My Style: Lorenzo Cifonelli
Portrait: Courtesy of Lorenzo Cifonelli
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not being honest. Bespoke tailoring is all about that: building something that is truly you.
Please describe your style in three words.
Italian (for the movement), British (for the structure), French (for the detail).
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, inspiration comes from everywhere.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I have always liked traditional quality fabrics, but in a perpetual search of modernity. I love to experiment with original fabrics that haven't been used in tailoring before. My cousin Massimo and I made for example the Qilian jacket which is a bespoke sport jacket made of rare Tibetan yak wool…the results were bluffing!
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Wearing something that doesn't fit well.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
At Cifonelli, we are the result of multicultural inspiration so it is difficult to choose, but I will say Tokyo.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Conservative in the making process as everything made in our workshop is entirely handwork, but definitely bold regarding the style and material used sometimes.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I like to mix clothes. I can’t really describe it, but as I work all day long, definitely something elegant as well as comfortable that allows real freedom of movement.
Celebrities and style…
Don't necessary go with each other.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes.
A man should always look like…
Again, clothes are made to be worn. I like the idea of a natural elegance that at the same time is casual and allows great fluidity in movement.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I am a fourth-generation member of a tailoring family. I believe it speaks for itself!
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on my mood of the day. I do like wearing quality fabrics like flannel though.
What is your biggest regret?
I don't like the idea of regretting something. Mistakes are good because they push you to go forward and improve. Regrets just make you unhappy.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Don't overthink it, always go for quality fabrics, and stay true to yourself.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really…I like clothes but I'm not a fashion addict.
We will never see you wearing...
Surprisingly, I am not overly fond of business suits. Not that I don’t like them, but it isn't really my style, especially since I run around the workshop all day long...
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Through history, Cifonelli had the chance to dress amazing style icons like Fred Astaire or Gary Grant who are still inspirational today. Of course, I never met them but we have a lot of fantastic pictures in our archives.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His general silhouette, but I suppose that is a professional deformation.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
In the bespoke salon, we have this amazing signed picture of Josephine Baker smoking a cigarette in a tuxedo. We have some female customers but it is no secret that most of our customers are men. I like the fact that such a strong woman rules here in our Parisian house.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
His jacket/blazer.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Jackets, I have some in all kinds of fabrics. Some are even old prototypes but I love them equally.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Bespoke is designed to fit perfectly. No one shines in a too narrow or large suit.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I've always liked the creations of our friend and customer John Vizzone when he was Style Director at Ralph Lauren and I believe we understand each other. It was no surprise then when we decided to work together and we launched our very first Cifonelli ready-to-wear line last year.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
John Vizzone.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
“I don't like this, you can do better”. These are words from my father. He pushed me to never be satisfied.
