17 Questions to a well-dressed man: G. Bruce Boyer
Photo credit: Juhn Maing
G. Bruce Boyer is a man who actually doesn’t need much of an introduction. He is a legendary menswear writer who is active in the field for over 50 years already. Some amazing books were published from his hand and many people learned from him how to understand clothing. One of the things I admire most in Bruce is his appreciation for craftsmen, he appreciates a good tailor, shoemaker, shirt maker or tiemaker at the same level like some people are appreciating an artist like Michelangelo. Bruce his style is the perfect mixture of British and Italian style with a little American influence. One thing is key in his way of dressing; he is looking comfortable in his clothes and yet the most elegant person in the room. Not many people manage to wear clothing like that and therefor it is a big honour to ask G. Bruce Boyer our ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’.
What are you wearing today?
At the moment here in the Northeast USA the temperature is 92 F. and very humid, so I’m trying to dress as cool and comfortably as possible wearing a plaid madras button down shirt, lightweight khakis, and my old L.L. Bean boat moccasins.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
I have no affinity for jewellery of any kind – I only wear my gold band wedding ring, and a simple watch – so I would pick a suit. At the moment I’m thinking of a double-breasted tan gabardine.
What jewellery could a man wear?
Beside a discreet ring and watch, I sometimes wear a silver pin through my tie to keep it in place. Even less frequently I wear cuff links, usually the inexpensive silk elastic knots.
Tie or a bowtie?
A four-in-hand tie usually, but I do like bow ties, and of course would always wear one with formal evening dress.
Do you remember your first jacket?
I think I remember every jacket and suit I’ve ever owned since I was around fourteen years old. The first jacket was a brown-and-grey striped herringbone Harris Tweed sports jacket, cut in the American Ivy Style, 3-button single-breasted with natural shoulder and soft construction, hook back vent, patch-and-flap pockets, and swelled seams. It was my introduction to style.
What is your favourite watch?
I have two watches, the favorite being a gold “DeVille” Omega manual wind. I like it because it’s thin, lightweight, and simple, and it looks very elegant with a crocodile band.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
Years ago my sister gave me a Montblanc ballpoint for a gift and I’ve used it ever since. I carry it in a green leather pen case.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
No, but I keep getting closer. I’ve convinced several tailors over the years to attempt to please me and they have agreed. We’re working on it, it’s an ongoing project.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
It is important for me to remember, in moments when my mind is disturbed, the many great kindnesses done to me.
What is your guilty pleasure?
At my age I’m reminded of an old joke: A young lady asks an elderly gentleman if he would like to have Super Sex. The gentleman replies, “Soup.” I’m afraid this joke only works in English.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
Most of my well-dressed friends are in the clothing business, so I would have to say Francesco Barberis Canonico, Luciano Barbera, Jeremy Hackett, Jake Grantham, Michael Drake, Michel Barnes, Mariano Rubinacci and others like that. It’s still possible to walk around NYC, London, and Milan and see well-tailored men on the streets, but tailoring isn’t as important as it used to be. I would not presume to comment on the morality of that.
The best book you ever read?
I’ve been a fan of James Boswell’s The Life of Samuel Johnson for more than fifty years.
Which city should one go shopping?
London, Milan, New York City in that order.
Tweed or flannel?
Both
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
The 21 Club in Manhattan, NYC. The ambience, the food, and the service are perfect for me.
Describe your style in three words?
Soft, slouchy, comfortable.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
A tweed sports jacket from Anderson & Sheppard.