My Style: Robert Tateossian
Photo: Courtesy of Robert Tateossian
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I admire the work of Neil Barrett — he has a classic cut, always with a twist and an immaculate attention to detail.
Please describe your style in three words.
Neat, simple, crisp.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing something you are not comfortable with, and does not reflect your character and personality.
Do you believe in role models?
Taking the best of people you respect and admire.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Depending on the season, cashmere is a big yes in winter…
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I object to juxtapositions of different geometric patterns against each other, though having said that someone like Etro can pull it off with great fanfare and panache.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
No question, Tokyo has the best dressed men whether dressed for work or casual. The attention to detail is spectacular.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I would say I am conservative though I will still wear jeans covered in silver paint. Dress code is always dictated by the occasion and your mood.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Always have an element of pop or colour whether it is the colour of the socks, a pochette, a stacked leather bracelet, a fun shirt or something that will make me happy and break an otherwise conventional dress code.
Celebrities and style...
Is not something you should follow.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Cufflinks and bracelets of course!
A man should always look like...
Himself and not try to be someone else.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The Romans. I grew up in Rome and it goes without saying Italians have an acute dress code.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
The weather, my mood, whom I am seeing and where I am going. A lot of factors…
Your biggest regret is...
None really!
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Express your individuality, dress for the occasion, and do not be afraid to be adventurous.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Visiting the Neil Barrett showroom in Milan at the start of every season.
We will never see you wearing...
A bow tie during the day to go to work.
The most stylish person you have ever met...
Yasuto Kamoshita of United Arrows in Tokyo.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
What cufflinks they are wearing if dressed in a French cuff shirt, next thing is their shoes.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
My style is not defined by an image.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
One article is difficult. Probably his shoes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
An Ermenegildo Zegna pony jacket.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Style does take a bit of sacrifice on comfort occasionally.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Alexander McQueen.
The best word of advice you have ever heard?
Never save money on food.
