My Style: David Hart
Photo: Justin Bridges — Courtesy of David Hart
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
How to tie a tie, how to tie a bow tie, and how to unhook a woman’s brassiere with one hand.
Please describe your style in three words.
Anachronistic time traveler.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Forgetting to put on a tie (or bow tie if that’s your preference).
Do you believe in role models?
Yes. The Flash is one of mine.
What are your favourite fabrics?
It changes with the seasons, but right now I’m excited about the raw silk ties we’re developing for this Spring.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
If someone feels great in what they are wearing, who am I to judge them?
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Doha, Qatar. I’m obsessed with how the stylish young gents there are wearing their thobes slim and tailored and wrapping their ghutras on their heads with ease and panache.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
A good mix of both.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
The most important rule is, wear what makes you feel confident.
Celebrities and style...
Were so glamorous in the 1940s.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My own ties, and hats by Rod Keenan.
A man should always look like...
He is the boss.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My grandpa. I have all of his old suits and tuxedos he wore to Toots Shor, the Stork Club, and El Morocco in the 1950s and 1960s.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Always in a hurry. My dog Gatsby gets too impatient to wait for me to get dressed. He wants to eat and go on his walk. He doesn’t care about my tab collar being buttoned perfectly.
What is your biggest regret is?
Anytime I lose a bet. It doesn't happen often, but what a rotten feeling. It helps take the sting away if the winner buys the next round.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I shop best by myself.
We will never see you wearing...
A clip-on bow tie.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Rod Serling is my style icon.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Usually the company he keeps.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Edward R. Murrow on a street corner in London, circa 1941.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Antonio Azzuolo. I love what he does with tailoring and shapes.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His socks. We’re launching a collection of them in June.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Ties and suits that belonged to my grandfather.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No. Men’s clothing should only be uncomfortable if it doesn’t fit properly.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Oscar de la Renta.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Someone unexpected. Surprise me.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Life's like a boxing match: Keep your chin up, your arms out in front of you, and your ass off the canvas.
