My Style: Ildo Damiano
Photo: courtesy of Ildo Damiano
Which city has the best-dressed men?
The elegant ones are in Naples, the creative ones in New York.
Please describe your style in three words.
Creative, elegant, eccentric.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Dressing in a way which is not appropriate to the occasion.
Do you believe in role models?
No.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Flannel in winter and silk in summer.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
The mix of sporty, casual clothing with classic items.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Absolutely bold, I'm an exhibitionist!
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
The right balance between clothes and accessories. When the accessories are fashion-forward, the rest must be classic.
Celebrities and style...
They never have their own style, they recite roles imposed by stylists.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes and shirts.
A man should always look like...
Unique.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I would say: 30 per cent aesthetic education given by my parents, 30 per cent personal taste, 30 per cent study and 10 per cent work.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I start from the one garment or the accessory I want to wear that day and then build the look from shoes to hat or from hat to shoes.
What is your biggest regret is?
Losing a chevalier ring from the Maharaja of Kapurtala in a Sotheby's auction.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
The hem of the trousers should cover his shoes, while socks must be long enough in order not to expose any skin at all times.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I never buy for necessity; I always buy for fun.
We will never see you wearing...
White socks with sandals, or a singlet.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Hamid Karzai.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His hands and shoes.
Which new designers do you admire and why?
Umit Benan because he offers an ethnic yet classic style for the contemporary man, and Del Toro for their must-have slippers that combine the Italian heart with American branding.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
Always wear underwear that is even better than your clothes.
The article that man needs to pay attention is...
Fit is everything. Your jackets should be flawlessly fitted.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My Hermès vintage shirts from the 60's, my Gianni Versace suits from the '80 and my furs; I have over twenty of them!
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all. Comfort should be dictating one's style.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
John Galliano.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be yourself.
