17 questions to a well-dressed man: Daniel Blockert
Photo credit: Daniel Blockert
Daniel Blockert is a Swedish diplomat based in Brussels. On Instagram and Styleforum, people might know him better as Diplomatic Ties where we can see also many of his beautifully balanced outfits. As his nickname describes it, ties are an important factor in Daniel’s passion for clothing. He doesn’t come from a background where ties were common, and it was considered as an uncomfortable piece of clothing that had to be worn on weddings, funerals and graduations as Daniel describes it himself. After Daniel finished University and started to begin a career, he struggled first with the tie and had to get used to it. He started to look into which ties to buy what fabric it should be, what collar you wear with which tie-knot. Questions many of us know from the beginning of our menswear interest. It started to fascinate Daniel and from there his passion grew further. Since he was already a man with an interest in fashion and colour, the tie quickly became part of his identity. Today Daniel has an extensive collection of ties which is still growing, and it is a true joy seeing then on channels like Instagram. He does give his ties a perfect environment as he also wears fine suits, shirts, shoes and pocket squares. One can see Daniel’s long-lasting interest in fashion and colour since all his outfits are always well balanced and peaceful for the eyes. After following Daniel for a long time on Instagram I had to ask him if he would like to answer the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’. Thankfully he said yes and I’m glad to tell you that you will find his answers below.
What are you wearing today?
The pandemic has slowly undermined any sartorial ambition for me. Today was an office day though, so I am wearing a grey flannel suit from Brioni, a blue oxford Finamore shirt, blue/brown cashmere tie from HN White, wool pocket square from Vanda Fine Clothing and a pair of black Alden Norwegian front bluchers. As a become a fuller man, I appreciate the Brioni fuller cut more and more…
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
Normally I would say suit. You can never have to many. But I could really use a new watch right now, so I would go with a watch today.
What jewellery could a man wear?
Cufflinks, wedding band and watches. I don’t like rings, they always give me an impression of stuffy men’s clubs, private schools or the military. Unless you have won the NBA you should not wear rings. I have tried bracelets a few times because I think they can be stylish, but I have realised that it’s just not me.
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie. I save bowties for the occasions when they are suitable.
Do you remember your first jacket?
Yes. Mid 80s. Typical for the Armani-type jacket at that time, with broad shoulders and no vents. But mine was not an Armani of course. Awful check pattern.
What is your favourite watch?
I don’t know if I have a specific favourite, but I am a fan of Vulcain watches. I think they have been unfairly neglected. I would love to get my hands on one of their divers from the 70s. Especially the Jules Jürgensen Vulcain Nautical Cricket with an orange dial would be fantastic. They are hard to find in good condition though.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
Ballpoint. There are two things that I never spend money on: pens and umbrellas. The simple reason is that I lose them. I have learned that the hard way, over and over, and now I have given up.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
There are no perfect garments but I have worn my Barbour Classic Northumbria jacket for 25 years. I have worn that jacket many times more than any other garment I have ever owned. It looks better than ever, but it is falling apart now. I’m actually surprised by how upset I am over the fact that I need to buy a new one.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Many people think that idling is just doing nothing, but it is actually an art that needs to be practised and perfected.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I don’t know if it’s really a guilty pleasure, but music is very important to me. All forms really, from classical to contemporary hip hop. It’s been a big part of my life since as long as I can remember. One of the many things I miss this year, because of the pandemic, is going to concerts.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
Nobody ever managed to wear clothes with the same kind of brilliant nonchalance as the great Marcello Mastroianni. Among contemporary men I really like my fellow Swede, Andreas Klow (who blogs under the moniker flannels and tweed). He has a natural elegance and especially his fall/winter wardrobe is amazing.
The best book you ever read?
I am an avid reader so I really can’t answer that question. But the best book I’ve read so far this year is Eka Kurniawan’s “Man Tiger”.
Which city should one go shopping?
I currently live in Brussels, but my hometown is Stockholm. Stockholm has developed into an excellent city for shopping menswear. But if I have to pick a favourite it would be Paris or London. I think that French tailoring is still underrated. Pity that a lot of it is so expensive.
Tweed or flannel?
Must be both. Preferably together.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
Not really a restaurant, but having breakfast in the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion in Georgetown, Malaysia, was an experience I will never forget.
Describe your style in three words?
Sometimes it works.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
I bought a suit from Cesare Attolini recently that I have very high hopes for. Unfortunately I need to adjust the length of the pants and since all tailors are closed right now I just have to wait…