What is Style

 This leaves the individual with plenty of possibilities to choose from—and that principle, Henry says, doesn’t just apply to clothes: “You can drive an Aston Martin or a Corvette—which do you prefer?” Furthermore, he explains that what you are most comfortable in will be determined as much by your cultural, socio-economic, and geographical background as by any conscious, autonomous choice. Some people, for that matter, are more aware of style than others—and there will always be some, Henry says, who are on the edge.

Paul Forest and Dwight Embleton – Morrison

Style involves having a sense of confidence, say Forest and Embleton, an awareness of who you are, what you are, and how you want to dress yourself. This is how style transcends the trends. What’s in fashion today, the pair say, may not necessarily be in fashion tomorrow, so you have to be very careful about how you pick your clothes. Some things, like the button-down shirt or regimental striped tie, will always be in style, as there will always be a place and need for you to wear them. Just like every girl should have that little black dress, they explain, a guy should have that one black suit that he’s always going to need, as such classic pieces can be adapted and updated over the years.   



Franca and Francesco Lionetti – Lionetti

“Style,” says Franca Lionetti, “is a symbol of who you are—it sends a message of individuality.” It’s also how you put everything together; wearing something in a certain way and having an attitude to go with it. “Style,” she says, “is that certain confidence in how you wear what you wear.” Example? Her husband, master tailor Francesco Lionetti. For him, it’s all about detail: the fit of the suit, the hand stitching of the lapels, the quality of the fabric, colours and textures. It’s also about going that extra mile by adding a vibrant tie, cuffs and cufflinks. As Franca says: “He’s a suit man.” But, she continues, what style can be for one person can be different from another. Sure, Franca says, someone can deck themselves out in the latest fashions, but if he doesn’t feel comfortable in them, so what?



Vittorio Rossi – Vittorio Rossi Clothiers

“Style,” says Vittorio Rossi, “is a pretty complicated word, actually.” It’s the manner in which you do things, he explains, and it does not necessarily have only to do with clothing: “It’s the extension of one’s self and how one wants the public to perceive him.” Quite a few people confuse style with fashion, he says, explaining that, to him, fashion changes, style does not. What constitutes style, Rossi says, is buying “correct” clothing—correct meaning that which suits one’s unique personality, not to mention one’s particular physical attributes. This, he explains, is where style comes into play, and it’s perfectly possible for people to invent their own style. “If you can carry it, go for it,” he concludes.