Interview: The Dapper Kid Talks Reality

The Dapper Kid has amazing taste, a dandy wardrobe, and he's only 18 years old! Who better to fill in the blanks with our interview questionnaire?

Name: dapper kid
Age: 18 going on 19
Occupation: Student at the Courtauld Institute doing History of Art.

What is reality? Whatever you make it.

What concept, philosophy, or idea do you wish someone had told you when you were younger?

The hardest challenge in life is to be yourself, when most people want you to be someone else. Always remember to smile and the world is instantly a better place. And never forget that you are loved.

Who/What has been your biggest influence?

I would have to say family and friends. Although that probably seems a rather standard answer, it is the important people in your life who shape and influence you to become someone you want to be.

When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up to be: a teacher or writer. I love the feeling you achieve when someone understands a concept from your explanation.

What silly thing are you scared of?

I am fine with heights, enclosed spaces, mice, bugs...but I simply can not stand next to an inflated rubber balloon. I had sensitive hearing when I was younger and my brothers decided to pop a few balloons right next to me. Needless to say I feel uncomfortable around balloons, and am always scared they'll pop!

What's the first thing you do when you wakeup in the morning?: Smile, it's good to be alive.

My true passion is: making people happy.

What is your secret guilty pleasure?

I don't really believe in having 'guilty' pleasures - if you feel guilty about it, then it is not a pleasure! However something I love doing, which I guess most people would find odd, is watching documentaries. I could sit and watch documentaries all day, whether they be historical in nature, about the Universe or about animals. I pretty much love learning anything new.

I think - Perez Hilton - is the biggest bitch in the world. And we all love him for it!

Speaking your mind is: best done with tact. I dislike people who embarrass someone in front of their friends and use the excuse of being truthful. If you have something to say, it is best to take someone in the corner and tell them personally.

Music today is: wonderfully diverse. There are so many unique niches and genres out there, I think everyone can find something they enjoy. I do feel however that many musicians fall into the trap of feeling they need to appeal to everyone and lose focus of what makes them great.

Who would you want to play you in the movie about your life?

I am not too sure my life would be that exciting in all reality. However, I think I would probably like a director to seek the actor that is right for the role, rather than making the role right for an actor of my choosing.

Fill in the blank: Flaws are: lovable.

When I hear "douche bag," I think of: South Park. I have never really heard that term used this side of the pond!

Politics makes me: happy, sad, infuriated, confused and all the emotions in between.

LA or NY?: New York? Actually scratch that, everyone needs to come to London some time in their life.

Mary Kate or Ashley?: Ashley. Every article on the twins seems to be about MK, it would be interesting to know more about Ashley.

Hipsters are: wannabes? In all honesty, I have no idea what that term really means, I always imagine deep cut v-necks, neon and super skinnies.

I was born: on a cusp day, meaning that depending on which Horoscope I read, I can be one of two Star Signs.

What is your favorite quote/motto/mantra? "Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship" - Siddhartha Gautama aka Buddha.

The most life-changing book I have ever read was: The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Grahame. It was the book which sparked my love of literature.

My secret, or hate-to-admit-it crush is: Anne Hathaway? Or the lead singer from The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, Mette Lindberg.

My three favorite, can't live without them pieces of clothing or accessories are:
1. A pair of dark jeans.
2. A grey v-neck sweater.
3. A silk bow tie.

My personal hero/idol is: To be honest I don't really have one, I think we all have the inherent desire to be the best, and it is by truly knowing ourselves that we find out how to achieve that goal. That being said, I look up to my father greatly, he inspired my love of having a smart appearance and general respectable demeanour.

After my last relationship I felt: free?

The best new designer is: Scandinavian probably. That part of Europe seems to have a mecca of wonderfully creative brands most of us have never heard of.

When I see someone wearing - every single current trend in one look - I know they are trying way too hard!

My top three favorite bands/groups/singers are: Hmm, hard question, it really does depend on my mood and the situation I am in. I have huge respect for Lupe Fiasco, I have been following him since the earliest mixtapes and have all of his tracks. I am eager to see more work from producer Ryan Leslie, the songs he has released so far in anticipation for his own album have been amazing. Music by the band, Augustana always makes me smiles. Otherwise any music from Teddy Pendergrass to 30 Seconds To Mars!

If I could suddenly inherit anyone's closet, I would choose: Johnny Depp. I love the fact that he is one of the few celebrities who does not use a stylist, and that his collection of clothing is as diverse and eclectic as it is amazing.

My go-to karaoke song is: anything by Neyo or Chris Brown. I have a freakishly good memory for lyrics, and I know all of their songs by heart including all the little inflections in their voices.

It really pisses me off when: people phone you, and then ask who you are!

I am never more happy than when I am: in the company of people I love.

I never got - why women go to the bathroom together. If a man tried that he would probably be met with a rather large fist to the face. - about the opposite sex.

How tall are you?: Just over 6'1" and growing.

How many languages do you speak? Which?: I speak English, Urdu and Hindi fluently, as well as a few other languages well enough to get around. English was actually my second language, but thankfully people seem surprised when they find out, so it can't be too bad! I apparently have quite the penchant for foreign languages.

The human ego is: dangerous yet empowering.

When I get dressed, I'm usually thinking: which garments make me the happiest that day.

Where were you born?: Opposite the Houses of Parliament in St. Thomas' Hospital, London.

What's the worst fashion crime one could possibly commit?: Croc....argh mental images!!

The - 1920's - are my all-time favorite era in fashion.

Do you secretly watch The Hills (and sometimes lie about it)?: I will happily watch it when there is nothing else on. MTV in England seems to have constant reruns showing.

I really wish - David Blaine - would fall off the face of the earth. That would be a real magic trick, compared to say...living in a box with no food aka being poor.

My favorite store to shop at is: I love Uniqlo, because they have amazing array of basics in a huge selection of colours and sizes - so pretty much an affordable AA. I also love browsing second hand shops and charity stores. In general, I tend to browse all stores, I like being surprised. I have, for example, bought pocket squares in a supermarket and a pair of jeans in a womens store. Oh, and eBay if that counts!

My favorite food is: usually anything my grandmother makes.

Love is: best known in the mundane. When you can stand after a long and stressful day and wash dishes with your other half and simply smile at being in the company of each other, you know you have found something special.

My favorite website is: What Is Reality Anyway? Obviously!

Special thanks to the Dapper Kid!