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From Sheep Farm to Style Arbiter, Nicholas Pakradooni Tells His Tale

By Cator Sparks Published August 6, 2021

For this week’s Worn Out Wednesday, we hear from Nicholas Pakradooni on how he went from sheep farm to fashion influencer.

My name is Nicholas! I’m twenty-three and I currently live in Los Angeles, but I was raised in Pennsylvania, on a sheep farm twenty minutes away from Amish-country. I’m not kidding! I have an artist for a mother, and a family that loves to travel, so I spent a lot of time exploring museums in New York City or just taking photos in my backyard with my mom’s camera. Art and photography were always just hobbies for the most part. I didn’t even really do any arts in high school besides theater, and I didn’t study it in college. I did always have an interest in personal style, and when I moved to Paris in 2013, I started to understand fashion a lot more—or at least it sparked a stronger interest!

Nicholas Pacradooni — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Loving fashion and photography led me to Instagram, where I started posting my personal style and other miscellaneous photos, but I had no idea that it could lead to an actual career. After attracting an audience of my own, I caught the attention of fashion blogger, Aimee Song, who asked me to join the Song of Style team about two years ago. I am still happily with Song of Style, where I shoot the photos and create content for the blog, as well as film and edit our weekly YouTube videos, and manage our interns and editorial calendar. Every day at work is different from the last and I’m super excited for the future.

As for my personal style:

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Jeans: I have a thing for Korean and Japanese denim. I’m also super jealous of women’s denim because it can be so much cooler than men’s. I have a pair of PLAC jeans that I got on a recent trip to Korea on repeat. Right now I’m into buying my jeans extra long and doing a five or six inch cuff.

Shirts: I don’t really have a favorite shirt, but I am into a camp-collar right now and I think that Alessandro Michele can do no wrong. I do wear a lot of sweaters and sweatshirts and I’ve been loving this Acne Studios sweater with zipper detail on the side. I’m actually wearing it right now.

Pants: Vince Drop-Rise Cropped Drawstring pants, or the Maison Scotch ‘Owen’ Pinstripe Trousers. I used to only wear skinny fit, but I think there’s something really flattering and polished about a wider leg pant.

Suits: I haven’t found my perfect suit yet. I just had one custom made by Indochino that I like a lot though.

Shoes: My every day shoe is the Uri Minkoff Covent Sneaker, or the Common Projects Achilles Sneaker

Accessories: I love rings. I wear a Gucci Lion’s Head ring pretty much every day, mix-matched with some others that I got from different flea markets. I also just got a Peyote Bird beaded bracelet that I haven’t taken off yet. I’m also a sunglasses guy. My current favorites are the Garrett Leight “McKinley” with salmon lenses. I love them because I can go back to Garrett Leight and they’ll change out the lenses. I think my next move is blue.

Outerwear: Simon Miller Denim Jacket with pins on it

Cologne: Le Labo Santal 33 or Rose 31

App: VSCO cam

Tech: iPhone 7 Plus

Next Style Purchase: Gucci Trousers

Former Former Digital Trends Contributor, The Manual

Cator Sparks was the Editor-in-Chief of The Manual from its launch in 2012 until 2018. Previously, Cator was covering…

Fashion & Style

Breitling unveils updated Superocean Heritage with Hawaiian surf inspiration

Wave rider: Breitling's superocean heritage update celebrates hawaiian surf heritage with kelly slater

Breitling superocean sea watch

Breitling refreshes its Superocean Heritage collection for the first time since 2017, introducing updated sizes, the new B31 manufacture movement, and a limited edition created in collaboration with surfing legend Kelly Slater. This revision balances vintage 1950s style with modern elegance and pays tribute to Hawaiian surf culture through special partnerships.

The Superocean Heritage line originally launched in 1957 as Breitling’s dive watch, combining stylish design with underwater capability. Early models like the Ref. 1004 time-only and Ref. 807 chronograph featured spear and arrow hands, anodized rotating bezels, and compact proportions—appealing to those who valued both aesthetics and function.

