My Style: Ross Cassidy
Photo: Courtesy of Ross Cassidy
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Always better to be overdressed than underdressed. When in doubt, wear a suit. Tighter is better. Be on a first name basis with your tailor. The first thing a woman looks at is your shoes so shop at Tom Ford for your next pair of Oxfords.
Please describe your style in three words.
Evolving rapidly current!
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing things off the rack that don’t fit. Find a good tailor and have everything fitted.
Do you believe in role models?
Absolutely! What would we do without inspiration?
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton and cashmere.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I’m not a fan of sweats in public, they belong in the gym or the sofa. It’s not appropriate day-wear.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
No question about it in my mind… Milan! The men dress to impress. It’s heaven.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Bold!
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I keep it fitted. At one point my closet was all Brunello Cucinelli but now it is much more playful. I’m in love with a pair of bright orange trousers I just bought. They are almost uncomfortably tight but on the plus side they make me stand up straight!
Celebrities and style...
They should be more adventurous. Stars have access to the best designer collections in the world and more often than not play it way too safe. They sell fantasy for a living, they should dress the part.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
White LnA T-shirts. I live in them. It’s the definitive Los Angeles day item. I pair it with loud trousers!
A man should always look like...
He owns a hair brush. Unmaintained tresses are not sexy.
Who taught you what you know about style?
I learned everything I know from Fellini movies.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Dependent entirely on my schedule. I’ve been in ‘meggings’ and a t-shirt all day today because I started with a hike at 6AM and then went straight to work and never managed to change. Yesterday I was in forest green trousers from Theory and a distressed denim shirt from Ralph Lauren with some vintage boots I love.
What is your biggest regret?
In fashion… every time I cut my hair. In life… not having more fun when I was younger.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I have a list of stores I have to hit up in every city I visit. I always allow for a day devoted to shopping when I travel.
We will never see you wearing...
Crocs, Birkenstocks, basketball workout garb.
The most stylish person you have ever met...
Marisa Berenson, she just oozes style and sophistication. Not to mention she is breathtakingly beautiful and tremendously nice.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Normally the first impression I get is a presence. It’s more than a look, it’s about an attitude! And then I clock the face, haircut, shoes, watch. You can pretty much tell everything by those things.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Impossible to pick one…I’ve been hopelessly devoted to so many images over the years, to pick one would be unbearable. Though if I had to try and narrow it down, there was nothing that John Galliano sent down the runway (in his time at Dior or for his own label) that wasn't swoon-worthy.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I’m in love with what Olivier Rousteing is doing at Balmain. I think he makes clothing that is fresh, fun, and I love his materials.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His suits. If you wear a good suit you are set!
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
None of it. I recently donated 70 per cent of my wardrobe to charity. I’m starting over. It was liberating.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Most certainly.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
I think Haider Ackermann is a bloody genius.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
John Mayer. I love the whole Montana-chic thing he has going on right now. The hats, bandanas, distressed denim…very sexy, very metro rugged!
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Better to be a first-rate version of yourself that a second-rate version of someone else.
