My Style: Devon Burt
Portrait: Christian Burt — Courtesy of Devon Burt
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
The importance of restraint, the beauty of simplicity and the power to edit.
Please describe your style in three words.
Simple, authentic, functional.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Overthinking it…and trying to be something they’re not.
Do you believe in role models?
I believe that certain people inspire and motivate me to be better.
What are your favourite fabrics?
The basics: jersey, fleece, denim, khaki, wool, leather, and materials that work and get better with age.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
There are certain styles that I find very difficult to look at, but I don’t object to anything. Style is subjective…to each his own.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
There are well-dressed men in every city, you just have to look. New York, Paris, London and Tokyo are lucky to have more culturally creative people than other cities.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I have days when I can be confidently bold, and then I have days that I am unsure and conservative.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Generally it’s to dress my age, not use much colour, and no prints.
Celebrities and style...
I don’t waste my time on the celebrities of today. They are overpaid and given way too much attention.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes.
A man should always look like…
His age.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I was self-taught and made many horrible mistakes in the process. However, my mother blessed me with good taste and that saved me.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
The weather plays a big part in it and as I have gotten older the colour black seems to be my go to with everything.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t spend time looking backwards unless it offers me something to learn from…I have no regrets.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I try and stick to buying what I need instead of what I want. I’m usually not that successful.
We will never see you wearing…
Anything heavily printed, overly graphic or with a neon based colour.
The most stylish person you have ever seen…
I spent an afternoon with Massimo Osti. I believe he quietly had more impact on innovating men’s fashion than anyone.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His confidence.
The one image that defined your approach to style…
Sorry, can’t do one image. Visually speaking, it would be a combination of three movies. A Man and a Woman, 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Thomas Crown Affair (the 1968 version). I was born in the 60’s and these movies had an impact on me then, and still do today.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Aitor Throup, because of his almost self-defeating obsessive nature and relentless quest for perfection. I admire his unconventional approach to the fashion business.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
His jacket. I think most men are defined by the jacket they wear.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My wedding ring.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, comfort is an important part of style.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Scott Morrison. He is the founder of 3X1 Denim, as well as Paper Denim & Cloth and Ernest Sewn. I met him briefly and shared a nice conversation. I admired his style, sense of fashion and respect for the craftsmanship in making great denim.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
“...That by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise”.
