My Style: Benedikt Fries
Portrait: Jamie Ferguson
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing something he doesn’t feel comfortable in.
Please describe your style in three words.
Contemporary, balanced, shibui.
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
I hate combinations with ties and shoes in different brightness. And red and pink should never be worn together.
Do you believe in role models?
Definitely! Especially when you start to become interested in style, a role model is very helpful.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Flannel, oxford, printed silk.
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Florence, not only during Pitti. I love the relaxed, elegant look of old men there. I also love the number of Casentino coats you see during wintertime, even on ‘obviously not so interested in fashion’ people.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
I am somewhere between the two.
What are the rules in the way you dress?
There are too many, I guess they would be enough to make an article of their own.
Celebrities and style…
Are not related to each other.
Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Ties, of course.
A man should always look like…
He loves what he’s wearing.
Who taught you what you know about style?
No one specific; I mostly learned through a trial and error process, and by looking at all the details on well-dressed people.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
Based on the weather, mood, and occasion; and then maybe by which shirt and trousers are already ironed.
What is your biggest regret?
I tried too many wrong tailors.
The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Fit, colours, and balance.
Do you have any shopping rituals?
I do it as fast as possible, since I hate shopping.
We will never see you wearing…
Slanted pockets.
The most stylish person you have ever seen…
That guy in the mirror; or probably Spike Lee.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
If he’s wearing a Shibumi tie or not.
The one image that defined your approach to style…
Michael Douglas as Gordon Gekko in Wall Street.
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Eidos Napoli, because they are doing a great job in mixing sartorial details from different Italian cities into one garment, without losing the balance.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
I think there isn’t one and only article of clothing, every detail is important.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
A dark green donegal tweed suit from Kotaro Miyahira / Sartoria Corcos.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Not at all, it’s one of the fundamentals of style.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Ralph Lauren.
Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Chad Park from B&Tailor.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Use a condom.
