My Style: Waraire Boswell
Photo: Courtesy of Waraire Boswell
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
The proper fit of a suit, and what he feels stylishly comfortable in.
Please describe your style in three words.
Quality, detail, colour.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Not understanding their body style. Even if something looks great on a model in an ad, one must be honest enough to know if the look matches their body length, style, and weight.
Do you believe in role models?
Definitely. Role models are all over for everyone. For example, one of my first role models was my English and Math tutor. Parents should (naturally) be the initial role models.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Vintage tweeds.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
No, style is objective; what works for me may not work for someone else. The goal and key to my job as a designer is to make what I wear accessible to everyone.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
New York, Japan, Paris and pockets of L.A. Yes, Los Angeles!
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am the perfect mix of both. The key to dressing is to amass a great collection of goods, then mix and match them. In order to break the rules, one must know them first and act accordingly.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
Suits and trainers, casual and formal. In the winter I am John Muir mixed with Sidney Poitier. In formal times, I am the Nicholas Brothers mixed with Great Gatsby. During summer time, I am smooth and mildly colourful. Through it all, I am colourful, comfortable, and elegant!
Celebrities and style...
Should not want everything for free. As you have studied and now earn top dollar for your craft, I too have done the same thing.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Trousers, cufflinks, ties… So many!
A man should always look like...
He is stylishly comfortable and the owner of a company that improves conditions on earth.
Who taught you what you know about style?
Vintage and current books, film, people watching and history.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
The weather and my mood.
What is your biggest regret?
Not knowing what I know now at fourteen.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
What cuts and colours work on your body type in addition to being a genuine individual.
We will never see you wearing...
A ten gallon hat.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Marlon Brando with my father in 1982 at the Ponderosa Restaurant around the corner from (then) Columbia Pictures. He was so relaxed and had great presence.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His presence and his outfit combinations.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Colour!
Which new designers do you follow and why?
I do not follow many designers. However, I do admire the fabric houses that inspire design, like Zegna. Their fabrics have motivated designers for decades; Tom Ford is among Zegna's admirers.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Cufflinks, suites, ties and tie bars.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
No. If one has the correct style sensibilities, a tee under a suit jacket with jeans can be a power move.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Early Yves Saint Laurent.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Chris Bosh and Matt Kemp.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Eat what’s on your plate and chew what’s in your mouth!
