“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honourable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"Did you study styling at school?"
"How did you learn about menswear?"
"What tips do you have for others?"
I get asked these questions a lot, and while my answers might be quite shocking to some, I hope that they are equally inspiring for others.
The truth is, no, I didn't study styling at school. It's something that I've picked up by myself. When I first became interested in men's fashion I sat back and observed, started researching the things that I liked and then slowly began to experiment and window shop, trying on whatever caught my eye. If you take baby steps you'll quickly start to learn what does and doesn't work for you.
Menswear is a whole, not just one particular style - When I started working in retail I made the decision to learn all aspects of the trade; from fast fashion to bespoke tailoring. When I get to the point at a job where I discover that I can't learn anymore, I find a new way to continue my personal studies, be it a new position or even starting a menswear blog.
I take what I've learnt in my previous positions and bring them across to the next job and so on. If you enjoy what you do you'll never grow tired of learning new things.
As for my style tips, they're all above. Learn what works for you and pass that knowledge on to others. Advice should always be free, although I did go to night school to improve my sewing skills. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
"Did you study styling at school?"
"How did you learn about menswear?"
"What tips do you have for others?"
I get asked these questions a lot, and while my answers might be quite shocking to some, I hope that they are equally inspiring for others.
The truth is, no, I didn't study styling at school. It's something that I've picked up by myself. When I first became interested in men's fashion I sat back and observed, started researching the things that I liked and then slowly began to experiment and window shop, trying on whatever caught my eye. If you take baby steps you'll quickly start to learn what does and doesn't work for you.
Menswear is a whole, not just one particular style - When I started working in retail I made the decision to learn all aspects of the trade; from fast fashion to bespoke tailoring. When I get to the point at a job where I discover that I can't learn anymore, I find a new way to continue my personal studies, be it a new position or even starting a menswear blog.
I take what I've learnt in my previous positions and bring them across to the next job and so on. If you enjoy what you do you'll never grow tired of learning new things.
As for my style tips, they're all above. Learn what works for you and pass that knowledge on to others. Advice should always be free, although I did go to night school to improve my sewing skills. Most importantly, don't be afraid to ask questions and absorb as much knowledge as possible.
All photos courtesy of Kim Donggwan
Jacket by Scotch & Soda
Cardigan by Hallensteins
Shirt & Pants by Oscar Hunt Tailors
Tie is Vintage with hand embroided '5'
Scarf by Johnstons of Elgin
Pocket Square by Tombolini
Umbrella by Pasotti (from Oscar Hunt Tailors)
Sunglasses by Bailey Nelson
Shoes by Loake Footwear