Original Chatter with Reggie Yates: Q&A

Director, Actor and Presenter Reggie Yates spent some time with us to tell us more about his career as a director while he styles the new Tourer menswear collection.  

Learn more about the man behind the Badge of an Original and in our Q&A below. 

ABOVE: B.Intl Roadster Crew Sweat

This is your second season collaborating with Barbour International. In what way do you relate to the attitude of Barbour International and the Badge of an Original?

I think that originality is something we don't celebrate enough. We live in a time when copy and paste is as revered as much as the first of a thing and I try my best to stay away from that... I love to be surprised and when someone shares something new, fresh or different, it gets my creative gears going.

What’s your go-to outfit for running errands?

If I'm busy, it'll always be about comfort. I love a well-cut trouser at the best of times, but there’s nothing better than a comfortable cargo or pair of joggers.  

What is keeping you busy nowadays?

Writing and directing is my focus and this last year I've been writing several projects I can talk about in the coming year. It’s really exciting seeing your ideas come to life and collaborating with producers in the U.S. has taught me so much about the craft of writing and filmmaking as a whole.

 
You had a varied career in presenting. If you had to pick one, who is one of the most original/inspirational people you have met during your career?

I've loved the people I've met while making my documentaries in particular. I found Mahershala Ali really inspiring. He's an incredible actor and I know I'm not the only one who can't wait to see what he does as Blade. 

What are you most excited about for 2023?

Making my next movie! Being on set as a director is so much fun. It’s work, A LOT OF WORK, but incredible seeing your ideas come to life.

What drove you to go behind the camera as a director, as opposed to in front of it?

Being creatively fulfilled is the biggest driver for me. Telling stories in documentaries was an amazing lesson. That being said, narrative fiction takes things to a whole other level as you're literally creating from scratch.  

How do you overcome setbacks?

Leaning into the lessons of setbacks has been a game-changer for me. Getting over the sting of the setback and learning the lesson has sped up my progress in so many corners of my life. 

Can you tell us something that most people don’t know about you?

I'm an avid interior design nut. I love style and how we live will always be an extension of that to me. Designing/interior architecture is something I've been doing since my teens and long may it continue.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

The person you become is designed entirely by you. So be the person you'd look up to and everything else will come to you as a result.

Get Reggie's style by shopping the range below.