My Style: Luigi Lardini
Photo: Courtesy of Luigi Lardini
Which new designers do you follow and why?
Emerging Asian designers such as the beautiful Chinese designer, Yiqing Yin. Although I have to admit that Issey, Yohji and Rei will always fascinate me.
Please describe your style in three words.
Simple, innovative, elegant.
What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Wearing too many colours!
Do you believe in role models?
Of course I do. They have always existed and will exist. Some role models enter your life and stay while others enter and disappear; some of them are and will be a part of your life. Others just observe you without interacting. But I’m certain that each of these role models are essential for creating your own personality.
What are your favourite fabrics?
Pure cashmere, cashmere-silk, cashmere-wool, cashmere, and cashmere!
Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Well I have to say that I respect all kind of styles, but I don’t agree with all of them. I’m not that much into Punk or Rasta style… You might note it by looking at me. But I have to admit that the 70’s and the hippie style are deep inside my soul. I love them!
Which city has the best-dressed men?
Tokyo.
Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Let me think… My soul and life are bold, and my style is a mix between conservative and bold! I love trends; they play a big part in our everyday lives, as well as in creating fashion time periods. But classic style represents the values and base of elegance.
What are the rules, if any, in the way you dress?
First the jacket, then the rest.
Celebrities and style...
Aren’t always coherent.
One garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Pochettes and white shirts.
A man should always look like...
Diverse! Try to stand out from the masses.
Who taught you what you know about style?
The few things I know I’ve learned them through my own perception.
How do you select your clothing every morning?
It hangs directly on my mood and the appointments I might have throughout the day.
What is your biggest regret?
I would have liked presenting my last collection during the 60’s and the 70’s; I was a child during this period but I believe my soul was born back then.
The three essential things a man should know about style are...
Proportions, colours, and please pay attention to the details!
Do you have any shopping rituals?
None in particular.
We will never see you wearing...
A papillon.
The most stylish person you have ever seen...
Cary Grant.
What is the first thing you notice on a man?
The pochette and how he wears it.
The one image that defined your approach to style...
I don’t have any image, I just pay attention to the quality.
The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is...
The jacket.
What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
Vintage ties of the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
Is comfort an enemy of style?
Of course not! Comfort is style, style is comfort. Finding the perfect combination between them is our job and mission at Lardini.
Which designer never fails to impress you?
Even after nineteen years, I’m still able to be emotional when the Lardini collection is ready and presented. After all hard work, issues, laughs and passion is an amazing satisfaction for the whole team.
Who would you like to see next in My Style?
Well… Yesterday I would have said James Dean… But today I would love to read Steve McQueen’s answers.
The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Life is about constant learning…
