Avenue

Maximum Impact

Athlete, entertainer and businessman Jesse Lipscombe makes maximum impact with a wardrobe of bold choices.

words by Jodie McKague
photography by 3Ten Photo

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You don’t have to be familiar with Jesse Lipscombe’s credentials to figure out he’s a guy strutting some serious cachet. At just 28-years-old, the six-foot-three, street-smart variation on the classic Mr. Tall, Dark and Handsome carries himself with the charm and charisma of an evangelical preacher; he leaves so much positive energy in his Size 13 tracks that he might as well be a natural resource. His website identifies him as an athlete, entertainer and businessman — which is a lot easier than listing off his seemingly endless number of occupations. He has been an unofficial model for underwear company Ginch Gonch; he plays an officer on the television show Mixed Blessings; he tours as a motivational speaker; and he whips Edmontonians into physical and emotional shape as the owner of P.H.A.T. Training, which offers corporate, group and personal training. Even after a disappointing performance at the Olympic high-jump trials this summer, the track and field star recovered like a pro — shifting his energy into upcoming projects, which range from producing a travelling play about mental illness to scheming up a 2009 makeover event for men who want to spice up their wardrobes — Lipscombe-style.

 

You’ve got a lot on the go these days. Why is fashion still so important to you?

I believe clothes are the catalyst for happiness. I try to dress every day to represent not how I feel but how I want to feel — unless the two are the same.


Not many people can pull together an entire outfit for $100 and still look fierce. How do you do it?

The discount basket is not a bad place to go. It just means that it’s not brand new. And usually, brand new means everyone else has it, too, because it’s brand new. So, I’ve never really wanted to be looking like everyone else out there. Discount means it didn’t sell well, so we need to get rid of it. So, if you can find something in there to make it work, don’t feel bad — feel great! Just ’cause the sales people see you walk in and they’re like “Oh, Discount Man.” Yeah, that’s because they’re working commission — that’s <I>their</I> job. But do <I>your</I> job. Your job is to look hot and look good and be comfortable. That doesn’t mean always buying new and expensive.


You’re a big fan of the Japanese line smu, which tends to be quite tailored. Do you prefer a slim fit?

Definitely slim, slim, slim, slim. There’s nothing I am trying to hide right now. keep it tight, right? I mean there will be a time when I will get me some baggy mid-section stuff like that, but for now, slim fit is my favourite.


Nike and lululemon are your brands of choice when it comes to your work as an athlete and trainer. What about for formal occasions?

You’d be hard-pressed to find me in a three-piece suit. At weddings, it happens. I mean, at my wedding I was in a suit, but I was in a suit with a bright orange tie, bright orange socks and a bright orange belt. Orange was our colour. And then I had a suit made for me that was tailored to my body, and then a nice printed dress shirt. So there’s the suit, if it has to happen.


What about when you’re speaking at charitable events or black-tie affairs?

Socks are the place to go, all the time. So no matter how formal it is, you rock some socks and watch some action. If it’s a tuxedo night, then that itself is costume. You can still add a piece of flavour. Then I would hope that my tuxedo would have some sort of bright silk, so that if I open my arm you got a little bit of flash of something.


I know you’ve got a hate-on for scuffed shoes. is there anything else that makes you cringe?

I think if you wear glasses, you should <I>wear</I> glasses. Not like, “I am wearing invisible frames, I hope nobody sees I have glasses on.” If you have glasses, you have just been granted one of the coolest accessories there are. I go get them and I don’t even need them. Your whole outfit can be bland, but if you put on a pair of glasses, then instantly you’ve got something.


You definitely have a very bold point of view. What’s your advice for someone who wants to step it up a bit in the fashion department?

Grab something five shades brighter than you normally would and see what happens. We all have undertones, and black clothing doesn’t pull them out. Whatever the case may be, try a different colour and all of a sudden you see a different feature. Your eyes look different, your cheeks look different.