a-kind hit maker, but can we say he has been that successful with his personal style?
From his steady fashion forward appearances on the red carpet, to his remarkable efforts as a trendsetter and his indisputable stylish looks, we at BN Style give Naeto C a 10/10.
Naeto C goes by the the style philosophy; ‘less is more’, his looks are forever kept simple but with that necessary bit of unpredictably, and his looks are never completed without a trip to the accessory box, which sometimes refine his looks, or add an interesting element to the mix.
Read on as I analyze his personal style and determine what indeed, makes his style BN worthy!
HAT ATTACK: Naeto C proves to be a trendsetter with his love for hats. We’ve seen him in a trilby, a fila – the traditional Yoruba cap, a porkpie hat, but it is his re-invention of the hula – the traditional Hausa cap, that places him right at the top of my list of trend-setters. Before Naeto C, it had never been worn the way he does, something we attributed to be the right complement to a traditional garb, has been given a more contemporary feel to accompany looks made-up of tees and jeans. I love the way he wears the hula; so effortlessly cool. It has become a signature look for this rap star, and it has given a new outlook to what can be considered fashionable. He makes me want to try gele with a pair of jeans…hmmn…well, maybe not, but he sure thinks outside the box, and I think it is something we all ought to do once in a while.
Naeto C at MTV Africa Music Awards 2010 (MAMA) Nominees Party
Naeto C at Miss Nigeria Moet Event 2010
Recent Naeto C photoshoot
For most of his performances, Naeto C fabulously rocks the hula.
SIGNATURE STUNNAZ: Naeto C is hardly caught without his sunglasses. While it is something quite common in the world of hip hop and with rap sensations, we admire his collection and how it perfectly complements his look. You haven’t channelled a Naeto C look, if you aren’t wearing a pair of sunglasses. Naeto C shares his rules on shopping for sunglasses in an interview with LadyBrilleNigeria.com: “Try them on first. Go with the ones that complement the structure of your head and your face so you no walk around with a windshield abeg. It’s necessary.”
BUSINESS AS USUAL: Naeto C’s look on the red carpet is far from predictable, sometimes he turns up laid-back, and other times he is all suited up in a tuxedo or a business suit. However, for the big formal occasions he rightly turns up in a suit. You can hardly go wrong in a finely tailored suit and Naeto C makes sure his suits are as fine as fine can be. He goes for European cuts, a classic white shirt and killer cufflinks. He tends to keep it clean and simple and opts for two button suits with long lapels.
Naeto C in Okunoren Twins at 2008 MTV Africa Music Awards
LAID-BACK SWAG: Naeto C is one of those stars that do laid-back so well. I think it has a lot to do with the swag in which he carries his extra laid-back looks usually made up of check shirts or an Ankara print, a pair of jeans, and playful glasses; from nerdy glasses, to a pair of bright coloured frame sunglasses, or ray bans. The allure of the look is usually his mix of a seemingly nonchalant attitude towards fashion, with stylish accessories in an expressive template.
Naeto C at De Marquee 1st Year Anniversary
Naeto C at 2008 Soundcity Music Video Awards
Naeto C performing at MTV Base Africa 5th Anniversary
SLEEK SILHOUETTE: The sleek silhouette look is all in the way Naeto C combines separates. He pairs tailored blazers with complementing tailored trousers, or with a pair of slim fit, straight leg jeans or goes back in time, and opts for 60’s style boot cut jeans. What I really like is how he always adds an interesting element to the ensemble, either it is a pocket square, a chain link, an interesting combination of necklaces and bracelets, a vintage pin clipped onto the lapel or vintage glasses. He always opts for a simple v-neck tee to go under the blazer, just to keep the look clean, fresh, sleek and never over-cooked.
Naeto C at 2010 MTV Africa Music Awards
Naeto C at 2010 Soundcity Music Video Awards
Naeto C at 2010 Channel O Awards
THE TELL-TALE TEES: T-shirts are a huge part of Naeto C’s style and he loves them visually narrative, words, pictures, it’s all very expressive. They are worn uber causal with a pair of shorts, or a little dressed up with jeans, his signature hula and sunglasses, and a pair of sneakers.
Naeto C at Basketmouth's 'Lord-of the Rib' Event 2010
Nato C at the launch of Anabel Mobile in 2008
GET THIS NAETO C LOOK:
I chose this look because it encompasses the elements we attribute to Naeto C’ s style; the signature sunglasses, hat and a graphic tee. Nateo C truly rocks this look. While we often see him in the traditional hula, he decides to switch it up with a porkpie hat, which shows how versatile his personal style is. I love each piece in this look and how together they present a chilled, fun, yet mature look and we see his confidence shine through.
