December 14, 2014 |
According to Calvinklein.com Carrigan is charged with setting the brand’s “unified design aesthetic, direction and product designs, including fabrics and colour palettes, for the multiple categories that he oversees”. Borrowing an Americanism for the Englishman, Carrigan has been knocking this enormous task out of the park since 2004, and yet, we’ve noticed whenever we’ve encountered him, he also still finds time to direct his own outfits with immaculate finesse. Jealous much?
What are you wearing?
“A Calvin Klein Platinum Label pima-cotton T-shirt and cotton pants with a blazer – all in a mix of navy and black, my favourite colours for workdays – and CK One white briefs underneath.”
How about what’s not visible?
“On my right wrist, my signature three bracelets – a single black diamond on a cotton cord, a silk cord Love bracelet and a leather and silver bracelet. My grooming is pretty simple – I use all Jurlique skin products. I especially love their Herbal Recovery Gel and their Purely Age-Defying Facial Serum and Herbal Recovery Eye Gel. To prep for a photoshoot, I use the Moisture Replenishing Mask that morning. For my hair I use Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom.”
What’s your greatest fashion luxury?
“A great bag. Currently, I’m carrying a black alligator men’s day bag from Calvin Klein Collection – my luxe fashion obsession.”
Are you a carry-on or excess-baggage kind of man?
“Excess baggage. My matt black suitcases get me everywhere. I particularly love a large, oversized trunk suitcase, as it’s practical.”
What’s your biggest sartorial turn-on?
“Suits. I love wonderful suits, especially when tailor-made to fit only you.”
How do you dress to impress?
“Groomed, and normally with an outfit that someone has already told me I look slim, sexy and great in – but I do love black-tie dressing as well.”
What’s your hangover/out-for-a-pint-of-milk look?
“A Calvin Klein Platinum Label cashmere hoodie, cotton sweatpants and a pima T-shirt – all in a mix of marled grey, white and navy.”
Are you or have you ever been part of a scene?
“Yes, for sure. As a young Brit growing up in the north of England I was a mod – from the music to the clothes and my crew cut. I wore skinny polo shirts, beautifully tailored mohair suits, button-down shirts with skinny ties, and skinny jeans. I listened to the Small Faces and then onto bands like The Stranglers, with some other punk influences mixed in.”
What do you love about menswear today?
“The contradictory shapes of classic menswear and sport influences; the juxtaposition of beautiful, noble, textural fabrics like alpaca, cashmere and mohair wools with bonded and technically advanced fabrics, and bold art prints. The mix is innovative, creative and pushes intelligent, pure design.”
What’s missing from menswear today?
“Not sure that we are missing much. I really believe that less is more – I am all for the normcore.”
Are you part of the zeitgeist?
“I love the word zeitgeist, and for me it’s always about trying to execute the right design at the right time… consistently. I think this is what makes a great designer.”
What’s your earliest memory or concept of style?
“Being fascinated with Bauhaus design and learning about the beginning of modernism when I was at art school. For me, reduced design and simplicity and effortless, pared-down contemporary sensibilities will always win.”
Who is your ultimate style icon?
“James Dean. I think that he is the ultimate American icon.”
The true measure of a man is?
“His kindness, confidence and sympathy – and how he lives
his life.”
Photographer: Ben Grieme
By Vincent Levy
