My Style: Jean-Michel Cazabat
Photo: Courtesy of Jean-Michel Cazabat
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Just dress to make you feel good. There are no rules at all. I can mix very bright colours with heavy winter tweed or wool; the key is in the combination and feeling good about it.
Please describe your style in three words.
Elegance with a rock 'n' roll twist.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
The mistake of combining colours or fabrics and materials that don't work well together. Never be afraid to mix, but make sure the combination works.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, for a lot of people it is important. For myself, I am my own role model.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I love velvet in the winter and silk in the summer.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not really. As I said, the key is in the combination and making sure it works well together.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
In Italy, Rome; in China, Hong Kong.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I'm not conservative at all. I'm the opposite of conservative — bold!
Celebrities and style...
Celebrities WITH style: Mick Jagger, Serge Gainsbourg, Lapo Elkann.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My ankle boots in many different versions of python.
A man should always look like...
A man who feels confident about himself.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother always had great style herself, but I have always had my own taste level since childhood!
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I think about it under the shower!
What is your biggest regret?
I have none.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
One thing: to match colours correctly.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really. I shop when I see a piece I like.
We will never see you wearing...
Men's type of priests sandals with Bermuda pants.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
My friend Ricky Sasaki had wonderful style.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes, of course!
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Mick Jagger in the 60s.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I like pieces from Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Rick Owens.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
A great jacket.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Too many beautiful jackets and coats made to measure by my friend Hisham Oumlil, and of course, all my Jean-Michel Cazabat men's python boots.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
YSL during Monsieur Saint Laurent. They were the best in the world!
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Mon ami, Olivier Theyskens!
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Feel free to get comfortable, and always be confident about your look.
