There are certain types of men who consistently earn high-marks in the style department—male models, actors, art gallery curators, designers and stylists—to name a few. There are also those who merit barely a passing grade in fashion—rock stars, college boys, software engineers and Dads. And then there are those men who surprise us all by throwing off the style grading curve completely. One such man is San Francisco 49ers star Vernon Davis.

Known in the world of sports as a standout offensive playmaker, sixth overall draft pick in 2006 and the highest-paid tight end in the NFL, Davis has proven he’s equal parts brain, brawn and style. An art studio major while at the University of Maryland, Davis’ passion for the arts is evident in his off-the-field community work mentoring children in the arts and his impressive portfolio of original paintings. This artistic flair is also evident in his impeccable style. Whether it’s a black tie affair, a Hollywood premiere party or a post-game press conference, Davis always looks fresh, appropriate and sophisticated—all while maintaining a style that is distinctly “Vernon.”

BRASH caught up with him at the Styling the Modern Man Event in San Francisco to discover his style secrets.

BRASH: You always look so put-together and appropriate, but never like you’re trying too hard. What’s your style “regimen”?

Vernon Davis (VD): Well, I usually try to start off by choosing my colors. I do that before everything because I anchor the rest of my outfit around what color scheme I’m going for. Once I put my colors together, I then try to match shoes up with that. After my colors and shoes are set the rest is easy; just choose what goes with that.

BRASH: How would you describe your overall style?

VD: Overall style would be different, over-the-edge. I like to take risks with my clothes.

BRASH: Who are your style icons, and why?

VD: My style icon is Kanye West—definitely Kanye. He’s always coming up with crazy new outfits, but they work. He always makes it work. I like that about him.

BRASH: Your style reminds me of Kanye West, actually. I can see you share his passion for thinking outside-the-box when it comes to your wardrobe. So what about your favorite go-to brands?

VD: It’d have to be Louis Vuitton and Prada, and Gucci dress shoes. Tonight I’m wearing a gray custom-made suit and dress shirt from a designer in Atlanta, Polo shoes, a Polo handkerchief and this Movado watch. But my go-to brands are definitely Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

BRASH: Have you always been style conscious, even when you were younger? Or did it happen as you became more in the spotlight?

VD: Yes, I’ve always been creative and my creativity turned into fashion. I started really getting into clothes and how I put everything together. I didn’t start art until sophomore year of college, so I guess that’s when the true creativity part came in.

BRASH: You’re a very stylish man who seems to hit it on the mark regularly. But have you ever made any fashion mistakes? If so, what was your biggest one?

VD: My fashion mistakes usually happen when I try to do too much at once. This one time I wore a jacket to a game that someone had made for me out of Godiva chocolate wrappers. It was really different, really unique, but I don’t think I should’ve worn it. Looking back it was just too much.

BRASH: Wow, I’d like to see that. Sounds like something Kanye West would wear. So what do you think is the biggest fashion mistake you see other men make?

VD: I think men go wrong when they choose the wrong shoes. I think shoes are big. They can make or break an outfit. So when men choose shoes that are all wrong it messes the whole thing up. You have to choose the right shoes.

BRASH: As a professional athlete, especially a football player, many wouldn’t expect you to be such a fashion-savvy person. You’re the perfect example of a man who is in touch with his masculine side, but who is also not afraid to experiment with fashion. So what advice would you give to men who are afraid to embrace fashion?

VD: I would say just go with the flow. Don’t be scared to try something new or to go over-the-edge and make a few mistakes—that’s how you find what works you know? You have to experiment. So if you aren’t sure something goes together, just try it. Also, it’s not just about clothing…about the gear. It’s everything—the hair, the edge-up, the watch and other accessories. And make sure you’ve got your colors put together—don’t go out wearing mismatched colors looking like Christmas.

BRASH: We know you have style, but one last question—aside from you, who is the most stylish on the team?

VD: You’re looking at him! Okay no, who else? I’d have to say Delanie Walker, Thomas Clayton and Aubrayo Franklin. They’ve got good style. But I’m number one.

…And we couldn’t agree more. Davis embodies the ultimate BRASH man when it comes to style—bold, brave and undeniably cool. We’ve compiled Davis’ five best-dressed moments below. Take a look and start taking notes.

Davis at the Hennessy Def Jam Game Over Celebration at House of Hennessy



Davis on the red carpet at the 2008 ESPY Awards



Davis at the 10th Annual Children Uniting Nations Academy Awards Gala



Davis at the William Rast Fall 2009 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Tent at Bryant Park



Davis at the 23rd Annual Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular Awards Dinner