My Style: Konstantin Spachis
Portrait: Monsieur Jerome — Courtesy of Konstantin Spachis
Who taught you what you know about style?
Long before the age of the internet, in an era called the 90s, fashion magazines and fashion history books were the state-of-the-art source of inspiration.
Please describe your style in three words.
Eclectic, elegant, and classic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Trying too hard.
Do you believe in role models?
As a source of inspiration, absolutely.
What are your favourite fabrics?
It's a matter of selecting fabrics of high quality.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Never say never.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Milan, London, and Tokyo.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Boldly conservative.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
The rules are based on proportion and silhouettes.
Celebrities and style...
Is (in most cases) nothing else than a construct.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Vintage Levi's 501s, Prada shoes, and cashmere turtleneck sweaters.
A man should always be…
Authentic.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I basically select the one item that I am in the mood for wearing, and then build the whole look around it.
What is your biggest regret?
Regrets? Non, je ne regrette rien!
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Proportion, proportion, proportion.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I have a very rigid system. After the runway shows, I select the looks that could complement or refresh my wardrobe. As soon as they hit the stores, I'll purchase them.
We will never see you wearing...
Cargo shorts, tank tops, and flip-flops!
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Stefano Pilati, Lapo Elkann, and Tom Ford.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His hands.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Yves Saint Laurent in the 70’s.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
In womenswear, I follow Esteban Cortázar and Arthur Arbesser for their strong vision of a contemporary woman. In menswear, it's Umit Benan for his macho masculinity.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
The shoes make the difference.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Anything by Tom Ford for Gucci and anything by Stefano Pilati for Yves Saint Laurent.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
It depends on the individual interpretation of comfort.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Dries Van Noten.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Natalie Manchot, the deputy fashion director of Madame, and one of my closest friends.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Sometimes it's more important to be human than to have good taste!
