Leroy Dawkins, The Clotheshorse

Thanks to the wonderful media that is Twitter, I met the lovely Leroy Dawkins, award-winning author of his blog, The Diary of a Clotheshorse. From rubbing shoulders with the Dolce and Gabbana boys to sitting at the front rows during London Fashion Week, the man has done it all. Not to mention, his impeccable taste in shoes which I simply adore, how can you not love this guy? In any case, with LFW proving to be a very hectic time he was kind enough to let me pick his brains about how he got started in the industry as a fashion blogger so please, enjoy this mini-interview feature. A first in Czar history so indulge yourself and take a peek into the mind of this fabulous Clotheshorse!

Leroy with Stefano Gabbana and Domenico Dolce

with designer Roland Mouret

with model David Gandy

In your aptly titled blog, Diary of a Clotheshorse, you often write about the newest trends and the biggest names! Would you describe yourself as a Clotheshorse a la Anna Dello Russo maybe?

I am a bit of a Clotheshorse, according to my mother who gave [the name] to me. I have clothes for every occasion whether it's a hog roast or a royal wedding [but] I wouldn't say as much as Anna dello Russo, but I do love a label. It's more than just the label when I buy clothes however. It's all about practicality - ready to wear you can wear. I'm a hoarder so being like that helps in having an overstocked dressing room   

How would you describe your personal style?

For the bulk of the time it's clean cut and classic but sometimes I change it up and go all Italian wearing such labels as Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana. Other times I go a bit preppy with cravats, foulards, knitwear and chinos.

As a blogger, and so many are nowadays, do you feel as if your voice is being heard not just by the readers but by the industry also?

Yes totally. Not all bloggers get heard but that's down to blogging style and content.  I'm lucky I have a good readership not only from followers but industry folks as well, but it took a lot of hard work to get that.  

Do you think anybody can be a blogger? Are there any key tips or tricks on becoming a successful one like yourself?

Yes anyone can be a blogger - but we have to go back to content and what you write about.  A lot of bloggers think all they have to do is put on some Primark that don't match and that's all that's needed. Blogs these days cannot just be about yourself anymore. You have to talk fashion, the latest trends, what celebs are wearing, fashion news, the list is endless! It's also about social media, so engage with fans, followers,  and subscribers. Let them know everything is possible so they too can wear what Beyoncé is wearing. I realise when I should be sleeping Australia is awake and someone may want to ask a question so I'm available to my followers 24 hours a day - blogging has changed!

I see you always socialising with the likes of Dolce and Gabbana and the beautiful David Gandy! What is it like being a staple in fashion parties and launches?

I'm lucky I get invited to the most amazing events and parties around the world. Sometimes front row seats at shows as well but this didn't just happen. When I started I wanted my fashion voice to be heard and fortunately it is, so this enables me entry to such events. It still surprises me everyday and I’m so grateful that my opinion is valued in fashion.

Are they always as glitzy or do these parties go a bit crazy too?

When I first started, I was just happy to be there so I used to stay at parties for a long time (free bar!). Now its a way of life, and I choose carefully as to where I attend.  If you have ever seen the film Devil Wears Prada - Miranda Priestly arranges to go to a fashion party to arrive at 9:30 and have her driver pick her up at 94:5 - I'm a bit like that these days! I show my face, see what the party or launch has to say or what it's about so I can write about it and then I go home. My rule is home before family guy starts. 

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to make a career out of fashion blogging?

Think long and hard!! If you’re going to do it, do it properly and with commitment. Fashion and news is a daily thing so blogging once a week is not going to cut it.  A good blog can enable you to make a career in fashion- maybe PR, or working for magazines. At present I contribute, have advertisers and have a little something in the pipeline. You can earn money from a blog if you want to! How is up to you!