My Style: Ian Bradley
Photo: Eric White
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Know your proportions, fits, and fabrics. I think all these can be arbitrary, but one should be aware of these things when getting dressed.
Please describe your style in three words.
Light-hearted. Preppy. Urban.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Overthinking it.
Do you believe in role models?
Totally, role models inspire, and inspiration is very important.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Denim is my all time favourite, it goes with everything.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Anything that involves a square toe loafer and a pair of boot cut jeans.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Florence, Italy; so many men in well tailored and quirky pieces, worn very effortlessly.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Conservative generally, with a few bold pieces mixed in.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Have fun.
Celebrities and style...
Don't necessarily go together.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Jeans, there's a million different cut and wash combinations. I find myself always looking for a new pair, even though I have more than twenty different pairs.
A man should always look like...
He's confident and comfortable in whatever he's wearing.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My friends; I pick up a little bit of something from each of them that helps me form my own personal style. They're my role models.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I usually focus one clothing item, ranging from a sweatshirt to a pair of trousers, and I generally build my outfit around that one item.
What is your biggest regret?
Not getting that J+ Uniqlo blue parka a couple of years ago — I think about it multiple times a week.
We will never see you wearing...
Anything from Ed Hardy.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Andre Balazs. Every time I see him he's wearing an impeccable suit, but worn with the ease like jeans and a t-shirt.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
The Strokes on the cover of Spin Magazine in 2001.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Siki Im's shapes and portions I find very exciting and fresh, yet it's done in a masculine and classic way.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My vintage Levi's jean jacket I've had since I was sixteen, it's been my favourite article of clothing since acquiring it. I've made a lot of memories wearing that jacket over the last ten years, and it still fits like a glove.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
It doesn't have to be at all, you can easily wear a comfortable ensemble and exude style; but things like Uggs and sweatpants have their place, none of which should be beyond your home or corner store.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Raf Simons, the man is always on point.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Josh Peskowitz, one of the sharpest dudes in the world.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"You do you, baby doll."