Channel this look with less than $170( N26,000)
The Graphic Tee:
Naeto C loves him some graphic tees. Why I really love this look is because it allows you to interpret it in your own way. Go for a tee that best expresses your personality; it could be with just words, pictures or both. This one has some scary skulls, not your cup of tee, go for something different. Like Nateo C’s this one has a square border. But while Naeto C goes for a round neck tee, I opted for a more forgiving wide scoop neck.
Purchase here for $13.79
Grey Pants:
A pair of grey khakis are a must in a man’s closet as they are perfect for oozing a relaxed aura with a look. And while brown shades remain predictable, they always seem to come off as fresh! The one I have put up lacks a bit of volume in comparison to the one we see on Naeto C, however, you can still capture the essence of the look wearing this pair.
Purchase here for $30
The Belt:
Naeto C opts for a square ring belt, while this isn’t a ring belt and has a buckle, it is quite similar to the one presented in the look. We see the silver edges which is the focal point of belt.
Purchase here for $19.98
Shoes:
With shoes, Naeto C does it simple and comfortable. That’s why I opted for plimsolls as they fulfil both criteria. They are the perfect complement to this chilled look and are similar to the one he has on.
Purchase here for $56
The Hat:
The porkpie hat is a brave choice, you need confidence to pull it off and it has to be in sync with the rest of the look. Naeto C wears it so well. I opted for a grey one, rather than the black one he has on, once again, to show that you can interpret this look in a way that resonates with your style personality. As it is wool, it throws in some texture to this look, which will complement the wooden bracelets.
Purchase here for $10.34
Wooden Bracelet:
Wooden bracelets are fashionable, fun accessories you can add to give a little something extra to a casual look. I’m a huge fan of texture, and it’s a simple way to add that textured edge to complete this look.
Purchase here for $6.90
Sunglasses:
Purchase here for $28
Credits: 360nobs- http://www.360nobs.com/|LADYBRILLE-http://www.ladybrillenigeria.com/|www.BellaNaija.com
Me
January 24, 2011 at 11:18 am
first to comment
Q-styl
January 25, 2011 at 8:06 am
Forget with being the first to comment! Naeto, you da man! why do most men think its just women that have to be stylish? I love you!!!
lizzy
January 24, 2011 at 11:28 am
Naeto c looks good. I love the traditional(hausa man) style more. Good job i.j and Bella naija.
'Kayode
January 24, 2011 at 11:39 am
that black kaftan is the one!
Teefah
January 24, 2011 at 11:54 am
I love Naeto’s style…he works the bright colours without looking tacky. But the hausa cap is IT for me! If he ever got a wax figure at Madam Tussauds it would have to be in the hausa cap, t-shirt, jeans & raybans! That is so his style.
http://www.that1960chick.com
Peperempe
January 24, 2011 at 11:59 am
Naeto C defo has style, he is certainly the best dressed male entertainer in Naija at the moment. Having said that, that outfit by Okunoren twins is not very good. The cut of that suit is all over the place, and they charge a king’s ransom for the privilege.
ruby
January 24, 2011 at 12:44 pm
mehnnn he looks soo goood
Anya
January 25, 2011 at 4:12 pm
as in! his outfit at the 2010 Soundcity awards was the baddest of them all. fine boy.
Ready
January 24, 2011 at 12:44 pm
Would this be the wrong place to ask if anyone else has tried viewing 360nobs.com only to get a message about the domain name having expired as of Saturday and awaiting deletion or renewal? BN, please let this show ’cause I need to know.
That aside, I love Naeto’s style…it’s like the man effortlessly has swag. There are times when he doesn’t appear as cute but he’s definitely got swag.
nope
January 24, 2011 at 1:02 pm
U aren’t the only one darl. I noticed yesterday
Ready
January 24, 2011 at 10:43 pm
Thanks! Now can we go on to yab Bims (abi what’s the name of his editor lady and Nobs gan sef.) What recklessness and absolute jagbajantis? Is it not a money-making engine for him? Why would they let that happen? BN, please don’t ever do the same. Now I can’t read whether or not he added Ada on BBM or what that moral compass-less Biola is up to next.
okidi
January 24, 2011 at 1:24 pm
Naeto’s greatest asset imo is his self confidence. His style is not my cup of tea.
partyrider
January 24, 2011 at 1:42 pm
YES BOSS
THE AMAKA
January 24, 2011 at 1:52 pm
LOLOL
his style is alright to me, but IT IS different.
