BeChicMag.com

TALKING MEN’S FASHION WITH ONE OF AMERICA’S
BEST DRESSED MEN

Who would have thought that the good looking stranger my girlfriend and I came across on a warm summer night in the Meat Packing District- before the locale became a fad-was a fashionista. When this slightly older gentleman offered to take a picture of us and said that he was in town for a photo shoot for the September issue of Esquire magazine, we didn’t quite believe him but figured he was cool enough to hang with us anyway.

It so happened to be that our new pal Randy Candler had just won Esquire’s San Fran search for the Best Dressed Real Man in America contest. The San Francisco Chronicle described Randy’s winning attire as a “muted moss-green and brown plaid sport coat by Oxxford, dark brown pants, a vest, classic blue shirt and orange silk diamond pattern tie by Kiton.” The Bay Area res was chosen as one of the top five finalists in the country and won a trip to the Big Apple.

For this handsome 49-years young world traveler and designer salesman, men’s fashion is “all about passion. Sadly, many men have become a bit lazy when it comes to style. I try to inspire men to care about their personal sense of style, no matter the budget,” says Candler.

We caught up with the Ran Can Can during his last visit to the NYC where he and four other contestants waited to hear who of the five was to be crowned Esquire’s “Best Dressed Real Man in America” on the Today show. Unfortunately, our guy didn’t win- but here’s what he thinks about life after the contest… Read the rest of this entry »

Mercedes Sanchez accepted the 2006 Blackboard Award on behalf of the Cornelia Connelly Center Holy Child Middle School for “Outstanding Religious Middle School.”  (See a segment Mercedes wrote, shot and produced on Holy Child Middle School for WNBC NewsChannel 4 by clicking here.)

Manhattan Media and The Blackboard Awards salute professionals, parents and graduates who provide moral and financial support to the schools honored each year. Deputy Mayor Kevin Sheekey and Gabriela Rowe of the Mandell School co-hosted the ceremony at the Claremont Preparatory School. Randi Weingarten, president of the United Federation of Teachers and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer also presented awards at the ceremony.

“When my former teacher, Ms. Connie Bush, asked me to accept this award on behalf of all the Holy Child students, I was deeply honored,” said Sanchez. “I am a true product of the school, and if it weren’t for Holy Child’s financial assistance throughout high school and its graduate support program that provides SAT Prep courses, college visits and help throughout the college application process, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Holy Child always told us ‘to be all that God wants us to be,’ and that’s what I’m trying to do.” Read the rest of this entry »