James Maina Mwangi believes himself to be the smartest looking man in all of Africa, maybe even the world, and looking at his impeccably stylish outfits, it’s hard to disagree.
When he came to Nairobi, in Kenya, James Maina Mwangi had only one shirt and people laughed at him because they knew his father, who was an honorable but poor freedom fighter. He asked God for something to make himself stand out, and he apparently got this flamboyant fashion style. He’s been using his brightly colored suits and accessories to stand out on the streets of the Kenyan capital ever since, and has even attracted international attention thanks to his outfits.
Photos: James Maina Mwangi/Facebook
Mwangi, who claims to own 160 suits, over 200 pairs of shoes, and 300 hats, as well as matching accessories like pens, socks and even smartphone covers, in colors ranging from neon green to saffron yellow, has had to invest in matching face masks as well, since the Covid-19 pandemic reached Africa.
Photo: James Maina Mwangi/Facebook
Although the dozens of custom face masks weren’t exactly cheap, the self-proclaimed smartest-looking man in Africa, maybe even the world, couldn’t miss this opportunity to add to his already impressive wardrobe.
Photo: James Maina Mwangi/Facebook
After dropping out fo school at the age of 12, because his family couldn’t afford to pay school fees, James Maina Mwangi makes a living as a Jack of all trades, and sometimes lends his colorful suits to members of his church.
Photo: James Maina Mwangi/Facebook
So where does someone get such colorful outfits anyway? Well, according to a Kenya Citizen TV news report, the 59-year-old dapper man has a faithful tailor who understands his vision, and also receives unique pieces from his admirers across the globe.
Photo: James Maina Mwangi/Facebook
A full outfit can cost anywhere from 10,000 Kenyan shillings ($92) to 80,000 shillings ($750).
Photo: James Maina Mwangi/Facebook
Mwangi’s attention-grabbing outfits are reminiscent of La Sape, the society of well dressed men and women that originated in the Congolese cities of Brazzaville and Kinshasa.