his best outfit was the Soundcity Music Video Awards
nonny
January 24, 2011 at 2:09 pm
thimbs up bro!! u make sense…
Zen
January 24, 2011 at 3:39 pm
Naeto gat the G Swag On – One of Africa’s best across the World! Zen
IamSassyChic
January 24, 2011 at 4:20 pm
Naeto has always been on top. His style rocks!
http://www.iamsassychic.com
sweetie
January 24, 2011 at 4:38 pm
Naija ‘s Jay Z!!!!!!!!!!!!
missy gee
January 24, 2011 at 4:40 pm
I jst love naeto… He’s simply awesome…
chika Oduah
January 24, 2011 at 4:57 pm
whoah!!!! BROTHA GOT STYLE! he is fresh! i love the hula! love it all (minus the baggy jeans)
indomie
January 24, 2011 at 5:08 pm
omg this has made my WEEK.
As if i don’t have enough reasons to love Naetochukwu (as i call him with love in my eyes *according to my (ex)boyfriend* lol).
He is the only artist that i am a SHAMELESS groupie for (no offense Nicole).
Thanks bella 🙂
Karen
January 24, 2011 at 5:51 pm
hoozing Style thatsall!
justsaying
January 24, 2011 at 6:13 pm
He definitely knows how to put it together. One of his picture in khaki is downtown silver spring in MD
Yuds
January 24, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Messy! We love Naeto C! Plus he’s smart and well educated! American entertainers don’t know anything about that!
Doll
January 24, 2011 at 6:37 pm
he rocks. Totally
honeyB
January 24, 2011 at 7:14 pm
He sucks. Yawn. Boring music. – personality
Ready
January 24, 2011 at 10:41 pm
Ohh…that hurt my feelings. He is not boring and neither is his music. How many songs of his have you listened to? A person who dares to wear a hula cap when no one else is doing it ’cause it might look strange does not have a boring personality. And he has a Master’s degree…layers and layers to the man and his music, I tell you. Layers and layers…the absolute opposite of boring.
Q-styl
January 25, 2011 at 11:26 am
Lol. You are sooo dramatic! There are some people that you just cannot describe like that, else it would be attributed to beef. Naeto-C is one of them!
Chioma
January 24, 2011 at 10:47 pm
Best look for me, hip hop world awards 2008 from the soft grey to that tie- WOWza!! – that was sooo fashion 4ward nobody has done that till this day
True Fashion Gods will know what I’m talking about!
Go Naeto – U ROCK!
jess
January 25, 2011 at 4:09 am
He’s def one of the best dressed musicians. I would really like to see his collection of hats especially the trad ones, super cool.
NNENNE
January 25, 2011 at 4:19 am
Don’t know much about him but totally love people who are proud of their heritage…His caps said it all.
BTW, Bella, I noticed that other African social network sites copy your pictures without giving you the credit.I suggest that you inscribe your name on all the pictures you post. That way, they will be advertising for you whenever they do that.
fokasibe
January 25, 2011 at 12:35 pm
I don’t know what Fabulousity means to a Nigerian boy if it doesn’t define Naeto….
I make it a point to try not to swear….but let’s leave it at ABO-EFFING-LUTELY!
fokasibe
January 25, 2011 at 12:35 pm
FABULOUS!!!
Ooops!
January 25, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Naeto’s so full of style , mehnnnn i got so much love 4 ya….!
GHANAIJA
January 25, 2011 at 10:28 pm
Naeto ur yanga to mush!!! feeling the boy yeah!
Iceprincess
January 26, 2011 at 7:51 am
…9s name”GHANAIJA”..Hmm! oleku!
dessy
January 25, 2011 at 11:03 pm
he definately rocks.naeto c is also cute plus i luv educated pple.he wud pass 4 a role model anytime oda dan sm pple who just r fortunate to be stars
Corve DaCosta
January 26, 2011 at 1:56 am
hot styles
Ginika
January 26, 2011 at 10:35 am
Naeto, Naeto, Naeto thats all i can say! *stands up and applauds*
kemi
January 26, 2011 at 11:16 am
i love you dear!
XOXO
Gidi
January 26, 2011 at 11:29 am
i am not a fan of all his outfits as he often gets it wrong but one thing you can’t take away from him is the self confidence he oozes and the fact that he makes an effort in his choice of clothes.
Take a bow, son.
Charlie Lord-Poka
February 1, 2011 at 12:12 pm
Naeto C is 9ja’s Most dressed maled artist second to none (Darey has got some outifts aswell)..Keep it real,Yes Boss!
fatimah adeyemi
February 5, 2011 at 11:24 am
i love u dear ,keep it real,yes Boss
Tochi
June 13, 2011 at 3:21 am
His look is effortless, i like his hats
JAZ
July 26, 2012 at 8:33 am
WOW nice.