Dustin Folkes is a former Marine who has seamlessly transitioned from military service to becoming a prominent bodyguard for some of the globe’s most famous personalities. Over the past two decades, Folkes has protected high-profile clients, including Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and Conor McGregor, demonstrating a unique ability to blend in with crowds while ensuring their safety.
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Folkes is not your typical image of a bodyguard. While the stereotype often depicts muscle-bound figures in stark black attire, Folkes opts for a more understated approach that allows him to maintain a low profile. At 41 years of age, he is adept at selecting attire that suits the situation, underlining that professional appearance is crucial depending on the client and the event. “For the most part, I’d say 98% of the time, I stick to all black or attire that looks professional,” he remarks.
His role requires not just a keen sense of style but also adaptability, particularly when working with athletes who expect a more casual approach, like McGregor and football star David Beckham. Folkes explains, “If we’re training, I’m not wearing jeans or polo shirts. I need to be ready for whatever comes our way.” His commitment to professional appearance and preparedness informs his daily choices, often resulting in coordinated outfits with his clients.
To honour his experiences and needs as a bodyguard, Folkes launched VYZN Apparel, a high-quality performance clothing brand designed for training, travel, and daily routines, infused with a Southern California aesthetic. “I needed something that could withstand the demands of my job,” he states, highlighting the brand’s focus on durability.
The connection between Folkes and McGregor extends beyond just work; the two can often be seen wearing matching attire from VYZN as they train together. Folkes mentions how crucial it is to dress appropriately for each occasion, stating, “If we’re going to the gym, I shouldn’t be in jeans or a suit.”
Reflecting on his early career, Folkes acknowledges that it took time to refine his on-the-job style. He recalls a significant moment while working with Bieber when his casual choice of basketball shorts during an altercation with paparazzi left him feeling underdressed. “That was the worst outfit I could have had on,” he admits, recognising it as a pivotal moment that prompted a shift in his everyday attire.
Fashion has long been a passion for Folkes, stemming from his fascination with surf and skate cultures during his youth. However, it was his work with fashion icon Victoria Beckham that reignited his desire to start a clothing line. Observing her dedication to fashion and design motivated him to take the leap into creating VYZN Apparel.
In launching VYZN, Folkes aimed not only to produce stylish clothing but also to give back to the community. Having experienced homelessness in his youth, he has maintained a longstanding commitment to supporting those in need. “A big piece of the company, and really the mission of the company, is buy one, gift one,” he explains, whereby every purchase results in a donated item to the homeless, with a specific focus on veterans.
As of now, VYZN Apparel has contributed nearly 1,000 items to homeless individuals in Los Angeles, with Folkes expressing his ambition to expand this initiative on a global scale. “There’s no reason to stop with one city or one state,” he says, emphasising the importance of tackling homelessness wherever it exists.
Dustin Folkes embodies the unique intersection of luxury personal security and a compassionate business model. Through VYZN Apparel, he not only protects some of the world’s most famous figures but also strives to uplift those in need, proving that success in one’s profession can create meaningful impacts beyond personal gain.