December 8, 2014 |
That’s Manolo Blahnik CBE to you. The formal mode of address seems necessary for this icon, who always appears immaculately formal, right down to his perfectly fastened bow tie.
What are you wearing?
“My Anderson & Sheppard linen striped suit and my own white suede saddle shoes with rubber sole. My shirt is from Ascot Chang in Hong Kong and my bow tie is from Charvet. My socks are from Larusmiani in Milan.”
How about what’s not visible?
“For cologne I wear Knize Ten, which my grandfather and father used to wear also. I have used it all my life. I glue my hair down with Kiehl’s hair gel. I cannot stand hair in my face or moving around. For undergarments, I prefer long, XL boxers.”
What’s your greatest fashion luxury?
“My Anderson & Sheppard suits. Every two years, for the past 40 years, I have had one made. Nothing compares to a bespoke suit and they are well worth the money. They last for years and years. I still have most of them, expect for a few that have been attacked by moths. Moths are my nemesis.”
Are you a carry-on or excess-baggage kind of man?
“It all depends on where I am travelling. If it is within Europe I take a small carry-on suitcase. If it is quite far and I am staying in the place for a few weeks, then of course I have to check in a large suitcase. To lighten the load I always keep some suits in the hotels, as I usually stay at the same ones.”
What’s your biggest sartorial turn-on?
“I love Cuban Guayabera shirts made of Irish linen. They are light and comfortable for when you are in a hot climate and you are dressing casually.”
How do you dress to impress?
“I don’t dress to impress, I dress for myself. When I was younger I used to wear shocking colours, but not really to impress, but because I liked to. I don’t believe in fashion and trends. I believe in quality, and I always know what I want.”
What does your off-day outfit consist of?
“On the weekend or on my days off I wear corduroy suits with a cotton roll neck underneath and saddle shoes or moccasins.”
Are you, or have you ever been, part of a scene?
“No, never – I have always been independent.”
What do you love about menswear today?
“I don’t really like the modern way of dressing too much. However, some great names like Hermes obviously still make beautiful products. They make beautiful cashmere roll necks.”
What’s missing from menswear today?
“Quality and the elegant cut.”
What’s your earliest memory/concept of style?
“When I was a child growing up in the Canary Islands, I used to spend hours watching my parents getting dressed up. It was mid-20th century and a different time – so amazing.”
Who’s your ultimate style icon?
“Gary Cooper had an allure and he was very handsome. It’s like that – either you’ve got it or you don’t.”
The true measure of a man is?
“True loyalty. I think it is very important and I value it highly.”
Photographer: Maria Ziegelboeck
By Vincent Levy
