Jon-Paul Bolus, the owner of Cape Town clothing stores Loading Bay and Blue Blood, has been named as South Africa’s best-dressed man by GQ magazine. His name heads a list of 40 ambassadors of style who appear in the November issue of GQ.

Olé Ledimo a fashion designer and founder of House of Olé, and Sandile Msimango Senior manager of Mergers and Acquisitions at MTN, were listed at two and three. Making the Top 10 were: YFM DJ Sizwe Dhlomo; Mark de Mendez, drummer for the Dirty Skirts; businessmen Thabang Skambwane, Tshepo Molale and Mandla Sibeko; Anthony Keyworth, co-owner of Paul Smith; and new media strategist Devon Brough.

Interviews with the Top Five

Jon-Paul Bolus

Owner of Loading Bay and Blue Blood

Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?

Alex Jasper, Steve te Pas, Jarno Harbers and Joal Touwen, all from Blue Blood, Jean Marc Lederman from Le Studio, Brad Armitage from &Union, Tyler Brûlé (editor of Monocle magazine).

Who are your style icons?

Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Robert Evans, Kate Moss, Johnny Depp.

What is your signature look?

Distressed denim jeans – a raw purple selvedge denim. Next would be a leather jacket – two key items in my wardrobe.

What's a grooming tip that works for you?

Shower twice a day and don't wear too much fragrance. Be original in your style and don't be scared to express yourself.

In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?

Business is filled with individuals... Each employee should have the correct clothes in their wardrobe to suit their position.

What's a good look this summer?

A great pair of distressed denims to mix with a basic V, a cardigan or a light leather jacket combined with a scarf and vintage shades. Next, you need to have a pair of raw selvedge denim jeans which you've been wearing every day through the winter, and by now have amazing character and unique marks. Roll them up, slip on some loafers and a nice quirky shirt. Have a cardi and light suede jacket as back-up for the night out. Other key items: a beautiful cropped blazer, chinos, veldskoens and shorts.

What should a man avoid?

Anything too tight or too big. And don't wear anything that's not you.

Olé Ledimo

Fashion Designer and founder of House of Olé

Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?

Cido Ledimo, Felipe Mazibuko and Nthato Mashishi.

Who is your style icon, the person who inspires you? And why?

My father Selaotswe 'Tizza', because I am still wearing his stuff today. And Agapê.

What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?

A House of Olé velvet loafer and a tailored jacket. Every man should have a tailored black jacket.

Give us a style tip that works for you.

Keep it clean and minimal, and get it tailored. You can have the best suit but if the fit is not right then it's pointless.

Is there a business dress code one should follow?

It depends on the kind of business you are in. If you work in an office, grey and navy are a must.

What's a good look this summer?

Aviators and loafers. The combination will forever be in vogue. You should smell good, too.

What should a man avoid when it comes to style?

Avoid brands, and go with what works for you. Oh yes, and no to very pointed shoes.

What's your porn star name (based on the name of your first pet and your mother's maiden name or the first street you lived on)?

Hobsi Motse Matli.

Sandile Msimango

Senior Manager, Mergers & Acquisitions at MTN

Who would you put at the top of your list of best-dressed men of the year?

Nana Sao, Martin Mbete.

Who is your style icon?

David Beckham. He always pulls it off, no matter what he is wearing.

What is your signature look or favourite item of clothing?

Tailored, and it should be able to transform from boardroom to cocktail bar.

Give us a style tip that works for you.

Always be comfortable. Find things that work with your body, shape and personality.

In business, is there a dress code that one should follow?

Keep it dark, grey and navy.

What's a good look this summer?

Espadrilles, short shorts and plain golfer Ts.

What should a man avoid when it comes to style?

It's important to keep it simple, don't over-accessorise.

On page two: a Yfm DJ and the drummer from The Dirty Skirts...