My Style: Chris Chasseaud
Photo: Andreea Bogdan — Courtesy of Chris Chasseaud
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Style is personal. Grow into a style that befits you and let that grow and evolve with you. Be prepared to fail so you can learn and then remould what suits you. Be humble about it rather than arrogant.
Please describe your style in three words.
Adventurous, nomadic, gentleman.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes. I think we all need role models at various stages in our lives. For younger generations it's always inspiring to have someone to look up to and be inspired by. That inspiration should spur you on to do bigger and better things.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Milan has the best-dressed men, but London has more diversity of well-dressed men who are eccentric and embracing of all manners of style, which is why London is so exciting.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I probably lean more towards bold but have a conservative tendency within that.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I try to be smart and respectable at all times. However, when I dress I make sure it will make me comfortable and that it suits my mood. I'm very free in dressing and don't think too much about how I look — although I'm aware that giving the right impression counts for a lot and is necessary at times. I dress accordingly depending on meetings and activities I'm involved in, but more importantly my outfit is connected to my state of mind — what I've been reading or the music I've been listening to are things that trigger my outfit inspiration.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Socks.
A man should always look...
Confident and comfortable. He should be a gentleman and should look friendly and approachable, ready to entertain with good conversation at any point.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The various respectable gentlemen I came across while growing up who taught me values and to respect and appreciate people. I absorbed as much as I could and let that inspire and inform my own way of dressing and presenting myself.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Impulse and emotion connected to the logistics of what I'm doing during the day.
What is your biggest regret?
Leaving my turntables and record collection in Vienna when moving back to London.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I tend to do a bit of research on things that I need — finding out the best options before going to try them on. When I try the clothes I make sure they feel good and fit well. There are times when something you like ends up being completely wrong when trying it on, so I am resigned to giving up on it.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Mr Adam Rogers. An extremely talented London designer/tailor who has a great mind, a beautiful eye and natural talent.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes or his shirt or jacket.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Norwegian Rain — their approach to design is beautiful and has a philosophy and style that resonates very well with me. Impeccable coats with a growing and evolving collection range. Super Duper Hats — leading a renaissance of hats and milliner revival by being humble and down to earth. Their craftwork is incredible and mixes classic and contemporary styles exceptionally well.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His shirt.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A Norwegian Rain Raincho, a DENT de MAN suit, and a pair of selvedge jeans that haven't been washed for a year.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Fabrizio Oriani from Gentlemen's Wear Daily, Gianni Fontana, Gerold Brenner, and Angel Ramos.
