James Hearns in a white mink coat over a Versace suit and alligator shoes. (Joseph Fuqua II photo) | ZOOM |

        When James Hearns, 52, of Finneytown went to his 25th Hughes High School reunion, a photo of him and his date was posted reading, “Still Best Dressed,” a title he held every year there as a teen.

        “My daughter says I'm a clothes-aholic. But I'm a perfectionist ... and really just a very common, very humble person who has been blessed,” says the co-owner of James Hearns and Marvin Butts Professional Bodyguards, Personal and Corporate Security and Investigation Service.

        He's also a seventh-degree black belt and former world champion heavyweight karate champion in the National Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He also has a fondness for fur coats, alligator shoes and custom-made clothes.

        Signature look: I'm known for my fur coats in the winter and for my suits. I have over 100.

        Earliest fashion memory: When I was about 9, I wanted some blue jeans ... and my mom said she couldn't afford them. But she said if I worked and got half the money, they'd give me the rest. So I cut grass, took the garbage out ... sold Jet magazines for 2 cents a copy and earned it.

        You can be found shopping at: Most of my clothes are custom-made at Wayne Brown Custom Clothing, but when I buy suits I like Versace, Hugo Boss. I also shop at Rags, downtown. The only shoes I wear are alligator, and I buy them at Wendel's Bootery, downtown. My furs are from Lazarus Kenwood Towne Centre and Gronauer.

        Fashion pet peeve: A guy with a nice suit and shoes that don't accent the suit. In dressing, shoes should follow the suit.

        Your favorite finishing touch: I have glasses to go with all my outfits. I have 30 pairs.

        Best bargain: I try to catch everything on sale. Best bargain might be a fur coat from Lazarus at about 60 percent off.

        You wouldn't be caught dead in: Warm-ups and blue jeans. I wore them when I couldn't afford clothes. Now I always dress like I am going somewhere. Even if I'm going to Kroger's, I wear a two-piece suit and alligator shoes.

        Fashion philosophy: The way you dress tells something about pride in who you are.

        Send nominations to Joy Kraft: Cincinnati Enquirer, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati 45202; fax; 768-8330; jkraft@enquirer.com. Include their name, age, daytime phone and why they should be featured.        

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