My Style: Jean-Marc Gady
Photo: Courtesy of Jean-Marc Gady
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Paris is okay, but I heard about a city in England, gush! Can’t remember the name, sorry.
Please describe your style in three words.
Super-simple-French.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing his shirt inside his trousers…unforgivable.
Do you believe in role models?
Sure, I am one of them, an 'it' boy every day from 8 to 9 a.m. After that I turn into my freaky reality…
What are your favourite fabrics?
Grey flannel by far.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not really. Some people have an unlimited license to explore the limit. I don’t belong to this category of guys.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Definitely conservative, but sometimes I like to dress into something I only pretend to be. I don’t really assume it for very long. One day it would be very street style; some other day very trendy. I don’t really care.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
First rule: Never pull too strong on the belt. Second rule: If you have to do so, make sure you wear a coat and unbelt it as soon as you remove the coat.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Cashmere scarves.
A man should always look like...
What he can assume to wear. This level of consciousness is hard to reach. But apart from that, Paul Smith is a king.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My wife, and all the women before, but hush!
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I turn on my iPhone light, and I get into the cupboard. I can’t see any colour then. I take advantage of this opportunity to apologise toward my collaborators for being dressed the way I am certain mornings, but they don’t seem to notice, or maybe they don’t dare to say something. Good!
Your biggest regret is...
SCND: Sports, cigarettes, nails, diet.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Know your body and compose with it. Listen to women’s advice about your style. Know the female body in order to compose styling advice. (I am not totally sure about this one).
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Sure, once every three months, I spend a fortune in three hours. Actually it’s very painful when I do it. It’s very rewarding when I get back home.
We will never see you wearing...
A pullover attached around my shoulders. There’s no risk.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
My wife is amazing, even at worst; she is a princess! Not objective? Believe me…
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Same as women: his hands and eyes.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
That of my father, because his clothes were a slave to his body, never the opposite.
Which new designers do you follow/admire and why?
Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen is tomorrow’s star. She is so talented.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
Well, I consider there is more than one, and it is usually the one you can’t see.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A black leather jacket from Dior Homme. It looks like a truck has run over you and it is a delirious piece of art from Hedi Slimane. I don’t wear it, but I like the idea of owning it.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not necessarily for men. Things get trickier for women. “One must suffer to be beautiful!”
Which designer/fashion house never fails to impress you?
Comme des Garçons never fails to impress me. Kenzo never fails to bore me…
Established designers aside, who would you like to see next in My Style?
Try Lucas Papademos and see what happens.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
“Calm down. It’s okay. Calm down."
