My Style: Julien Decanali
Photo: Niraj Mehdiratta — Courtesy of Julien Decanali
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I’m really excited by the past few collections from Public School. They’ve perfected the NYC downtown cool look that I always wish I had. Tim Coppens is absolutely stellar; he has an uncanny ability to merge incredibly technical sportswear pieces with luxury fabrics, while also displaying incredible details and functionality. I am also very excited by En Noir — they’ve already grown so much in so little time and have completely mastered the street-chic feel. They have so much passion and ambition, and I can’t wait to see what they have coming next.
Please describe your style in three words.
Evolving. Uninhibited. Honest.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Allowing anything other than their own self-expression dictate their style.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely. Inspiration in any form is wonderful, so long as it isn’t compromising.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I currently have a strong penchant for waxed cottons/denim and leather pieces.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Objections are limiting. I’m constantly finding myself wearing things I had previously 'objected' to.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
I’m always impressed with how much attention Parisian men pay to their clothing and style, always classically chic, but I find New Yorkers are so much more expressive. Tie?
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I’ve had my days dressing conservatively, and I’ll likely have them again in the future. Right now, I’m more interested with being 'bold' and discovering new things.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I don’t have any rules per se, but I try to avoid looking too serious as much as possible.
Celebrities and style...
Some are stylish and can serve as inspiration, some not so much. They have their personal agendas when getting dressed; I have mine.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
I could have a thousand sneakers and wouldn’t even be remotely satisfied.
A man should always look like...
He’s comfortable in his own skin and cares about his appearance.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I was not necessarily shown how to dress properly growing up, but recently I’ve learned a lot just from observing my friends. They all have such great style individually; you can’t help but be impressed.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
What’s the weather? What does my day/night have in store for me? Am I bored with this?
What is your biggest regret?
I make plenty of mistakes, and have plenty of regrets. The trick is to learn from them and avoid repeating them… as much as possible.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Don’t buy impulsively. I generally know exactly what I’m looking for when I go into a store.
We will never see you wearing...
I don’t want to make any declarations that I’m sure I’ll eventually break.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
I finally had the pleasure of meeting Jeremy Kirkland. His style is absolutely killer, constantly evolving, and a perfect fusion of so many different aesthetics.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Button stances, collars, accessories, they all contribute to the look. I pay them all equal attention.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
James Dean as Jim Stark in Rebel Without A Cause. Red jacket, white t-shirt, blue jeans, I’ve always been infatuated with that image.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to isâ¦
I think one should pay attention to every article of clothing, but the proper fit of a sport coat is imperative.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My white high-top Dior Homme sneakers that I bought from Barneys five years ago. I still wear them at least once a week.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
They shouldn’t be mutually exclusive; but if you’re not comfortable, you likely won’t be stylish.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I walk away wanting at least half of the collection from Dries Van Noten every season.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
I’m sure John Jannuzzi or Lawrence Schlossman would have some great things to share.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
You should be the best part of your outfit, not your clothes.
