My Style: Alessio Lardini
Portrait: Courtesy of Lardini
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I disapprove anyone who combines a lot of items together, creating a result which is anything but charming. In fashion, most of the time the rule “less is more” is wise.
Please describe your style in three words.
Tailored, elegant, modern.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing clothes which do not represent who you are. It would be a clash!
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, I do believe. The people you look up to contribute in building your own personality by giving you inspiration.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I do love the heavy textured corduroy and all the charming English fabrics such as tweed and the Prince of Wales, Shetland and Irish linens. They are inspirational to me.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Paris and Milan.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I’m rather bold, but always with an eye back to the past.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
A few elegant items used in a modern way are key.
Celebrities and style...
Is not always a good combination.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Jackets, jackets, and jackets. There are never enough.
A man should always look like...
Himself, but never inappropriate. Every situation requires suitable clothing.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I’ve learned everything I know from the fashion studies I did and from several stylish people I have met throughout the world.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I wear a jacket and then I build my daily look around it.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t have any regrets. I always do, or try my best to do, what I want.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
First, learn the history of Italian tailoring. Second, choose the suit that fits better to your body. And last but not least, be confident.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I love hanging around vintage shops in New York.
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Nick Wooster and his preppy style.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His hair’s care: it is as important as a clean pair of shoes.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Look at Cary Grant in “To Catch a Thief” and you will figure it out.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Koji Norihide of Haversack from Japan.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
The accessories: pochette, tie, papillon, or an ascot. These can make you look ridiculous, but they can be very chic as well if you get them right.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My marvellous Lardini pied-de-poule coat with astrakhan shawl collar.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I think fashion will eventually get closer and closer to the idea of comfort.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Dries Van Noten and his vision of an unconventional, elegant man.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Ana Gimeno Brugada, the most stylish woman I have met.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be modern.
