My Style: Jon Call
Photo: Tetsuharu Kubota — Courtesy of Jon Call
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I think Ovadia & Sons is killing it right now. Their perspective on the American Man is spot on. It's like a rush of adrenaline to me.
Please describe your style in three words.
Modern american uniform. I wear a blazer, oxford, jeans, and brogues in intriguing fits and colours.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not knowing where you are going.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely, I have many.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I like to use menswear fabrics in my interiors: structured linens, Oxford cloths, Harris tweeds, selvedge denims, lightweight seersucker, brushed cotton twills — they find their way into the homes I create as well as my closet.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Anything in the right context can be amazing. Life is about taking predictable combinations and reworking them into something special and unique.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
New York. Hands down.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am conservatively bold.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
While I may change the colours or fabrics around, my 'go-to' silhouette essentially remains the same: a narrow trouser, a nipped in waist, solid fabrics, button down collars, a good watch, and a strong shoe.
Celebrities and style...
I had never considered the combination until I became aware of Ryan Gosling.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Humour about oneself.
A man should always look like...
He considered his outfit; there should be a thoughtful approach to what a man decides to put on his body.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
This morning it was with the ever slightest touch of a hangover. We were out late celebrating my 'Next Wave' article in House Beautiful magazine.
What is your biggest regret?
Taking scissors to t-shirts in the early 90‘s and baring my midriff. I thought I was Sid Vicious.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
What their shirt size is, what scent their partner likes, and the name of a very good tailor.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Everything starts after finding a great pair of shoes.
We will never see you wearing...
A sheer shirt.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Julien Decanali from Barneys. His personal sense of style is envy inducing.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His watch.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Currently, I am addicted to the Glen Luchford’s Prada print campaign from the early nineties. The colourations hint at something both sweet and sinister.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
I imagine that depends on the man. The one thing I know for sure, however, is that it is essential to wear a clean pair of underpants.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A watch that I inherited from my uncle.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
My staples are generally from different designers: Martin Margiela for knitwear and shoes, Junya Watanabe for his incredible shirts, and I always love a good pair of Uniqlo jeans. I find myself re-buying these essential items from each of their collections more often than not.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Matt Repicky of the blog Men's Threads. His youthful take on men's fashion is refreshing.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Don’t wear a belt with a suit.
