A Day in the Life of One of Philly’s Most Stylish Men

The CEO of lifestyle brand Kings Rule Together—and one of Philly’s best-dressed gents—on beard butter, rap, and keeping it local.

DITL CURRAN J 2.16

Photography by Courtney Apple.

The best part of being a lifestyle editor? You get to meet very cool people. One of these Very Cool People is Curran J, the soft-spoken CEO of Philly lifestyle brand Kings Rule Together. I’ve known Curran for several years and his well-honed, eclectic personal style still intrigues me. So who better to dish about the coolest gems – both known and hidden – of the city? Here, a peek into the life of one of Philly’s most stylish gents.

“I’m Muslim, so I wake up at the crack of dawn to pray before the sun rises. It can be as early as 4 a.m., but lately it’s about 6 a.m. Then I go back to sleep and wake up around eight. I hop right on the computer—check emails, get on Instagram—before the day starts.

I use [1] A’Naturelle beard butter and beard oil, which is made in Philly. I never really used to maintain my beard, but now it has been getting fuller and neater. For barbershops, I go to Styles Inspired by Marc on Lancaster Avenue and Wild Styles on Germantown Avenue.

I’ve been friends with the owner of [2] Cultured Couture Vintage for a couple of years—he helps me with fashion shoots and editorials. His shop is a hidden gem on 7th and Girard. I’m not about keeping the good spots a secret, though, because then they don’t flourish. We need businesses to keep on flourishing.

Chill Moody is a friend of mine, and he’s one of the hottest rappers in Philadelphia. I like conscious rap that I can understand and relate to. He’s a game changer, the modern-day Nas for me.

I like to wear accessories, especially [3] hats. Goorin Bros. on Walnut Street has great styles.

I really like [4] One Shot Coffee & Cafe. They always change up the menus, but I used to love the croissant French toast. This is where I first had a cronut.

Ky Cao, the owner of [5] P’s & Q’s shop on South Street, is pushing the bar in terms of men’s fashion in Philadelphia. It started off as more of a street-wear store, and then he elevated it. They’ve got nice, simple pieces and great quality.

I wear [6] Philly Eyeworks glasses all the time. I like to support any local entrepreneur. I’d rather spend my money on somebody homegrown than go to a big company. I live in Philadelphia; I need to embrace the people I’m around.”

As told to Emily Goulet.