17 questions to a well-dressed man – Eric Verloop
Photo credit: Eric Verloop
Everybody always finds himself a couple of mentors in life for various topics. For the clothing world I have quite a couple of mentors, but Eric Verloop is certainly one of them. He is one of the most experienced representatives I know in this trade and takes care now for many years of brands and suppliers like Formens, Atelier Torino, Klemon and he runs his own neckwear brand Migliore. He started his business 23 years ago and worked before in retail at some very high-end menswear shops. One of the things that Eric inspired me with was to foresee long ago the future for made to measure clothing. His future vision was that it would be a solution for retailers to deal with modern times in which it might be harder to sell your stock. But also the demand there would be to work more flexible, efficient and more personal with customers. Eric offers everything made to measure to the best shops in the Benelux from suits, shirts to chinos and jeans. It’s always a joy to meet with Eric in his spacious showroom from his company Verloop Agenturen on the countryside not too far away from the Dutch city of Rotterdam and see what’s new. An even bigger joy to see Eric walking around in the latest creations he had made for himself out of interesting fabrics. It is therefore that I didn’t want to miss out on him by asking the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ and I hope you enjoy the answers he gave.
What are you wearing today?
Every day, I am wearing items of the made-to-measure brands that I represent. Today it’s a made-to-measure shirt with a casual collar in a comfortable fine stretch jeans fabric. Further, a made-to-measure chino in a firm winter cotton quality in a fashionable olive green colour, with some trendy details like a waistband with a strap and a buckle. Later today, when I am out to a customer, I will add a custom-made jacket to my outfit in a trendy check in matching blue-green colours.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
On a suit of course, since it’s my business, and also because wearing a tailored suit in a luxury fabric gives a good feeling and creates a positive impression.
What jewellery could a man wear?
A nice watch will do. And cufflinks. In my opinion not much more.
Tie or a bowtie?
Definitely a tie. I have my own tie-brand called “Migliore”, which I am selling B2B to the high-end retailers and tailors. I am a real fan of the hand-made Italian luxury ties, made out of the finest Como woven silks, which is what Migliore stands for.
Do you remember your first jacket?
Sure, that was a long time ago, but I still keep it out of sentiment. It’s a woolen classical fine check jacket.
What is your favourite watch?
Breitling. I have one myself. I like the firm look of them.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
A fountain pen from Mont blanc, I have several of them for many years already. I like the classical look.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
My latest made-to-measure suit, in a Napolitan blue luxury Dormeuil fabric.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
In short, and outer the high end men’s fashion, my biggest passion for over 30 years, is playing golf.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I am a passionate wine drinker, I can really enjoy a good glass of wine, especially the Italian ones. A nice bottle of Barolo, Amarone , Brunello I can appreciate.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
James Bond
The best book you ever read?
Steve Jobs’ biography
Which city should one go shopping?
Milan
Tweed or flannel?
Difficult to choose, because I like both fabrics, but I would choose flannel because of the soft and warm feeling it gives, wearing a suit or a jacket in this fabric.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
Not the most elegant restaurant, but I have a tip for a restaurant on a “hidden” location in the middle of nature. La Table de Maxime in Our-Paliseul, Belgium (rewarded with 2 Michelin stars). The food is excellent and the location is beautiful and rural.
Describe your style in three words?
Classical, with trendy details, high quality materials, tailor made.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
A made-to-measure officer overcoat (from FORMENS, for which I am the Benelux agent) in a very nice woolen-cashmere quality, dark brown coloured with a big off-white check. I wear it with pleasure.