Photography by Jeanie Stehr
Tone Classic has a passion for keeping his style vibrant yet timeless. His interest in the creative industry leads him to his love for fashion, styling others, modeling, fashion photography, and creating unique content for his rapidly growing YouTube channel and social platforms. As a jack of all trades, Tone Classic lives by several statements, perhaps the most important one being “live to express, not impress.”
Name: Anthony (ToneClassic) Residence: Indianapolis, Indiana Occupation: By day I’m a Marketing & Communications Specialist. By night I’m a writer, content creator, and blogger. Where did you grow up? My beloved hometown of Dayton, Ohio. Hardly home, but always reppin! What is your earliest memory of a noticeable interest in fashion? Growing up I loved getting dressed for church. If you have grown up in or are familiar with black church culture, then you know the true meaning of the term ‘Sunday’s best.’ Each Sunday was a new opportunity for me to try and put something stylish together, and I have vivid memories of my parents’ friends saying things like, “Your son is always dressed so sharp!”
Who or what influences your style? My style is heavily influenced by androgyny, as well as the change of seasons. I first started wearing “women’s” clothing when I realized that their jeans are sometimes longer, and fit better than men’s jeans. An old model friend of mine gave me that tip back in college. After that, I realized that clothing is just clothing. There’s no rulebook that says you can’t wear a specific garment because of who it was originally intended for. People are truly shocked when they compliment me on an item that I’m wearing, only to find out that it’s actually a women’s shirt/blazer/bag/etc. The change of seasons is also very influential for me because it allows me to practice the art of adaptation. Sure, it may be easier for some to throw a stylish ensemble together in the fall or winter, because you’re able to incorporate several layers and weighted accessories. But what about when summer comes along, how does your style hold up when you take all of those layers away? What are your favorite Instagram accounts to follow? They change often because my interests change. However, right now I’m enjoying @hillhousevintage and @virgomood. Hillhouse Vintage is a woman from the United Kingdom, with a passion for the English country aesthetic. Her page is truly a gem! Virgo Mood is your typical Tumblr-Esque IG aesthetic page. It’s a great source for gaining inspo and feeding your innermost pre-Y2K fantasy.
Describe your personal style in four words or one phrase. Classic
What’s your go-to item in your closet?
This is a good question. I’d probably have to say my Telfar bag, sometimes referred to as the Brooklyn Birkin.
Who are your favorite designers, and what do you like about their designs? I don’t know that I have a particular favorite, but I do love looking at Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s Instagram. Their items lie at the intersection of creativity and gender fluidity, which is what I’m all about when it comes to fashion. Did you ever consider leaving the Indy area? Yes! Though I have some things I’m working on before I do.
What’s making you stay? Family and my work are why I’m here for now.
What trends are you noticing for summer fashion? Though this may be a trend from last year, I’m noticing an abundance of large, dramatic accessories–Straw hats and bags specifically. I’m all for it! What are your trend predictions for fall fashion? I’m predicting a season full of colorful, unconventional trench coats. I live for a trench coat!
What short and long term goals are on your list? I’d love to go back to school and obtain a Master’s degree, as well as devote more time to my writing. Toneclassic.org is a blog that combines my fashion with my most authentic life experiences. I want to get back to updating my blog more often, and utilizing my newsletter to keep people involved and informed. I also have plans to launch some new exciting content on my YouTube Channel! I also would love to get back into modeling. I’ve taken somewhat of a sabbatical, but I’m ready to get back into the groove of it all.
Define fashion. Fashion is my way of simultaneously saying everything and nothing at all.