My Style: Sam Lambert
Photo: David Pattinson — Courtesy of Sam Lambert
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Comfort can never be an enemy of style. If you are uncomfortable it means that you are wearing the wrong items.
Please describe your style in three words.
Sartor, alchemy, progression.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Overthinking it. It should be fun, only then it will come easier.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, I do. It's very important and disciplinary. In my line of business, it's the only way for me to do the best I can — by looking up to someone. Liam Maher from Denham is my mentor.
What are your favourite fabrics?
It has to be flannel and open weave wool. I love natural fibres with character, and these bad boys make good tailoring pieces.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
There are many, but I think the one I can't stand is the wide tie over a casual soft collar shirt. Also, having more than double breaks on the suit pants and wearing sport socks with a suit.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
A best-dressed man doesn't have a city. He travels with his style from Tokyo, London, Paris, New York, and Stockholm all the way to South Africa.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
None of the above. I have to say, like they say in Sweden, I am 'Lagom'. Not too much, not too little. Just Mr Lambert.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
It comes down to one thing: discipline. It's the number one thing behind my style. This translates to grey scale being a colour palette, and trousers and shoes playing an important part in terms of the silhouette. Everything has to be proportional, nothing is oversized. Keep it tidy is the motto.
Celebrities and style...
They need to do better research when it comes to style. It doesn't take a few months or a lot of money when it comes to building one's style; it takes a lifetime and knowledge.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I can never have enough hats.
A man should always look like...
He is going to meet the love of his life. Because first impressions matter.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I learned everything I know about style from my siblings. They always knew how to have fun with clothes. I grew up with three brothers and six sisters — you can imagine the style wars!
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I prepare them the night before and I always start from the inside — like selecting my shirt, tie and hat. Then the rest will be influenced by those three items.
What is your biggest regret?
Wearing baggy jogging bottoms in my hip hop days.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Do not mix more than three colours. Classic style is a win, going over the top is not stylish. Proportions are key, regardless of whether you are tall or short.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I always visit vintage stores and flea markets in every city I travel to. It tells me how stylish the people from there are.
We will never see you wearing...
Fake leather.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Well, a lot of my friends in the industry are very stylish, but I have yet to meet the most stylish person.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
The fit of their outfit. So my eyes go straight to the shoulders of the garment.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
When you switch off an old black and white television, that flat line in the middle of the black screen.
Which new designers do you admire and why?
I don't follow any designers, since most of the stuff I wear I design them myself or they are vintage. But if I have to mention any new designers I support, I have to say Cottweiler in London. These kids got the know how when it comes to tailored sportswear, and the themes of the collections are always well-researched.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His white shirts, this is a must have.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My white shirts, my leather jackets, and my made-to-measure suits from Café Costume in Belgium.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I would have to say Dries Van Noten. His fabric development and cuts are really interesting.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Mr Liam Maher from Denham, the jeans maker.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"Work hard and you will get what you deserve." — My mom, Ms Fueki Paulina.
