Usher Gives InStyle the Lowdown on Fashion and Fragrance

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Recently it seems that Hollywood’s been abuzz about the smell of their leading men, with Oprah gushing over Jay-Z’s scent and Justin Timberlake singing the praises of Givenchy Play. Count in Usher, who in this month’s issue of InStyle gives readers the low-down on fashion, fatherhood — and fragrance. And while his latest fragrance, VIP, will be hitting shelves soon, his love of cologne is nothing new. “I would go to church with my granddad every Sunday, and he’d put on his Brut [by Faberge],” Usher tells the magazine. “I’d ask him for some, and he’d say, ‘Boy, you don’t want any of this. It’ll put hair on your chest.’” When it came to contemplating what line he’s like to put his name on, he went for staying-power. “I’ve thought about clothing and jewelry lines,” he explains, “but fragrance stays on when everything else comes off.” And while Usher might be known for rocking a wardrobe of elegant tuxedos and suave casual wear — plus a legendary collection of over 10,000 pairs of shoes — he offers up one very unexpected footwear must-have: Birkenstocks. “I got that from the Bay Area. Being a man of style means you’re not tied to one look.” Check out more of Usher’s interview in the 15th Anniversary issue ofInStyle with Jennifer Lopez on the cover, on stands now. Than tell us: What is your favorite scent for men?

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