Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/14049
LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 23 LONGBEACHMAGAZINE.COM 23 Chris Lewis is a Long Beach native that took off for a few years to pursue his athletic and educational dreams. After graduating from Poly High he went to Stanford University for college and then to Arizona to play pro football for the Arizona Cardinals. He has made it back to Long Beach where he is re-establishing his roots and is very involved in the community. While working at Cushman & Wakefield he still finds the time to be very active in his community. Chris serves on the board of directors for The Boys & Girls Club of Long Beach. He is also involved in the nonprofit organization Scholars & Champions that focuses on providing better athletic facilities and educational assistance to the student athletes at Poly High School. He has a laid back style that reflects his laid back personality. His style has evolved from team issued sweats and his favorite Reef sandals to more of a refined look. He likes to look polished and put together but doesn't necessarily like the act of shopping so his fiancée, Nicolette, has taken on the role of his personal shopper. His dad once told him "it's not the clothes that make the man; it's the man that makes the clothes" this is a motto he still lives by today. WHO ARE YOUR STYLE ICONS? Definitely Jesus. I would be in heaven if I could wear flip-flops and a robe all day. WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE FASHIONABLE ATHLETE? I would have to say NBA newscaster Craig Sager. The majority of his suit choices are so terrible that you have to give him credit for his courage for wearing them. MOST CHERISHED ITEM: My Rose Bowl watch from our 1999 Pac 10 Championship at Stanford. It reminds me of all the great friendships and memories I have playing football over the years. NEVER CAUGHT WEARING: Speedos. I just can't do it! FAVORITE BRANDS/DESIGNERS: I've had really nice custom suits from Elevé over the years but I mostly wear Nike and of course my Reef sandals. WHAT I LOVE ABOUT LB Long Beach is almost a perfect microcosm of the world's population. Residents of Long Beach tend to share this infectious pride that I believe stems from living in such an ethnically and economically diverse city. WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO ITEM WHEN YOU FEEL YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WEAR? My Kenneth Cole jeans have seen a lot of action and can be dressed up or down depending on the event I'm attending. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF FASHION ADVICE YOU CAN GIVE? My dad always told me "it's not the clothes that make the man; it's the man that makes the clothes". Be yourself and don't think you need to buy the most expensive clothes to be happy. HAVE YOU EVER MADE A BIG FASHION MISTAKE? I had an inexcusable fixation with turtlenecks a few years ago that makes me laugh today. I've since burned all the photos so there is no evidence. n Do you know someone with their own sense of style? Email us at style@longbeachmagazine.com and let us know. STYLE PROFILE WRITTEN BY BREANNE TOEPPER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFF FARSAI CHRIS LEWIS