My Style: Filep Motwary
Photo: The Urban Spotter — Courtesy of Filep Motwary
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I don’t know, perhaps something in between. I used to be bold, but now I am conservative. As you can see, I change all the time. From long hair to short hair, from moustache to beard and then to a clean face, from fat to skinny, so literally, my clothes change along the way as well.
Please describe your style in three words.
Depends-on-mood.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
You need to be aware of your inner self, and then there’s no mistake. Clothes become your extension. The final touch should be the perfume. One should find the particular perfume that serves the character.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, only in early ages, before adulthood.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I love velvet chiffon, cashmere, Italian black crêpe, and English cotton.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Let me put it this way. In my 20’s I loved Fellini, thus now, I am obsessed with Hitchcock.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Florence, during Pitti Uomo.
Which city has the best-dressed women?
Any city during Fashion Week.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
No rules. I wear things that I feel myself in.
Celebrities and style...
Well, celebrities hire people to style them. Eventually some learn, but most don’t.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Some vintage Sonia Rykiel scarves and a cock ring I wear as a bracelet.
A man should always look like...
Himself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
By observing I guess. Since I was young, I always admired people who paid attention to detail and had manners in everything they did. This rule is still valid today.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Depends on where I am. During Fashion Weeks I prepare my daily looks from beforehand, as I need to dress fast each morning since the shows start very early. When at home, I’m in a kimono 24/7.
What is your biggest regret?
Always being anxious to cut my hair, when at the same time I want to wear it long.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Know-your-self. If you can’t, look-at-him, copy-him!
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I always buy things if I like them.
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
A neighbour I had when I was a kid. She was Dutch and used to water her garden every morning wearing a robe and in full make-up.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His teeth. Teeth say a lot about people, same for horses.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
I cannot define myself; neither can a picture do it for me.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Rad Hourani as his collections are both for men and women.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to isâ¦
His jacket.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My coats, as I always make them myself.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, look at Rick Owens. Who can top Rick Owens?
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Dries Van Noten. You can never say anything bad about Dries. Never!
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Diane Pernet.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Always keep a long story short.
