My Style: Aldric Speer
Photo: Courtesy of Surface to Air
Q: Is comfort an enemy of style?
Why would it be? I also like rigid fashion sometimes: clothes that are not comfortable have something interesting about them—they force you to act differently.
Q: Please describe your style in three words.
Surface To Air.
Q: What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Trying too much.
Q: Do you believe in role models?
Sure, we are all influenced by [role models]; that’s how we can develop our own tastes.
Q: What are your favourite fabrics?
Leather.
Q: Are there any style combinations that you object to?
No.
Q: Which city has the best-dressed men?
The laidback, cool New York guy—very straightforward fashion is appealing to me at the moment. After [that], the men who care the most about the way they dress are probably in Tokyo—it’s where they go all the further and it works.
Q: Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Not conservative.
Q: What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
I dress up effortlessly, not really thinking much about it. I wear mostly my own clothes so I quite like everything I have and they mix well together.
Q: Celebrities and style…
…don’t come together every time.
Q: One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Belts, sunglasses, and watches.
Q: A man should always look like…
He is not trying.
Q: Who taught you what you know about style?
I’ve been a buyer for several years in Japan and developed my personal taste over those years.
Q: How do you select your clothing every morning?
Depends—sometimes I like to dress up so I get more focus through the day. Also depends on my day and where I am.
Q: Your biggest regret is…
I don’t have any.
Q: The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Feel good, be confident, and dress accordingly.
Q: Do you have any shopping rituals?
I only shop when traveling, which for me is quite often.
Q: We will never see you wearing…
Fast fashion.
Q: The most stylish person you have ever seen…
My friend Mario Illote.
Q: What is the first thing you notice on a man?
General look and presence.
Q: Which new designers do you admire and why?
I guess Martin Margiela for men is a sure value for nice classic pieces. I have to say, Alexander Wang fits me pretty well, and some pieces are a nice addition to my wardrobe. Otherwise, it could be anything—no brand in particular. I like Dries Van Noten a lot at the moment.
Q: The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
It would be too easy if it were only one; it’s the mix and balance that is important.
Q: What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Nothing in particular; maybe just my watch as it is at present.
Q: Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Comme des Garçons.
Q: Who would you like to see next in “My style”?
Theophilus London.
Q: The best word of advice you have ever heard?
It’s so good, you should keep it to yourself.