Fashion & Style

G-Shock’s original DW-5000c gets mighty full metal reissue

Steel evolution: G-shock's full metal 5000 series celebrates iconic dw-5000c heritage

Casio G-shock original product shot

G-Shock highlights its heritage with the 5000 Series Full-Metal GMW-B5000D-1C, a watch that reinterprets the groundbreaking 1983 DW-5000C. This new release blends the classic styling with updated materials and technology, marking an evolution for the brand’s core design.
The original DW-5000C nearly faded into obscurity but was ahead of its time. It gained traction with younger skaters and surfers, especially after being featured on American television. Today, it’s considered an icon among watch enthusiasts and everyday carry fans, establishing G-Shock’s reputation for toughness and practical utility.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is the first Full Metal model to feature the original’s signature red, blue, and yellow accents—each color carrying meaning: red for “the passion to take on challenges,” blue for “excellent water resistance,” and yellow for “outstanding shock resistance.” Previous Full Metal versions used different color schemes, so this release is especially significant for longtime G-Shock fans.
The construction is a major upgrade from the original’s resin case and rubber strap. The GMW-B5000D-1C uses a stainless steel case and linked bracelet, making it more durable and long-lasting while retaining the iconic look that made the DW-5000C famous.
Modern features include a Tough Solar quartz movement, replacing the old lithium battery and drawing power from sunlight. Bluetooth connectivity allows the watch to sync with a smartphone for easier control and enhanced functionality, bringing the 1980s design into the digital age.
Despite these updates, the essential G-Shock principles remain, especially the shock resistance that first set the brand apart. The GMW-B5000D-1C captures the original spirit, honoring it with new technology and improved durability.
Alongside this release, G-Shock also introduces the GM-B2100SD-1C, which applies the same color theme to the first Full Metal watch’s round case. This two-part launch demonstrates G-Shock’s commitment to honoring its roots while exploring new expressions within the Full Metal series.
The GMW-B5000D-1C is featured on G-Shock’s website, though pricing and availability details have not yet been announced. The timing suggests a focus on collectors and fans seeking a piece of G-Shock history, now reimagined with premium materials and modern features.
This release illustrates how classic designs can evolve through new materials and technology, preserving the core qualities that made them legendary and appealing to both longtime G-Shock enthusiasts and newcomers discovering the brand’s origins.

Fashion & Style

Chopard honors Sir Stirling Moss with Mille Miglia limited edition

Racing heritage: Chopard's stirling moss tribute and gts upgrade showcase lucent steel excellence

Chopard Mille Miglia press shot

Chopard honors racing driver Sir Stirling Moss with a Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph. At the same time, the brand updates its popular GTS Power Control with a new in-house movement. Both watches, released in 2025, use Chopard's Lucent Steel alloy, which is known for having the whitest, brightest steel finish in fine watchmaking.
The Stirling Moss tribute watch recognizes the Mercedes-Benz driver whose 722 300 SLR made racing history. The 40.5mm chronograph features a brass dial with a silver opaline finish, recalling the matte silver of Moss's "Silver Arrows" era Mercedes-Benz. Only 70 pieces exist, each individually numbered and priced at $10,800. The watch comes with a period-appropriate racing strap, featuring large punched holes and matching stitching.
Despite the high price, Chopard equips the chronograph with an ETA 2892 base movement rather than one of its own calibers. The movement is 3.75mm thick, runs at 4Hz, and offers a 54-hour power reserve. It is also COSC certified. Some collectors might expect an in-house movement at this price, but the 2892 is known for its reliable engineering, and many enthusiasts prefer it over alternatives like the 7750.
The Mille Miglia GTS Power Control 2025 Race Edition is even more appealing, as it finally receives Chopard's in-house 01.02-M movement. This caliber, measuring 28.8mm wide and 4.95mm thick, features cutouts reminiscent of cooling vents and uses color schemes inspired by car engines. It provides a 60-hour power reserve via a rotor with multiple openings.
A technical review notes, "This movement provides a big upgrade for the MM GTS, and it offers much movement for the price." The 43mm case houses a galvanized salmon dial with a circular satin finish. Grade X1 Super-LumiNova, with a black tint, creates a distinctive look against the salmon background during the day.
The GTS is priced at $7,630, with only 250 pieces available. It offers strong value, considering the in-house movement and Lucent Steel construction. The power reserve display, located between 8 and 10 o'clock, is styled like a car fuel gauge, reinforcing its appeal to car enthusiasts through practical design elements.
Both watches demonstrate Chopard's dedication to automotive history. They show how different approaches—tribute chronographs and technical upgrades—can appeal to various collector tastes. The Lucent Steel construction ensures both models display Chopard's renowned bright finish, which must be seen in person to fully appreciate.
The contrast in pricing and features makes the GTS Power Control especially attractive for enthusiasts seeking the quality of an in-house movement at a more accessible price.