How’d your passion for menswear start?

I think at this point it started about 7 years ago. I went through some changes in my life and I sought to reinvent myself. I started with my clothes. Clothes are the easiest thing you can change that will alter what people think of you. I didn’t really have a style back then, so I looked towards social media for what I liked. I knew I loved classic menswear, so I looked for bloggers and celebrities that filled those fashion needs.

I’m also a big fan of a specific form of electronic music called chiptune. Of all places, I learned about being a dandy from a musician at one of these shows, who is a dandy himself. If you don’t know what being a dandy is all about, just think of it as the most extreme form of menswear. I knew I wanted my menswear to lean towards that direction, so I always look towards Dandyism for inspiration. Hence, the name of my blog.

Diego LeonWhat are your goals as an influencer?

After looking at my blog or Instagram, I want people, especially where I’m from in the Bronx, to feel comfortable in what they wear and lead them in the right direction when it comes to menswear. I want to work with brands who have the same philosophies as me so I can create content that I am not only proud of, but that my readers believe in.

How would you describe your personal style? 
I look towards Dandies for inspiration and put my own twists to it. Avoiding “casual ware” at all costs. Classic all the way.

Describe your outfit.
All colors have a friend. Red and green, blue and orange, and in this case, black and yellow. I mixed shades of black/gray with the yellow to make it pop. When I saw this bicycle patterned tie, it was so dandy to me. I just wish I had one for this outfit!

Diego LeonRandom Fun Fact:
I enjoy playing Magic: The Gathering and Pokémon (the video game). I also like going to tournaments for these games and always try to wear my best! The highest level of competition I’ve competed in was in 2008. I Played in the Pokémon World Championships.

Photography by Nick Urteaga