My Style: Douglas Friedman
Photo: courtesy of Douglas Friedman
One garment that you can never have enough of?
Currently, I am quite fond of my Belstaff rubberized canvas motorcycle jacket and an oversized Cartier Tank watch.
Please describe your style in three words.
Uniform, simple, easy.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
As a man, wearing pants that are too tight.
Do you believe in role models?
A fashion role model, absolutely. But it should be an inspiration that you interpret.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton, denim, cashmere, and leather.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Cowboy hats and swimsuits, especially on a woman when worn with a bikini.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
New York, with Paris coming in second.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I’m conservative in my dress because my tattoos are the bold statement in my wardrobe.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I have a uniform, and I stick to it. At a certain age, you keep it clean and simple.
Celebrities and style...
Are there for our entertainment.
A man should always look like...
He never thought twice about what he is wearing.
Who taught you what you know about style?
There has not been one single influence. I guess I find inspiration from all the fascinating people I come across in my day-to-day life.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I look to see what’s clean, and then go from there. It’s not hard. A.P.C. jeans, James Perse t-shirts, and Converse sneakers usually do the trick.
Your biggest regret is...
A 1989 Jean Paul Gaultier double-breasted suit in dark green with a pinstripe… just awful.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Don’t follow the latest trends. Find your uniform, and stick to it. It’s unattractive to look like you tried too hard. A dropped crotch is never in style.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Lately, I have been shopping on Mr Porter. I don’t enjoy going to the stores anymore; it’s overwhelming.
We will never see you wearing...
Dropped-crotch trousers or anything from Ed Hardy.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Hands down, Mr Tom Ford.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His eyes, then his pants.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Something about the less vulgar cartoons by Tom of Finland.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I don’t follow fashion trends for myself. I tend to stick to what I know and like.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
If there was only one, it would have to be the pants; a sloppy cut can ruin you.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My collegiate high school sweat pants.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, in my line of work, it’s a necessity.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Rick Owens, even though I don’t wear it, is architecturally interesting.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Brad Goreski from “It’s a Brad, Brad World”.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
It passes.
