My Style: Brian Coats
Photo: Courtesy of Brian Coats
Which new designers do you follow and why?
It's like picking my favourite kid — I admire so many. Especially young designers who struggle for so long to make it — you have to want it so badly, because it takes a lot of time to earn even a small amount of success. It's like living in New York City.
Please describe your style in three words.
Repetitive, clean, and simple.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Over-thinking.
Do you believe in role models?
Sure. Everyone has a different take, and there are lots of valid opinions.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Nothing better than curling up in a cashmere sweater on a long flight.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not at the moment, but catch me in a run through and it's a different story.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
I don't think any one city wins. There are stylish men everywhere now — but the most chic are usually in Paris, Copenhagen, and Florence.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Ha-ha, way conservative. A colourful sneaker is as bold as I get.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
All black.
Celebrities and style...
Are becoming more and more comfortable together.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My Armani Exchange V-neck t-shirts.
A man should always look like...
A better version of himself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Jim Moore and André Leon Talley, my two mentors.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It's easy when everything matches.
What is your biggest regret?
Not backpacking through Europe after high school. I went straight to work.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Wear clothes that fit, make an effort, and step out of your comfort zone sometimes.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I shop a lot for work, so I’m the king of the ten-minute store appointment. I scan quickly, round it up and I'm out the door. Too many stores and no time to dawdle.
We will never see you wearing...
A beret?
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
That's like asking for my favourite designer. There have been many and for all different reasons.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
A handsome face.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
The 1971 photo Jeanloup Sieff took of a nude Yves Saint Laurent for his fragrance campaign. It was very scandalous at the time, and says a lot about confidence.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
There is more than one.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Funnily enough, it's something flashy. My mom had her diamond pendant set into a ring for me. I keep it in a safe, and one day I'll wear it I think.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, but it's not mandatory.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
It was always Helmut Lang the true, original designer. Fashion is not the same without him.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Virginia Smith of Vogue.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"Be the first one there and the last one to leave, keep your head down and work your ass off." — My parents on my first job.
