A Musician’s Little Black Book Of London

Born in the Ivory Coast and raised in London, Wilfred Cisse trained as a tailor on Savile Row before music and modelling turned his head. His signature mix of suiting and afro recently caught the eye of Ralph Lauren, who featured him in a London Boys campaign. This is Wilfred’s own little black book of the city he calls home…

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@WilfredCisse

Peckham and Brixton will always be home to me. To me, those two areas are cornerstones of London – real melting pots of culture and identity. They played a big role in my adolescence too. There’s always something happening, the food is incredible, and Brockwell Park’s great for kicking a ball around. I love the noise of London – in fact, I don’t think it’s as hectic as everyone makes it out to be. My favourite memory so far? The summer of 2019. It felt like the city had finally united, like something monumental was building… then Covid hit.

North Greenwich is my sanctuary. It’s pretty quiet as far as London goes. I write a lot of my music in the surrounding parks – there are a few viewpoints that really mean something to me. Loads of trees and greenery, it’s almost tropical at times.

I’d describe my style as Black Ivy Prep – cardigans, shirts, loafers and denim all day.

If I’m eating out, I’m in Soho. I always head to Kiln – that place hits. Opposite that is Taro, which I love. There’s also a Korean restaurant in Chinatown with the best fried chicken in England – hands down. I can never remember the name, but you’ll know it when you find it. Honourable mention to Toba near Piccadilly – it’s an Indonesian spot owned by a friend of a friend. Super authentic. If you can handle your spice, definitely check it out.

I’m a vintage guy through and through. My tie collection is pretty insane. Thrifting isn’t what it used to be though – ‘gatekeeping’ has made sustainable fashion feel a bit contradictory. Back in the day, it was a great access point into style for younger people, and I think we’re losing that. That said, Reign Vintage in Soho still holds onto the spirit – the selection’s strong.

Kiln

I’d describe my style as Black Ivy Prep. Cardigans, shirts, loafers and denim – all day. If I’m splurging, I’ll go to Louboutin for shoes, Ralph Lauren for daily staples, and Gieves & Hawkes for special occasions. I rate GH Bass and Russell & Bromley too – solid quality and fair pricing. I also like to pop my head into END. to see what they’ve got going on. Ralph Lauren’s vintage-inspired brand, RRL, has a standalone store on Newburgh Street in Carnaby that’s well worth a visit.

People always stop me when I’m in a double-breasted suit. Some I’ve had made, some were made by friends, and others are from labels like Gieves & Hawkes, Percival and Richard James. And I always get compliments on my scent: Dandy by Penhaligon’s – another great London-based brand.

I trust exactly one person with my hair. Charlotte Mensah’s Hair Lounge in Notting Hill is my go-to grooming spot. I use all her products – the oil pomade is a game-changer. Whenever I’m there, I get the exfoliating scalp treatment. Great for growth and hair health. The chat is always top tier – all the best gossip. Plus, she brings you peppermint tea, fish patties and really good sponge cake. It’s the full works.

I don’t buy into airport style. But the best places for people-watching and style inspo? Airports. Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton… People are at their most pared back – not trying to impress anyone. I love seeing the reunions too – the hugs, the tears. There’s something raw about it all. People drop their guard in airports in a way they don’t anywhere else.

@wilfredCisse; @kilnsoho; Taro

For vinyl, I’ll go to Rough Trade in Shoreditch. It’s a classic. But really, I love crate-digging abroad – I’ll always stop if I see a record shop. You open your mind to so much more music that way. London music shops make me feel a bit insecure to be honest – I’m not professionally trained, so I feel like a fraud picking up a guitar and plucking a few strings. Music is still new for me.

House of Koko always has a good vibe. The interiors are stunning – old-school glamour. The penthouse looks like it’s straight out of a Hollywood film. From the outside it’s nothing, but inside? Spectacular. I also love Bush Hall. It’s small, it supports emerging artists and my sister’s played there. It’s got soul.

The best live gig I’ve seen in London? Tame Impala at All Points East in 2023 – hands down. But Olivia Rodrigo at Hyde Park recently was madness. Girl in Red opened the mosh pits – teenagers and their dads going wild. Iconic. My musical influences are Kendrick, Fela Kuti, A Tribe Called Quest… but I’ve got a soft spot for ABBA.

My favourite venue is Stereo in Covent Garden. My friend and I performed there, and it was a big moment for us. It’s breathtaking – feels like something out of The Great Gatsby. I’ll always love it as it was my first London show.

Cafe Koko

Stereo

©Mr Tripper

I’m not really a party animal. My ideal night starts with a bike ride through the city, a pit stop at Bao or Taro, and then straight to bed. That said, I have to shout out my mate’s event – The Thing You Said Last Night, or TTYSLN. It’s a grassroots night – the DJs aren’t massive, but they’re building something cool. If I do go all out, the night ends with Wingstop in bed. I’ll wake up surrounded by empty boxes – total carnage. And if I haven’t made it home? It’s Bagel King in Elephant and Castle.

For a creative space, it has to be Reference Point at 180 The Strand. It’s got proper cool vibes, like a modern archive meets hangout spot. There’s even a chess night on Wednesdays. It’s one of the last real ‘third spaces’ in London – somewhere you can just be.

The best advice I’ve been given in this city is to plant your flag and create around that – forget what everyone else is doing.

A London designer everyone should know about? I’ve got at least three: Grace Wales Bonner, Tolu Coker and Nicholas Daley. Also Thomas Heatherwick – not exactly new, but his architecture is everywhere. He even designed the new double-decker bus – can’t get more London than that.

The best advice I’ve been given in this city is to plant your flag and create around that. Forget what everyone else is doing. Wherever you are, obsess over your thing. Criticism can be the biggest motivator – if you use it wisely.

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