My Style: Stefano Conticelli
Photo: Courtesy of Stefano Conticelli
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I tend to dress in a way that respects nature, myself and the others. I avoid looking improper, tend not to use acrylics, and like to feel at ease and a little out-of-the-ordinary (without being excessive or too flashy).
Please describe your style in three words.
Nonchalant, country-friendly, somehow… softly creased.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Dressing for success.
Do you believe in role models?
Yes, I do; I owe much respect to all human beings. I draw inspiration everywhere.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Carded wool, cotton, linen, hemp, fustian.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Not really, although I do not particularly like forced mixes.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Tokyo, London, and Milan.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am in between the two. I am classic and bold, in the sense that I love details (a fustian washed with sea water) and things that make the difference.
Celebrities and style...
Might be a good match, or a disaster. It’s all so public now!
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Jackets by Kiton and Sartorio, and bags.
A man should always look like...
A hundred percent natural, as he is.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The people I met, the colours of the countryside in Umbria, horses — the most elegant animals, and in general my work experiences.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I just grab a few things, even a white t-shirt while bearing in mind the schedule of the day — especially if I am at our atelier, or out for meetings.
What is your biggest regret?
No regrets, just hopes: I look forward to new positive experiences.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Feel at ease with colours — I love neutrals and cannot see other shades on myself. Be simple, I like sober looks. Mix formal and casual, classic and contemporary. I love tradition, however I am at ease in the present!
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really, except that I am happy to buy things when I am travelling.
We will never see you wearing...
Something colourful, something made out of plastic.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
A Korean guy whose name I do not recall.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His hands.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
My approach to style: that’s a big word! Each and every time I look at my works, even though I find imperfections no one else could even notice, I keep on bearing in mind the importance of the materials and the sartorial touch. Like the cashmere cockades for horse-riding competitions that I recently made, so inspiring.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
They are not really new. I like Alexander Wang, very geometric. Stone Island, C.P. Company — smart ideas to make life easier. Same thing for Alberto Aspesi. And I love small productions, limited sartorial editions, where you feel the effort and energy of human beings.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
His shoes.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Foulards and handkerchiefs. And the objects that I craft as samples at Bottega: I test them and they are so many, that it is tough to pick one.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
I don’t think so. I love pockets, purses, bags and items that are friendly to the user in a discreet way. My travel jacket from Bottega Conticelli has a pocket that you can detach and carry once you are on board: a neat design for your personal belongings to take everywhere with you, from formal dinners to long weekends.
Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Hermès, even in its most commercial aspects.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Davide Oldani.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Be humble and work hard, respect people, clients, products, and the environment. That might sound rhetorical, but this is what I was taught by my family and my work ethics.
