My Style: Matteo Gioli
Portrait: Sinbad Phgura — Courtesy of Matteo Gioli
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Wear what fits you, not what fits your favourite icon. Black is always a good choice. There’s a hat for every head.
Please describe your style in three words.
Sincere, clean, and authentic.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Mixing too many colours. I always try not to have more than three colours on me.
Do you believe in role models?
Of course I do, it is something essential in keeping you going forward.
What are your favourite fabrics?
I know that saying this nowadays might sounds a bit “hipstery”, but my favourite fabric ever is denim.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
There are quite a few. However, one thing that I really don’t understand is the common belief that you need to be suited up if you want to wear a hat.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
If by best-dressed you mean unique and authentic, then that city is London.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
A curious conservative.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
There are no specific rules. With that being said, I always make sure I’m comfortable in what I am wearing. I don’t want to feel too stiff or too loose, so I always go for things that make me feel good wherever I am.
Celebrities and style..
Sometimes celebrities have style and sometimes they don't, it depends on the taste of their stylist! [laughs]
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Hats, of course.
A man should always look like…
A man.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Nobody taught me anything to be honest. For me, it has always been about visual attractions, such as looking at old photos of musicians or underground music scenes of the past.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends a lot on how late I wake up. With that being said, I definitely make sure I’m sharp enough for my girlfriend so that she in love with me everyday.
What is your biggest regret?
I don’t have any regrets regarding myself. My only regret is that not all of my grandparents can see what I’m doing now.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
No, because I don’t go shopping at all. I mostly buy my clothing from brands that belong to friends, so I am never in a shop.
We will never see you wearing...
Shorts.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
My grandfather Sergio.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His hands. It’s something that can really tell a lot about a person and what he does.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
It's a photo of Tom Waits by Anton Corbijn; he is laying on a sofa surrounded by trash.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I really admire Stefano Ughetti from Camo and Manuele Bianchi from Casbia. They both share the same pure and honest views on fashion and design.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
His trousers. They can really shape your body in a good or a bad way.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My 1958 Hamilton Ventura.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Never, comfort is what allows you to wear something in the right way!
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I think my brothers from Avec Ces Fréres, Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh (they are also the creators of the collective Art Comes First), never fail in terms of images, display and design of their collections. They have the true ability to transform very classic items, from suits to leather jackets, into something much more progressive.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Manuele Bianchi, designer of Casbia shoes.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
“Nine women together cannot have a baby in one month”. I feel that this is quite representative of the “fast fashion” rules we all have to deal with nowadays.
