My Style: Zeph Colombatto
Portrait: Glen Allsop
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
The fit and silhouette of his jacket from afar. Then up close, his shoes, hands and eyes. Shoes, because I'm Italian and that's just what we do; hands, to make sure he's not coming at me with a knife, and eyes, to read if he's a friend or foe.
Please describe your style in three words.
A surfer, an Italian, and a cowboy.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Putting something on backwards. That is always a pain in the butt.
Do you believe in role models?
It depends on the day.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton. Heavy weight oxford cloth. Year round wool.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Too many colours can be stressful for everyone.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Naples and Rome (and Paris for women).
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I'm usually pretty conservative by my standards, but I have my bold days, too.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
Pants and underwear stay south of the waist line, shirts can play both sides, and hats stay up top.
Celebrities and style...
Used to be so much cooler.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Oxford cloth button down shirts.
A man should always look like...
A human being. Unless that’s not what he’s going for...then I guess it's up for interpretation.
Who taught you what you know about style?
No one specifically, just watching and learning from my peers.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Hmm, I start with my rocket ship boxers or my Calvins...it depends on the schedule.
What is your biggest regret?
Woah, that’s a jump. Clothing wise? Really ill fitting pants.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
It comes and goes. Bad outfit days happen. If in doubt go with the gut.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Keep the impulse buys to a minimum.
We will never see you wearing...
I don't discriminate.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
My mom in the 90s was killing it.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in their last shoot out.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Antonio Ciongoli of Eidos Napoli for staying true to his roots.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
A man should pay close attention to all his clothing. There can't be one. But always change your underwear - that you should pay attention to!
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My banana costume and my leather jacket. They pair really well together for raves.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
It shouldn't be.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Never say never.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Neil DeGrasse Tyson: “I am under no obligation to make sense to you.”
