The Real-Life Wardrobe of Leon Bridges, Who Won His First Grammy in Bode

For Leon Bridges, it all began with a bunch of hand-me-downs. “Growing up, we did tall tees and all that kind of stuff,” the 37-year-old singer-songwriter tells me. “But there was a moment, when I was like 20 or 21, where one of my mom’s friends passed down some vintage clothes that he used to rock when he was younger.” Those clothes, mainly 1960s knits, didn’t just ignite Bridges’s love of vintage style—they literally changed the trajectory of his career. “I decided when I started making music that I wanted to have that consistency, and I wanted my style to reflect the music.”That led him down a path of what he calls “retro-futuristic” R&B, evolving from the nostalgic soul of his 2015 debut Coming Home to the danceable grooves of his new album Happiness Anytime, a collaboration with the London funk band Jungle.“I love the full spectrum of R&B, and I really try to make my songs reflect that,” the Grammy winner says.Bridges’s wardrobe, too, is ever-evolving—he still rocks plenty of killer vintage, but he’s also unafraid to dabble in designer grails from the likes of Celine and Nicholas Daley. Below, I caught up with the musician to chat through his pre-show rituals, his go-to Bode jacket, and the wildest moment of his career.All clothing and accessories, subject’s own. Jacket by Celine. Vintage pants, glasses, and boots. GQ: How did you get your start in the music industry?Leon Bridges: Actually, I started initially as a dancer. My first time ever being on a stage was through dance. I was blessed enough to run into a community of musicians who really helped. I always loved to sing, but they helped nurture my love for music and inspired me to pick up a guitar. I started doing open mics, and I met this cat named Austin Jenkins who pretty much saved my life. He offered to record these songs that I'd been writing and we put it on SoundCloud, and everything just snowballed from there. That was in 2014.Is there anything you haven't done that's still on your musical bucket list?Man, yeah. The crazy thing is I think I've hit all the milestones. I have collaborated with some of my favorite artists. Next thing I want to do is a Muscle Shoals thing—just get a collective of musicians and help aspiring musicians record some music.You’ve had plenty of incredible experiences in your career, from performing in the White House with the Obamas to opening for the Rolling Stones on tour. Do you have a favorite moment you can recount?It had to have been going to Obama’s birthday party. I’m just like, “Whoa, that’s George Lucas. That’s Paul McCartney.” Man, so surreal. It’s just a reflection of making good art and keeping at it and having integrity.Tell me about your new album, Happiness Anytime.There's a song on Leon called “Peaceful Place,” and in ways it became the [touchstone] for how I wanted to shape this music. I just wanted to compel people to dance more. I called it Happiness Anytime—just a perpetual joy, choosing joy, and being anchored in that love no matter what's going on around you.How did you get linked up with Jungle for this album?I’ve always been a fan of their stuff. I remember seeing their videos, and I’d think, “Man, it’d be cool to be able to collab and dance in one of those videos.” It’s crazy how that manifested, but what an awesome group of people. It was definitely the easiest and most peaceful experience of making music.Jacket by Bode. Jeans by Celine. Vintage boots by Campus. What role does fashion play in your music?One thing I love currently with this Happiness Anytime thing is that it’s island soul through the lens of a Texas cat. I really love the whole Rocksteady culture. I wanted to incorporate different patterns and vibrant colors and all that kind of stuff.Do you dress differently when you’re on stage or when you’re touring versus when you’re at home?Yeah, absolutely. It’s more Western style on stage. It’s more of a uniform look. There was a tour where I was super inspired by Elvis’s style, so I got these crazy custom suits with some super dope embroidery on it.Can you tell me a bit about your Bode jacket? Most people reading this are probably familiar with their Senior Cord customization program, but how’d you get that jacket?It’s really a significant piece. It’s one of one. I was wearing that fit when I won my first Grammy. She painted different quotes and things that encompass who I am as a Texan.What are some brands you’re into?I love vintage, but I also love supporting designers that still maintain that vintage aesthetic. Shout out to Nicholas Daley and Celine. I’m always on the lookout for new designers that fit in with the aesthetic.Vintage sunglasses by Cazal. Vest by Nicholas Daley. Custom shoes (pictured above) by Brandon Westbrooks. How do you maintain your hair? Any tips for readers with a similar texture?Man, shout out to my friend Lindsay Rogers. It’s like a twist-out situation. I always try to find unique natural hairstyles.When you’re on the road, do you have any rituals that help you recenter?Prayer is important for me. When I was younger, I had this spiritual awakening. I try to really stay connected to God and maintain integrity for sure.Can you give me three non-negotiable albums you think everyone should listen to?Fly Me to the Moon by Bobby Womack. Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange. Gunna’s One of Wun.