Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens makes a statement with his sartorial choices.
Simply Buckhead sat down with Atlanta’s 61st mayor to talk about the evolution of his personal style, his preferred off-duty attire and neighborhood spots he loves.
Describe your personal style in three words.
Professional. Crisp. Relatable.
How has your fashion changed since taking office in 2022?
I’ve gone from buttoned up executive to now buttoned up executive with a little bit of style and a little flair. When I was running for mayor, I started working with Dedrick. He upped my style from being a tech guy with a sporty tech business wardrobe. Now I have a suit for every occasion.
How do you use style to support your goals as Atlanta’s top executive?
I’m working from early morning to late night every day. I have anywhere from 10 to 11 meetings and events in a day. Some are outdoor, some are indoor, some are community-facing, some are business-facing. It’s important to have the flexibility to do all of those things while still having some comfort. You want to be appropriately dressed and fashionable, but the clothes need to have some endurance to last all day.
When working with Dedrick of Hideoki Bespoke, your clothes are custom. Why is it important for you to have items no one else does?
I do a wide range of events: a state of the city address, an inauguration, a visit to the White House or a critical business meeting where I have to present. They all have a distinctive look that Dedrick helps me plan year in and year out. Not only is it planning for this year’s calendar, but it’s making sure I’m not looking the exact same year after year. We’re kind of experimenting right now with a slightly flared leg and a flat front [on pants]. At times we go with a peak lapel collar. It’s all about what message we’re trying to convey. As a chemical engineer from Georgia Tech, I knew none of this before.
What are you wearing on a day off?
I love nice flexible jeans and a hoodie in winter. Or in summer, a fitted polo and some sneakers or loafers. I’m very relaxed on my days off.
Speaking of off days, where are some of your neighborhood favorites for grabbing a bite?
This area has so many great restaurants. I love the Retreat by the Gathering Spot for perfect sunset views from the rooftop. Eight Sushi has some really good sushi in West Midtown, and I love Umi in Buckhead. If I’m going for a steak, it’s between Chops and Marcel. It just depends on what part of town I want to be in. Delbar has a vibe and great food.
PHOTO: Alexandra Zak
