Nolan Daniel White, a 23-year-old menswear influencer, has rapidly emerged as a prominent voice in today’s fashion landscape, blending education with experimental style to connect with a youthful audience. Growing up in Windsor, Ontario, White’s fascination with clothing transcended fabric, evolving into a means of shaping identity. “I figured, hey, maybe people will see me in a certain light if I dress a certain way,” he reflects.
White’s early engagement with fashion was self-directed; he absorbed knowledge from YouTube video essays, scoured online platforms like Grailed and eBay for coveted streetwear brands such as Supreme and BAPE, and ventured into the resale market. His journey took a significant turn while studying economics at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. Although he initially intended to pursue a traditional career after graduation, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new opportunities. With extra time on his hands, he returned to shopping online and began posting daily outfit content on TikTok in 2021. Simple posts showcasing everyday style soon evolved into educational content analysing menswear, filling a notable gap on the platform.
“I realised this might actually be a viable career, doing something I was passionate about and connecting with people,” White said in an interview with Sharp Magazine. As his following grew, so did his professional opportunities, culminating in invitations to major fashion events such as New York Fashion Week. Upon finishing his degree early, White relocated to Montreal to dedicate himself full time to content creation.
Crucially, White’s willingness to engage and learn has attracted the attention of established figures in the industry. Aaron Levine, a seasoned menswear designer with experience at brands like Madewell, Abercrombie & Fitch, and Aimé Leon Dore, was drawn to White’s online presence and eventually invited him to collaborate. White describes Levine as a mentor, likening him to “Mr. Miyagi” for his emphasis on teamwork and humility. Levine’s belief in nurturing talent beyond traditional career paths underscores the evolving nature of fashion careers today.
Adam Appugliesi, founder of the Toronto menswear label Libero and a close friend, praises White’s authenticity and influence, stating, “Nolan is one of the purest guys I’ve met in this industry. We’ve become friends, we’ve crashed on each other’s couches, I look at him as a little bro.”
White’s impact extends beyond social media, as he draws on a rich blend of vintage and contemporary fashion influences to assemble outfits that reflect diverse facets of his style. Sharp Magazine showcased five distinct looks curated by White, demonstrating his versatility—from a bold Hermès calfskin overshirt to a relaxed take on ’80s tailoring reminiscent of ’90s Armani aesthetics. White’s approach often involves mixing formal and casual elements, creating a style that is both accessible and distinctive.
Describing one favourite ensemble, White shared, “It’s very ‘sleazebag hanging on the Riviera.’ I don’t usually wear a scarf like this, but I thought, why not go for it?” His playful yet thoughtful styling captures the spirit of menswear as an evolving form of personal expression.
Nolan Daniel White exemplifies a new generation of menswear tastemakers who leverage digital platforms to educate and experiment with fashion in real time. His journey from a reselling enthusiast to a respected industry figure illustrates the broadening pathways into fashion careers today, where passion and digital fluency intersect to reshape style conversations.
Source: Noah Wire Services