Words by Carl Ayers, Features Editor

BET’s Harlem Heights star, and Trenton, New Jersey native, Pierre Downing, talks with Obvious Magazine about style, family, and future.

Photography: Jerris Madison for www.jerrismadison.com
Stylist: Carl Ayers for The Talent Unlimited Group www.theTUGroup.com
Styling Assistant: Khalique for Monarchy Management Group

Tank Top  American Apparel
Jeans  Akademik
Suspenders  Stylist’s Own
Jewelry  Babette Epaulette www.babetteepaulette.com

Tank Top  American Apparel
Jeans  Akademik
Boots Via Spiga
Suspenders  Stylist’s Own
Jewelry  Babette Epaulette www.babetteepaulette.com

LEFT
Shirt  Most Official Seven
Blazer  Xagon Men
Jeans  Diesel
Tie  H&M
Boots  Via Spiga
Gloves  Stylist’s Own

RIGHT
Jacket  Converse
Watch  Nooka
Rosary Stylist’s Own

LEFT
Shirt  The Brooklyn Circus www.thebkcircus.com/bkc/shop/
Jeans  Akademik
Sneakers  Nike
Belt  Leather Island
Rosary and Ring  Stylist’s Own

RIGHT
Tank Top  American Apparel
Cardigan  TopMan
Jeans  Akademik
Boots  Via Spiga
Ring  Stylist’s own
Chain  Model’s own

Pierre Downing went from local hoopster to college team captain. Amongst his awards and
accolades (including running the NYC marathon), one of his greatest accomplishments is being a role model and mentor for inner-city youth and women. Two organizations closest to Pierre are New Jersey-based UIH Family Partners (the State’s oldest non-profit organization for children) and New York-based Black Girls Rock, Inc. (an arts-initiative that let’s young girls of color know how beautiful they are.)

After his success on BET’s Harlem Heights, Pierre has remained connected to his roots and made advances in his career . He has hosted events for at-risk teens and been a motivational speaker for school children. His television exposure, combined with a degree in theater, has helped him land roles in plays, short films, and a television pilot. He hopes to further develop in his craft of acting and expand his modeling career. Pierre says he “will forever be grateful to the show for casting the Pierre net out into the world.”

What inspires you?
My mother, grandmother, and unts. Their drive, strength, love, humility and passion to just live life is what inspires and drives me to make moves everyday! Without them I wouldn’t be where I am today.

What is a ideal date?

My ideal date with a woman starts with her arriving at my house, a bottle of good wine already opened, and a glass for her on the table. I’m in the kitchen putting the finishing touch on one of my favorite dishes with Nat King Cole playing in the background. We’d sit and enjoy dinner over wine. I’m a simple man. Good food, wine, a woman able to maintain quality conversation with a wonderful sense of humor; works for me. After that I might change up the tempo of music and cut a rug to see what dance moves she’s working with. All in all, a simple good time is better then trying to satisfy any question of expectations.

What would change or improve about yourself?
I can always improve my focus. I also need to take more time for ME.

What do you pack in your weekend bag?
Depends on who I am spending the weekend with! Definitely a change of underwear. That may be all I need...LOL!

What quote do you live by?
An awesome woman recently told me, “No matter how difficult, continue on your path”.

5 items you must have in your closet:
Stand out tie, a quality pair of jeans, dinner jacket, pair of Christian Louboutin men’s sneakers, and a classic suit for all occasions.

Pierre Downing’s Must Have Item!

Christian Louboutin Men’s Sneakers

Website: www.pierredowning.com | Twitter: www.twitter.com/pierre_downing