My Style: Jim Thompson
Photo: Courtesy of Jim Thompson
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Play with combinations. There are no hard and fast rules, and you should figure out what does and doesn’t work. Wear good quality classics, not cheap fashion.
Please describe your style in three words.
Disheveled, vintage, considered.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not looking in the mirror.
Do you believe in role models?
I wouldn't say so. Admire and listen to others, but at the end of the day be yourself. Make your own mark.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cottons and linens that are heavily washed and aged to bring out their best characteristics.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
None really. If it works for you and you can carry it off, then go for it.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Tokyo.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Conservative with the odd surprise.
Celebrities and style...
Argh! You’ll see more stylish people walking around any city than you will within the covers of any celebrity style mag.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Socks and undies.
A man should always look like...
His clothes are a reflection of who he is as a person.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mum, although she hates the beard.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Where I’m going, what I will be doing and how I am feeling. Oh, and sometimes what doesn’t need to be ironed (always running late!).
What is your biggest regret?
Trying to cram my footballer's legs and backside into jeans too skinny for me for half a decade. I didn’t follow my own advice. Not a great look!
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Know your own style and make subtle gradual tweaks to this, know your size and your proportions, and buy good quality classics as it pays off in the end.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
No, I don’t really shop that much having my own label, but when I do, I never make an impulsive buying decision.
We will never see you wearing...
Skinny jeans ever again!
The most stylish person you have ever met...
An old work colleague of mine. I’ll save his blushes by not giving his name. Not only was it what he wore but also the way he put it together, and the way he conducted himself made him stylish.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Like women do. His shoes.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
The photography of Irving Penn “Small Trades.” It is a celebration of workingmen and women shot in London, Paris and New York in 1951. Real people wearing real functional clothing but still with a strong sense of style.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Nigel Cabourn (not new I know). I love his passion and desire to produce great interpretations of vintage clothing without compromise.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
Not sure I can complete this as every article requires attention, but if I were pushed to say one then it would be shoes. A good outfit can be destroyed by bad shoes; buy good shoes!
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My vintage deadstock Spring Court tennis shoes from the 40s/50s. I picked them up on eBay and it makes me a little sad every time I wear them knowing that when they fall apart it will be unlikely I will ever find another pair. I could box them up, but clothes are to be worn.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No you should be able to have both. If you are comfortable, then you are at ease and will project this to others. Saying this should not be license to wear a suit one size too big as it may be comfortable. It’s a fine line.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Nigel Cabourn.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Josh McPherson formerly of “Pistols at Dawn” and the “Cloakroom”. A really good guy with a great sense of style.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Invest in quality shoes. Don’t smoke.
