My Style: Alex Bilmes
Photo: courtesy of Alex Bilmes
Q: The most stylish person you have ever met…
Gay Talese. I met him in New York. He’s every bit as dapper as advertised.
Q: What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Pants on last.
Q: Do you believe in role models?
I believe they exist.
Q: What are your favourite fabrics?
Cotton, wool, tweed, corduroy, denim, leather, but not necessarily in that order.
Q: Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Skirts worn over trousers.
Q: Which city has the best-dressed men?
London.
Q: Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Boldly conservative.
Q: Celebrities and style…
Are not mutually exclusive.
Q: One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Socks.
Q: Who taught you what you know about style?
“Top of the Pops.”
Q: How do you select your clothing every morning?
I tend to base my choices on cleanliness.
Q: Do you have any shopping rituals?
None.
Q: We will never see you wearing…
A hat.
Q: What is the first thing you notice on a man?
Height.
Q: Which new designers do you follow and why?
Christopher Shannon is a terrific, young British designer.
Q: The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
He should pay close attention to all articles of clothing.
Q: What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Bespoke Prince of Wales check, double-breasted suit from Gieves & Hawkes; bespoke charcoal, single-breasted suit from Richard James; bespoke navy suits from Kilgour and Rake; pinstripe suit from Dolce & Gabbana; old grey flannel suit from Kilgour; made-to-measure lightweight summer blazer from Zegna; double-breasted, light blue blazer from Piombo; tweed weekend jacket with elbow patches from Hackett; slim-fit, light grey summer suit from Burberry Brit; made-to-measure shirts from Ralph Lauren Purple Label and Thomas Pink; John Lobb and Tricker’s shoes; ties from Drakes and E. Tautz; pocket hankies from Gieves; cufflinks from Richard James; jeans from A.P.C.; T-shirts from Sunspel; casual shirts, trousers, etc. from a label called Norse Projects and from J. Crew; summer sneakers from Superga; winter boots from Red Wings; sunglasses from Persol; trunks from Orlebar Brown; polos from Lacoste and Ralph Lauren Polo. I treasure them all.
Q: Is comfort an enemy of style?
Absolutely not.
Q: Which designer never fails to impress you?
Alexander McQueen.
