My Style: Barnabé Hardy

• June 11th, 2012  | 
• Posted in My Style

Photo: Rainer Torrado — Courtesy of Barnabé Hardy

Paris-based Barnabé Hardy is a fashion designer specializing in menswear. He worked with Nicolas Ghesquière, first at Callaghan and then at Balenciaga, where he launched and designed the menswear range until 2007. Since then, he has developed his own line, while working as a freelance designer and consultant. He also collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld, and served as the fashion editor of Mixte 100% Homme magazine.

Q: The one image that defined your approach to style…

An image of gladiators or knights wearing armour.

Q: Please describe your style in three words.

Urban, shaped, and luxurious.

Q: Do you believe in role models?

Yes, when it comes to the personality and charisma of a person.

Q: What are your favourite fabrics?

Leather (dipped lamb), Scottish wool tartan, and cotton poplin.

Q: Are there any style combinations that you object to?

No, it is just a question of balance and quality of fabrics.

Q: Which city has the best-dressed men?

London and Milan.

Q: Would you say that you are conservative or bold?

I would say that I have a modern view of conservative clothing!

Q: What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?

Playing with traditional garments in order to create a new and modern silhouette.

Q: Celebrities and style…

Are not always synonymous!

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

SHOES!

Q: A man should always look like…

A man!

Q: Who taught you what you know about style?

My mum and my two dear grandmothers.

Q: How do you select your clothing every morning?

Depending on my daily mood, my appointments and of course the weather — it really changes in Paris!

Q: What is your biggest regret?

Not being more insouciant when I was younger… but I have no regrets!

Q: The three essential things a man should know about style are…

The choice of shoes, fabrics, and color combinations.

Q: Do you have any shopping rituals?

I can shop all day long!

Q: We will never see you wearing…

Capri pants.

Q: The most stylish person you have ever seen…

James Dean… but unfortunately never met him.

Q: What is the first thing you notice on a man?

His hands and his shoes.

Q: Which new designers do you follow and why?

Mary Katrantzou and Samuel Accoceberry.

Q: The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…

His shoes!

Q: What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?

My python jacket.

Q: Is comfort an enemy of style?

Not at all.

Q: Which designer never fails to impress you?

Azzedine Alaïa.

Q: Who would you like to see next in “My Style”?

Samuel Accoceberry.

Q: The best words of advice you have ever heard?

Live your dreams rather than dream your life.