My Style: Marco Zambaldo
Portrait: Stefano Triulzi for Men's Club Japan — Courtesy of Marco Zambaldo
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Hedi Slimane, even if he’s not so 'new'. He represents my idea of style, an innovator who respects tradition at the same time.
Please describe your style in three words.
I would say ‘work in progress’. It's the result of the pollination between my classical education, new aesthetics, and functional contemporary necessities.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, as a source of inspiration.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton, because it combines tradition and modernity.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I don't like a look that is overworked and has too many details; I find that to be banal.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I'm both. It's essential to have your roots in tradition and to be able to experiment freely and boldly.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I don't have any specific rules, with the exception of dressing according to the way I feel in that particular moment.
Celebrities and style…
Being a celebrity doesn't necessarily mean that they have original style. One stylish celebrity I can think of is the artist Julian Schnabel. I'm particularly interested in his use of dress code.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Shoes, of course! As the great dandy Lord Byron said, a man must spend above his means for his shoes.
A man should always look like…
Himself. Authentic, what he is in that moment. Only in this way can he feel at ease.
Who taught you what you know about style?
My mother certainly has given me an instinctive and natural sense of aesthetics. She is the person who has influenced my personal sense of style the most.
The three essential things a man should know about style?
The rules of elegance, how to recognise quality and the ability to identify the true elements of contemporaneity.
The most stylish person you have ever seen…
There isn't one person in particular, but I have always been fascinated by the great leaders in history. I think military uniforms are one of the greatest forms of elegance.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes. They say a lot about who is wearing them.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My first tuxedo and my first field jacket.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, the contrary. Style that lasts is inevitably also comfortable.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Karl Lagerfeld, a real creative genius.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Simplify. And this is true in every field.
