Imran

Walking into Imran’s studio apartment in Chicago, a city where a suit and tie is a staple wardrobe for every guy, I was immediately drawn to the colorful array of stuffed animals, marvel comic book characters and vintage toys that you only wish you held on to for all these years. Working as a FORD Model and sporting anything Disco (a la Saturday Night Fever), Imran is a far from the typical Chicago trader type.

Best describe your style at home?

Mystical Funk Philosophy, a flowering of disco-soul and eternal child’s play.

What’s your favorite stuffed animal?

It’s hard for me to use the word favorite, but I”m looking right now at my Winnie the Pooh doll. I like him because he reminds me a fat, happy Buddha... a fat, far-eastern Buddha!

What’s in your closet?

SuperStar Disco Threads. I love 70’s era threads because they’re passionate, romantic and lean. I’ve this one navy blue 3 piece I call my “Travolta Suit”. And I’ve got many vintage suits/blazers. I wear my disco threads 24/7 365 days a year.

What’s your favorite sneaker?

Hands down Adidas Samoas. Samoas were big in the 80’s and are too too cool. I like them so much I own them in 4 different colours, and have 2 pairs in each colour! One for skipping rope (i’m a trick rope skipper), which roughs them up a bit, and the other for stylin about town.

What’s in your fridge?

3 Maaza mango fruit drinks, 2 Athenos Roasted Red Pepper Hummos, Brownberry 12-grain bread, Hero Swiss Preserves-Rosehip, Hero Swiss Preserves-Red Cherry, Dickenson’s Pure Pacific Northwest Blueberry Preserves, Klaussen Kosher Dill Mini Pickles, A jar of salsa, a 1 lb container of Earthbound Farm’s Organic Spring Mix (i use salsa in place of salad dressing), a bag of Fuji apples, green grapes, and carrots, and 3 gallons of skim milk. I drink alot of milk-for oatmeal, cereal and chai.

What does it take to be a FORD model?

Gosh, I’m not sure... no, actually i am sure! It ain’t really about looks... it’s about surety. When you’re sure of yourself, people feel it, respond. They feel your aura and are attracted. Be sure of yourself, and you become beautiful, from the inside out. You can’t fake it... the camera doesn’t lie.

What are you reading right now?

1) The Power of Myth-a conversation between Bill Moyers and Joseph Campbell. 2) Essential Sufism-I thumb thru it regularly... a lovely book. 3) I just bought The Mahabharata, but haven’t started yet. I never really read books straight through. What I tend to do is read a few pages and absorb, so i end up reading more than one at the same time.

What’s in your ipod?

I’m a discophile, a funkophile... James Brown, Isley Brothers, Donna Summer, Chic, and the like... I love lovesongs too, so I’ve plenty of Burt Bacharach music. As far as folk music, I’ve Paul Simon, Jim Croce, and Carol King. I’m big on Elton John. My bro William turned me on to this Electronica band called Madredeus-it’s electronica that’ll make you cry. Plus a few electonica tracks by my best bro Alvin Vanderkuech.

posted by harjot