My Style: Alessio Berto
Portrait: Kuba Dabrowski — Courtesy of Alessio Berto
Please describe your style in three words.
Vintage, Beatles, Alessio.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Trying to look different compared to how he feels inside.
Do you believe in role models?
I believe in inspiration in general.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Selvedge denim at 14oz and heavy and thick wool in navy blue.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
London for its variety, Japan for its focus on research and authenticity, and Paris for its rather typical mix of high class with casual wear.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I think I'm a conservative on the outside, but bold on the inside. So I guess you could say I'm “boldservative”!
What are the rules in the way you dress?
I always try to be myself and not to follow any trends…I know it might sound a bit cliché, but it's true.
Celebrities and style...
In the past, the focus was more on style rather than celebrities…and that style was self-generated in its majority, while the rest was suggested by designers who knew the true meaning of elegance.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Unwashed jeans.
A man should always look like…
However he prefers to look like!
Who taught you what you know about style?
Paul, George, John, Ringo...if you watch the Beatles closely, you can see that there's always something contemporary and timeless about them, simultaneously. So it's them and life in general.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
I select them the night before, as in the morning I'm always so tired and I don't have the strength to think about clothes. However, it's an easy process for me because I always wear pretty much the same kind of items.
What is your biggest regret?
I was too young when there was a huge second-hand store near my town and I missed so many items. If only I had back then the experience I have today...but I don't want to think about it!
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
If it's not something that you can buy from a store, you need to have it. Always be yourself. Try not to think about it all the time and relax.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
Not really. As I said before, I own most of the items I wear for quite some time. The only clothes that I sometimes buy are for my archive (vintage items in particular) and Henley shirts.
We will never see you wearing…
Things that are contemporary and trendy, I have never done this.
The most stylish person you have ever seen…
Christos Tolera, for sure. I was a big fan of his band, Blue Rondo à la Turk, when I was fourteen. I do have a story I'd like to share about him. Two years ago, while I was working in my studio late at night, I was listening to one of their vinyls and decided to look for him on the web. I got his address, wrote and told him how much I admired him all those years. He replied and at some point we met, only to find out we were dressed the same way! We became friends after that.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
I guess his jeans and their shape and fit.
The one image that defined your approach to style…
I really don't know. Maybe it was George Harrison's look in 1969 and his beard…I started to grow one when I was twenty one, after seeing him. Having a beard for me is the equivalent of Samson's hair, something very important that gives me strength.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
As a pattern maker I see lots of designs and sketches passing through my desk. I prefer designers who do their own thing and know what they want. I had the pleasure of working with some, such as Jeff Griffin, Pascal Brault (Chanel Sport), and Jean Paul Gaultier (JPG Jeans). They are all great designers and kind people, I learned a lot from them.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
His shoes. I think it's a very delicate item, and mine are always dusty or wet.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A selvedge Roy Rogers' jacket from the 70's, a dark blue military Austrian jacket from the 30's and my Farah polyester slacks—I've worn them since I was teen (not the same pair, obviously!).
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Comfort comes from within, like style, and they are friends!
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Lee Farmer, a British designer and a friend, who always manages to surprise me.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Christos Tolera and Lee Farmer.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Nothing is real.
