My Style: Jon Passavant and Benj Lee
Portrait: Courtesy of Jon Passavant and Benj Lee
Which city has the best-dressed men?
After a lot of internal debate, we’ve both settled on the same place: London.
Please describe your style in three words.
Authentic, classic, bold.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Over-thinking and taking yourself too seriously.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, and it's even better if a role model is also a mentor.
What are your favourite fabrics?
We love fabrics that have visible texture such as leathers and yarn-dyed silks.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not really. If you’re confident, you can pull anything off.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
More bold than conservative or shy.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Be authentic, contextual, and have fun.
Celebrities and style...
Don’t always mix. People are people!
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Accessories of course—leather goods and briefcases.
A man should always look like…
He knows who he is.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Every experience in our lives, and the places we grew up have all contributed to how we think about style.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It depends on the activities of the day, and of course what the weather is going to do—it’s great living in a city with distinct seasons.
What is your biggest regret?
Regrets come and go—it’s more important to know where you’re heading.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Know the context, know what you need, and (most importantly) know yourself.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
You can find great pieces in all kinds of places, so we’re always keeping our eyes open.
We will never see you wearing...
Never say never!
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
It’s too hard to think of one person because style ranges so dramatically. We love seeing people express themselves.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
How he carries himself.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Too many to name one—everything from old pictures of family in the 30s and 40s, and even the iconic figures of the last few decades.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
It isn’t a new brand, but we love how Burberry has re-invented itself.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
A man should pay attention to his whole image, and choose whichever pieces are most important to him to focus on.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
The first briefcases we made—they’re special on a lot of levels.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Comfort doesn’t trump everything else—although thoughtful design, appropriate function, and beautiful materials are always a pleasure to use and wear.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani, Burberry.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Becky Paguia and Nate Poekert, founders of Proper Assembly.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
‘Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art. It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which gives value to survival.’ — C.S. Lewis
