My Style: Mathias Berg
Photo: Courtesy of Mathias Berg
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Buy stuff that's meant to last. Style improves your life… but it's not the most important thing in the world.
Please describe your style in three words.
Scandinavian, Milanese, American.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
I hate being overdressed.
Do you believe in role models?
Rather than role models, I have found that all the visual impressions from the internet, magazines, books, people in the industry and random people on the street merge and affect my tastes gradually.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Anything with a nice texture. Subtle patterns like birdseyes and herringbones.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I think I object to most style combinations, haha. I like to keep it simple.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Milan or Florence. A lot of Stockholmers also know how to dress.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Hmm, not conservative when it comes to style and fit, but restrained with regards to colours and fabrics.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Could this be worn by an Italian industrial design professor? [laughs]
Celebrities and style...
Was better fifty years ago — sad answer.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of.
Round neck wool or cashmere sweaters.
A man should always look like...
He cares, but not too much.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The internet.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I start with a shirt and go from there.
What is your biggest regret?
I once bought a shirt with pink buttons. In 2005. Still hurts.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I keep a mental list of what I "need." When I see items on the list, I buy them.
We will never see you wearing...
A black shirt.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
On the menswear scene, it´s hard to beat the Japanese. Every time I see a photo of Yasuto Kamoshita, I want to dress like him.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His shoes, watch, and trousers length.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Well, I don´t know if it defines my style, but old photos of Fred Astaire, the way he wore formal clothes, like it was just a track suit. Fantastic.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I quite like Ovadia & Sons and Eidos. Young, modern tailoring.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
Trousers. The length and fit is crucial for the overall look.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Tweed jackets, outerwear and my tie collection.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, rather the opposite. If you´re uncomfortable, you will look uncomfortable, and that is not stylish at all. A guy adjusting his pocket square and tie knot all the time is quite annoying.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Isaia. Aspesi. Of the big fashion brands, Prada is always interesting. Supreme is a fascinating brand, too.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
"Lose ten kilos. Buy expensive shoes. Shave."
