My Style: Manolo Costa
Photo: Wesley Stringer — Courtesy of Manolo Costa
Who taught you what you know about style?
When I was a kid, my great-grandfather used to drive us to the beach. While we ran around half naked, I vividly remember him sporting a three-piece suit. He never really talked to me about clothing, truth is he didn't need to; his style spoke for itself.
Please describe your style in three words.
Modern, sophisticated, sexy.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Underestimating the occasion.
Do you believe in role models?
I do. Ever since I can remember, I was always taught that the easiest way to identify them was by spotting the number on their jersey; it was always the number 10.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Velvet, flannel, tweed, silk, linen. Texture inspires me.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I can think of a thousand style combinations that I would object to, but anything overdone is something I am particularly opposed to.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
The world’s metropolis, New York City. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I’d say conservatively bold.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
My wardrobe caters to the seasons. The only rule I have is, always dress seasonally, appropriately, and accordingly.
Celebrities and style...
The old Hollywood glamour is hard to replicate these days.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
My cashmere hopsack navy blazer and its tireless companion, the white linen pocket square.
A man should always look like...
He is wearing his clothes, not the other way around.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I don’t. I do it at night before I go to bed.
What is your biggest regret?
None.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Quality, quality, and quality.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Always buy what works on me, not what looks good on others.
We will never see you wearing...
Bermuda shorts.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
I’ve seen, met plenty. I find great inspiration in New York. It’s all around.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
The shoulder expression on his jacket.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
A John French print… take your pick.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Have you heard of Manolo Costa?
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His jacket.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
White royal Oxford dress shirt, navy hopsack blazer, and dove grey flannel trousers. Ironically, they're all Manolo Costa, New York.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I’m most comfortable when I know my style is never compromised.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Not easily impressed.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Constance Victory Small from Victoire Focx.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Don’t fuck it up.
