Topman Blog, meet London based all round entertainer Jeff Leach. An intellect and actor at heart, his work has been on our radar for some time. We thought it was about time for some questions! Check out what he had to say below...
Q. So Jeff, tell us, what is it that you do?
My true passions are acting and comedy, but over the past few years I've done radio presenting, television presenting, DJ'ing, producing, band management, writing for fashion and lifestyle magazines, venue management and club promotion.
Q. And where do you do it?
Well I've now put most things on the back burner to focus on my acting and comedy. So you can catch me doing live stand up every week at various clubs (check jeffleach.com for dates) I am currently doing all of the presenting segments on tv for Virgin Music On Demand and I am recording and editing a number of comedy sketches for online release in the next month or two, so keep your eyes peeled.
Q. Describe your personal style in 5 words...
Decadent, dark and emotion-adapted
Q. Your wardrobe is...
An ongoing project (filled with masterpieces)
Q. You have a lot going on...how do you juggle between being an actor, promoter, DJ etc...
I never viewed all of my passions as mutually exclusive. The theatre led to radio, which in turn led to club promotion and DJ'ing, that gave birth to a career in television presenting which has brought things full circle and I am now concentrating my efforts on the acting and comedy once more. The trick is to say yes to everything, as long as you are sure you have the cognitive capacity to fulfil each path to it's climax.
Q. How important do you think fashion and style is to your everyday life?
Hugely important and also influencial for my progress. I am influenced daily by art, literature, characters of all sorts and the fashion each adopts. I have many different characters that make up the sum of my parts and I dress accordingly to what character is being brought to the surface for each life I lead. I like to make statements and I like to be noticed. Whilst some people will adore my style and others may abhor it, what is important is that people will be challenged by it and aware of it. Fashion and style are a big part of who I am, a performer.
Q. Key piece for this Spring / Summer season?
A decent pair of sunglasses, some vintage Raybans are always a good buy. I also think for people like myself who stick to darker tones and alot of black clothing throughout the year, splashes of colour in simple things such as brightly coloured socks and vest tops are always a nice addition to the spring/summer wardrobe. A nice crisp white high collared Vivienne Westwood shirt for those early evening summer soirees is a worthwhile purchase too, decadent yet practical in the heat.
Q. What can you see emerging as the next trend in menswear...?
It's becomming more and more acceptable for men to wear clothing that was previously viewed as 'feminine', now that women have completely owned (and triumphed) in wearing clothes that might have been seen as 'masculine'. Have you ever worn a pair of leggings? They are comfortable, warm and playful and I would expect these to spread beyond the streets of artistic east london and make more of an appearance in menswear. Having said that, strong masculine looks (heavy boots, shirts and winter jackets) dominated the autumn/winter season so I expect this to flow into the spring/summer range. Expect light and detailed, yet very sharp and masculine cut summer suits and bold, brash coloured summer shirts. Men's accessories have been overlooked vastly in the past and the next year will see men taking a more vested interest in designers' accessories, from necklaces to gloves, cumerbunds to spats and cufflinks to hats.
Q. What's next for Jeff Leach?
This year for me is about establishing myself within the field of my true passions. I am dedicating time to turning out as much acting, comedy and presenting content as I can. Right now I am writing a sit com, a sketch show, my hour long Edinburgh Festival Show, performing as much stand up as I can, running and compering my comedy club, presenting various television programmes and filming my own sketches. I am no longer rushing or worrying about my ambitious dreams, as I am sure of their success, I am simply enjoying the process of achieving them.
Q. Where can we see you DJing / performing stand up next?
I am compering my 'Leach on Society Comedy Club' every first and third wednesday at Paradise by way of Kensal Rise. All other stand up dates can be found at www.jeffleach.com. I have DJ residencies at FIESTA @ 333, Together @ The Coronet, Transmission in Dublin and Globo in Barcelona.
Enjoy the interview? Thoughts below. And who would you like us to interview next? Know the next big band or DJ? Get in touch!
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