100 Most Influential People in Fashion

Fashion Influential #56: Andre 3000

By Alicia on

Andre Benjamin in MTV TRL Presents Andre Benjamin And John Legend

(U.S. TABS OUT) Recording artist and actor Andre Benjamin visits MTV's "TRL" at the MTV studios in Times Square on September 3, 2008 in New York City. (Getty Images)more pics »
ANDRE BENJAMIN
Born: May 27, 1975 in Atlanta, Georgia
Aliases: Cupid Calentino, Dre, Ice Cold, Possum Aloysius Jenkins, Dookie Blossumgame III, Benjamin Andre, Love Pusher, Binhamin, Johnny Vulture, Funk Crusader, Chamelio Salamander, 3 Stacks, Sunny Bridges
Clothing line: Benjamin Bixby Beginnings.
Andre Lauren Benjamin was born in Atlanta, Georgia, but lived in East Point, Decatur and Buckhead -- all places from which he soaked up a variety of cultures and lifestyles. He met Antwan “Big Boi” Patton in high school – where he also learned to play the violin – and the two formed Outkast.

Career Highs.
Though Outkast’s first album went platinum, it wasn’t until 2003’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below that Andre truly broke the hip hop artist mold and forged a new image. This one featured colorful patterns, suspenders, hats and ill-fitting suits years ahead of their time. He was also invited to a gala at the Met by Vogue first lady, Anna Wintour.
The world doesn't need another clothing company. But it does need a certain funk.
- Andre 3000

If the hat fits...

Career Lows.
In 2004, he was named “World’s Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity” along with Alicia Silverstone.

Legacy.
In 2008, Andre released his own clothing line, Benjamin Bixby, a 70-piece collection that seems to tell stories as much as it does outfit its wearer. If it weren’t for the line’s hip-hop roots, one might call it “dandy clothes.” It basically takes hip-hop’s long-time fascination with preppy style and puts a big purple waist coat and riding boots on it. But in a good way.

Some are just born cool.
Get the look.
Think English tudor style with a dash of circus side show snake oil peddler and you’ll be close. But it takes a certain composure to rock this style. If you can’t walk the walk, best leave the top hat and bow-tie on the shelves.

- John