My Style: Peter Som
Photo: Ronald James — Courtesy of Peter Som
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all. It's okay for clothes to touch your body. Fit is everything for menswear.
Please describe your style in three words.
Crisp. Classic. Clean.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Trying too hard.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton and cashmere.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I have trouble with neon and mesh but I’m working on it.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
London.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Conservative.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Keep it effortless looking.
Celebrities and style...
It is something that only works if you’re born with it.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Black v-neck t-shirts and Martin Margiela sneakers.
A man should always look like...
A man.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My father had great style.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on the weather.
What is your biggest regret?
My Flock of Seagulls hairdo from the 80s. With my braces.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
You don’t need that many things. But you need the right things. Quality will take you far.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not particularly.
We will never see you wearing...
Drop crotch anything.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Lapo Elkann.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His hair.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
James Dean in any photo he ever was in.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Todd Snyder and Public School.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His shoes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My 1962 Rolex watch from my father.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Michael Bastian.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Lucy Sykes.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Whoever it was that said something like ‘before you go out, look in the mirror and take one thing off’ — was it Coco Chanel? Well, she was right. Less is more.
