Web designer Ray Smiling on Central Avenue. Click to enlarge. — Photos by Nicole Wasilewicz.

When it comes to fashion, some of us are influenced by pop stars, others by the runway. And sometimes, much like Lady Gaga wanted to be Boy George when she grew up, a boy just wants to be a modern day Batman. We all have fashion icons, but not everyone’s fights crime…

Ray Smiling, 29, Web Designer

In a blend of preppy checkers and when-disco-meets-hip-hop apparel, no matter how flashy this outfit wants to be, it is toned down in all the right places. And as the cold weather creeps up on us, Ray’s semi-exposed layering and talk of superheroes can only leave us to believe that beneath those buttons might be a red and blue block-lettered S. With classic sneaker-to-shirt color coordination, tied together by a pair of vintage Cazals, this is one street-sleek incarnation of what could be Kurtis Blow in the 2010 Batmobile.

Why’d you wear your outfit today?
I wore a shiny puffy jacket because it’s cold outside and ’cause I like to be shiny. Shiny things look like they’re from the future. I like to be futuristic. Next question.

What’s so exciting about the future?
Mostly lasers, robots, alien wars. I get to have that CD from that band from Star Wars with the flute dude. It’s crazy in the future.

What do you think stands out most about what you’re wearing?
I’d like to think it’s my Batman belt buckle. It’s from the new movies, so it’s part Batman logo, part ninja star which I feel comes in very handy for Batman — not only as a branding tool, but to stop bad guys. I think we should all strive to be a little more like Batman. I like to make all my sartorial choices with superheroes.

Why do you like superheroes so much?
Because it’s like modern day mythology, man. Batman’s fucking awesome — I mean, really, that’s it. He’s a ninja, a detective, and a scientist, and he’s rich. International playboy, you know.

If you were a superhero, what would your costume look like?
It would be a Tom Ford tuxedo, with some ill leather patrolman’s gloves, a pocket square that matches the socks, and then a Mexican wrestling mask in a complimentary color. So I just swoop down from a rooftop if somebody’s doing bad stuff and they’re like “Damn, that man is dressed sharp… Why is he wearing a Mexican wrestling mask?”