My Style: Richard Storer
Photo: Alastair Strong — Courtesy of Richard Storer
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I have a few, but style is so subjective… if I had to choose something it would be badly treated denim and poor shoes.
Please describe your style in three words.
Loosely tailored, sporty, mostly monochrome.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Overdoing it with too many clashing combinations; I find it best to ease back a little and let the more simple refined looks speak for themselves.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, for sure. I think the people you look up to help build the foundations and characteristics of who you are. This doesn't just apply to style; it goes for outlook on life, manners, and so on.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I wear mostly black, with a smattering of white and dark navy on occasion. However, I do own key pieces of bold print from the likes of Kenzo and Moschino, so when I add print or bold colours on a mainly black backdrop, I make sure that it's only one piece at a time.
What are your favourite fabrics?
My everyday wardrobe usually comprises leather and cotton; they are the most versatile fabrics and come in many guises.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
London for being acceptable of mixing the most style combinations and making it work, and Los Angeles for well-put-together street style and great subculture dressing.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am both combined but in moderation. It provides balance.
Celebrities and style...
Shall always be linked to some of the most important cataloguing of style and trends in history — good and bad style in equal measure.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Bomber jackets in various styles from super luxe to sport.
A man should always look like...
He's confident, but not over confident.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I taught myself really, and by watching others put together looks I admire helps teach what can work for one person, but doesn't always work for another.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Mostly by mood, weather and who I'll be seeing that day on a work and social level.
What is your biggest regret?
No real regrets. Learn from the past and move forward. I did, however, wear a purple Benetton shell suit in the 90s when it was 'the' thing to be seen wearing. Such a mistake.
The three essential things a man should know about style areâ¦
Quality not quantity purchasing. Be mindful of clashing items and patterns. Buying standout pieces is important, but they need to be less 'trend' and more transitional so they stand the test of time.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Yes, I do too much of it and do not set a budget which is dangerous to my bank balance.
We will never see you wearing...
Tangerine, it should be an accent colour or on an accessory.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
My good friend fashion director Way Perry. He has the most accomplished mix of serious and fun aesthetics in his style.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
How he holds himself and if/how this reflects his confidence.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Yang Li is like a new wave of gifted designers who work mostly in black, his designs are (in places) like modern updated versions of Yohji Yamamoto. Kit Neale: his men's collections are full of fun storytelling through his bespoke animated prints applied to great tailored shirting, trousers and jackets. Even though they are not 'new', London-based knitwear trio Sibling are incredible with their discipline and dedication to their craft and make knitwear seem like it’s a new garment invention.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
The most prominent piece he is wearing such as a jacket, coat or trousers as this usually defines the entire look. If not this, then his shoes — they are so important and yet so many men still get this so incredibly wrong.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
First and foremost, my Prada shoe collection. Then several pairs of archive Yohji Yamamoto trousers I have managed to collect from vintage stores, and a custom made Dior Homme jacket from when Hedi Slimane was at the design helm. I also really treasure anything I have ever bought or been gifted by London-based designer and friend Katie Eary.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
There are so many ways to answer this and so many factors take part, but on the whole I would say no if you have a level of general consensual taste. Take a brand such as James Perse which is based on the wearer being 'comfy' by the very nature of the product (it's luxe loungewear); it can be super stylish and comfortable at the same time. The same can be said of a designer like Yohji Yamamoto who designs supremely cleverly tailored garments which also offer total comfort. However, if combined incorrectly you can destroy the tailoring and the look becomes sloppy.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Marc Jacobs, every season without fail. Kenzo, and for shoes it has to be Prada!
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
My friend Virginia Norris. She's the PR for Whistles and has such an innate sense of style.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be honest, do what feels right, and negativity breeds negativity so steer clear of it.
