My Style: Rhodes
Portrait: Eliot Lee Hazel
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
I would have to say Burberry, not only because I do a lot of work with them—I have always adored them as a heritage brand.
Please describe your style in three words.
Classic, monochrome, and English.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing white socks. My mum taught me that one.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, I do. I've never had one at the forefront of my mind, however I recently felt that perhaps they can be a subconscious influence.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Leather, silk, and denim.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I am not a fan of wearing trainers with a suit. At all.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Paris, the one city where I have specifically noticed particularly well-dressed men... like, all of them.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am conservative in my own mind, but I suppose to some I may be quite bold.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I go for good shoes and a great overcoat, especially at this time of year. I wear mostly black and one layer of colour. I also wear a lot of jewellery.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
That would be coats.
A man should always look like…
A gentleman.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The music I liked when I was growing up taught me a lot about my taste in fashion and style! Soul, British music from the 60's—mods and rockers. My sister also taught me a lot, she is a designer currently working for Eudon Choi.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It really depends on what I am doing. Today for example, I am just chilling at home, so it's a pair of Levi's 501 jeans, an American Apparel track jumper and a pair of Dr Martin's shoes. For everyday wear, winter is easier for me to dress well, as most days it's black jeans, nice boots and a long, black overcoat.
What is your biggest regret?
In regards to style? I have many, many regrets [laughs]. My mum makes silver jewellery and she enlarged a ring for me that she had gotten for my 19th birthday and set a larger stone in it. I went out one evening and things got a little out of hand. I woke up the next day and the ring was gone! It must have slipped off or I had taken it off and left it somewhere. I regret not looking after my nice things.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Subtlety. Wearing three colours should be an absolute maximum. And to buy good shoes.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really. I am quite impulsive so it's normally on a whim. I do love shopping though, I always have.
We will never see you wearing...
Trainers with smart trousers and luminous colours.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Christopher Bailey or my stylist David Nolan.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His coat or jacket.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Edward Hopper's Nighthawks painting.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
I have a beautiful vintage Loro Piana oversized black cashmere overcoat that I wore for the video of my last single 'Let it all go'. I also have a tailored Burberry tuxedo that I am desperate to wear! I am off to a gig tonight, perhaps I will turn up in a tux.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No, I don't think so. I would say more so in the summer, as I like layers and wrapping up.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Believe in yourself.
