My style #2: Andrea Perrone, CEO of Brioni

by haris

Text: Haris Stavridis
Photos: Courtesy of Brioni

How do you define style?

Style is something you’ve got inside. You can appear elegant and stylish even with a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, because everything comes from your education and how you behave.

Do you have any rules when it comes to the way you dress? If yes, what are they?

A morning suit should never be black!
Color is acceptable for shirt and or ties.
Black shoes should never be worn with a brown suit.
It is a must to wear a tie with a suit.
Every gentleman must own a blue blazer and grey pants (you can play easily with a fancy shirt, with or without ties, for the informal moment; with a shirt with classic ties in any formal occasion….It’s a jolly!).
Formal shoes should always be worn with socks  (I wear socks even with boat shoes).
A tie’s knot should never be too big or wide.
For an evening suit, plain blue or charcoal grey with a white shirt (in this case I love to wear colorful ties).
Always wear a tuxedo when there is a black tie code.

What are your favorite fabrics?

For knitwear: silk cashmere.  For coat and jacket: cashmere in winter and superlight wool in summer.  For tie:  shining silk.

Are there any combinations that you you do not feel comfortable in trying?

A sleeveless shirt with a jacket.

If there is one article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to, it has to be…

Let’s summarize saying that the main rule is “never be excessive”: from tip to toe, the whole should be harmonic related to the moment of the day.

If we could generalize it,  which city has the best-dressed men?

I think nowadays it’s difficult to generalize because you can find “the best” in different places and countries. We live in a world of globetrotters.

What is the first thing you notice on a man?

A part of the total look which represents the first impact: accessories. They are the most important things. Above all, shoes (in terms of chromatic choice) and ties (for the sense of taste on choosing them).

Would you say that you are conservative or bold?

Let’s say both, in different percentages. I am conservative but I could be bold in some details.

One garment / accessory that you can never have enough of?

Ties.

A man should always look like…

A man.