My Style: Brendan Fallis
Photo: Billy Farrell/BFAnyc.com — Courtesy of Brendan Fallis
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Don't over do it. A collared solid shirt is always safe. Nobody objects to a good pair of jeans and a white tee. Don't be scared to overdress; being under-dressed is always the worst.
Please describe your style in three words.
Clean, consistent, and classic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Leaving the house and not feeling confident. In my opinion, it's best to feel comfortable and confident with what you're wearing as people can definitely tell if you're not.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely! It’s important to look up to someone and learn from what they do, both right and wrong.
What are your favourite fabrics?
No one is mad at cotton. I am increasingly into leather and waxed duck canvas.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Leopard print and stripes, maybe?
Which city has the best-dressed men?
That depends on who is asking and their taste. But in my opinion, every city has well-dressed men because information and clothing is now so accessible that there is most likely a really elegant man somewhere in each city.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Conservatively bold…
Celebrities and style...
Are commonly thought to work hand in hand, but I think that’s less true these days. Sure stylists help them, but do they truly have style? I would say a handful of them do, and lots of them are learning.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Great watches.
A man should always look like…
He belongs in the setting you see him in.
Who taught you what you know about style?
It's been a long learning curve. My mom and dad originally got me off on the right foot. Then I was deep in an action sports community, which took me to another level. Then I met people like Sean Sullivan (The Impossible Cool) who helped me understand classic taste, and Theophilus London who gave me tips on putting some forward thinking into my style. Lastly, New York City has been a big influence and has shown me what to avoid and what to love.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
There's no amazing formula, I just look at my calendar, see what's on the docket and pick accordingly.
What is your biggest regret?
I strongly believe that everything happens for a reason. It's also so tough to pinpoint a regret.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Confidence is style. It changes frequently. It defines you at first glance or meeting.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I really don't shop—am I allowed to say that?
We will never see you wearing...
Crocs! No offence Crocs, I respect your business model, but they're just not for me.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Tom Ford. It's not as if he switches up his public look that often, but his confidence and swag set him apart.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
What he’s wearing and how he put it together.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Hmmm, good question. Early J.Crew catalogues probably.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I love Public School because not only are they great people, but the style they're pushing is a classic take on what's to come in the future. I also really love Tim Coppens. Onia is killing the men's swimsuit game. If you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend you do. Harmony and AMI Paris are two of my new favourites, as they both play right into my style of perfect fitting classic pieces.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
It's seasonal dependent, but for the fall, a great jacket.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A Saint Laurent tuxedo my girlfriend gave me for my birthday two years ago, all of my Common Projects shoes that I couldn't live without, and a white silk scarf that belonged to my grandfather.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not when done correctly. If you can stylishly dress in a comfortable manner, you know what's up.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
J.Crew is just always so classic. Saint Laurent always has some amazing pieces. Lately I've been into Rag & Bone as well.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Sean Sullivan and Emile Haynie.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Successful people are not gifted; they just work hard and then succeed on purpose.
