My Style: Dustin Bath and Nathan James
Photo: Courtesy of Early Morning Rebel
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
NJ: Ripping your pants all the way down your backside. DB: Not trusting your instinct. If it makes you feel good, wear it.
Please describe your style in three words.
NJ: West Coast, classic, Rock ‘n’ Roll. DB: Classic, simple, Los Angeles.
Do you believe in role models?
NJ: I don’t necessarily believe in role models, but definitely see wisdom in looking up to someone you admire and aspire to be more like. DB: Yeah. I think it’s a great thing to have someone inspire you. Something to aspire to.
What are your favourite fabrics?
NJ: Denim, leather, silk, satin, cotton, lace, latex. I love so many. DB: Cotton, denim and leather.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
NJ: No, I think if you are expressing yourself and you can pull it off… more power to you. DB: I think if you can own it, anything can work.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
NJ: Paris. DB: London.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
NJ: Depends on my mood, but mostly somewhere in the middle. DB: I would say somewhere in between.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
NJ: No rules. I try and stay comfortable, but also stay true to myself. I love what happens when you wear something that makes you feel good. Getting dressed is a creative process. I don’t like too many rules messing with my creativity. DB: I don’t have any rules and I don’t think anyone should…
Celebrities and style...
NJ: Go hand in hand — sometimes for the worse, sometimes for the better. I think as a human being, style plays a role in our daily life no matter what. DB: Don’t always mix.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
NJ: Gold and great boots. DB: I can never have enough boots/shoes.
A man should always look...
NJ: How he wants. The freedom of a fashion statement is key. DB: Like he is a natural, never trying too hard and doesn’t care too much.
Who taught you what you know about style?
NJ: No one person has taught me about style, per se. But I’m influenced by all kinds of things in my life, day-to-day. DB: Life and instinct. If you see something that moves you, get it and wear it.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
NJ: I consider the weather and my mood. But I definitely try to wear stuff that makes me feel good about myself. Always trying to combat self-hatred. DB: It all depends on where I’m going and whom I’m seeing.
What is your biggest regret?
NJ: I don’t know if I believe in regrets, but I do try to learn from my mistakes. DB: I don’t have any regrets, just experiences and lessons.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
NJ: Wear what makes you feel good about yourself and what is flattering, listen to people you think look good and people you trust, and listen to the ladies. DB: Boots, denim and leather never fail, and get a motorcycle.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
NJ: Not that I know of. DB: No.
We will never see you wearing...
NJ: Never say never. DB: Never say never!
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
NJ: That’s like asking what my favourite band/song/singer is. It’s too hard, and it changes day-to-day, if not hour-by-hour. DB: My bandmates.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
NJ: It depends on the man. DB: Shoes and hair.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
NJ: I don’t think it’s possible for me narrow it down to one image, but all kinds of images are huge influences on my style and general aesthetic. DB: James Dean in his 356 Porsche.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
NJ: I really like some of the jackets in Matthew Miller’s SS14 menswear collection, and the prints in Katie Eary’s collections over the last few seasons. Euphorik’s relaxed and not overly designed collections are great for performing. For womenswear, Francesca Marotta is one of my faves and she’s a friend. DB: Anyone being innovative and taking risks, I admire.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
NJ: His shoes. DB: I think all of it is important, but if you had to choose one, shoes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
NJ: Jackets and boots. DB: My vintage boots and vintage leather motorcycle jacket.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
NJ: It definitely can be, but as a performer, I have to have clothes that are somewhat comfortable. I have to make it work for both comfort and style. DB: I’m comfortable in something if it makes me feel/look good. So they can go together.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
NJ: Hedi Slimane’s Saint Laurent… right now. DB: Hedi Slimane from Dior to Saint Laurent — never fails to impress.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
NJ: My friend Robert Patrick here in L.A. DB: Jason Bothe aka Renee Renee.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
NJ: “Keep breathing and drink a lot of water.” My dad always says that to me. DB: Never give up; always keep pushing forward no matter what stands in your way.
