944

Chart-topping R&B sensation Mario has a new album out this month, which is going to take him in a whole new direction. And Then There Was Me promises to break Mario onto the dance floor and into the clubs. 944’s Hadley Henriette caught up with the 23-year-old star the morning after his performance at Miami Beach’s Fontainebleau to talk to him about fashion, music and family.

944: This is the fashion issue, so let’s talk about clothes. What attracts you to clothing?
MARIO: The texture, colors and design. I’m not really a name brand person; I’ve grown out of that. When I first started, I used to have name brands from top to bottom and I thought that was hot. I thought, “This is nice — everything is expensive.” Then looked at my budget and I was like, “Oh, OK.” So I started working with different stylists and exploring different styles. Now I know when it comes to fashion, it’s about finding out who you are within the fashion world. There are so many types of clothing out there. But to be honest with you, I’m more particular about my briefs and my socks and my underclothes than the rest. It’s the material — what’s inside makes everything outside feel more comfortable. As for fashion ... I’m still finding myself.
944: What do you find yourself buying again and again?
M: Creative Recreation shoes and Nudie jeans, Dolce & Gabanna button-down European-cut shirts. And scarves. I have a lot of them. I just love how free they are — it’s just a color and fabric and you can wear it any way you want.
944: Are you going to go the way of Jay-Z, Beyonce and LL, and create your own fashion brand?
M: I could definitely do it. I’m not ready for it yet, though.
944: What look would you like to see go away?
M: Um, Speedos.
944: But Speedos aren’t really in.
M: They are; women always ask guys to wear them. Leave Speedos in Europe.
944: You have younger brothers. What is your relationship with them?
M: Well, the oldest one is 20 and I find myself looking up to him at times. He grew up with my father — our father — and I didn’t, so there are things I notice about him that I don’t notice about myself — things he got from [our dad]. But we feed off of each other. Of course, my other little brothers are a lot younger than I am, so I feel more like a role model for them than anything. But it’s great to be around them when I’m not working.
944: Your grandmother raised you. Do you see a difference between kids that were raised by traditional parents versus the older generation?
M: There is a huge difference. She is a different type of woman than the women I see today, especially in terms of respect, morals and prioritizing. My grandmother was responsible for the whole family — she made sure everybody was in church, that everybody ate well and that everybody was happy, except herself. You pick up certain ways, and humility and a fear for god.
944: Speaking of women, what is your standard operating procedure with women?
M: Well every woman is different, but, I’m honest. I don’t take advantage and I try to listen more than I talk.