17 questions to a well-dressed man – Marius Constantinescu
PHOTO CREDIT: Nelu Platon
Photo taken in the shop of Petru & Claymoor
Having people from the sartorial world in ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ is fantastic but from time to time I find it refreshing to have somebody who isn’t involved in that world but still loves to dress well. So that’s why I’m happy with the gentleman we have in this edition of ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ who lives the beautiful country of Romania.
Let me introduce you to Marius Constantinescu who is a TV Senior Editor and anchor who has a BA in journalism and communication and two MAs in art history and advertising. He started his career at the National Public Radio, where he stayed for eight years. Then, he switched to TV, his main professional love. Within the National Romanian Public Television, Marius has signed several series that defined his cultural profile. Starting 2005, he has been the front man of the GEORGE ENESCU International Festival, hosting its major broadcasts and interviewing most of its prestigious guests (many of them were exclusive national interviews). He is the recipient of three National TV Awards. He interviewed, amongst many others, Luciano Pavarotti, Sir Salman Rushdie, Jose Carreras, Jean-Claude Ellena, Anne Sophie Mutter, Helene Grimaud, Sir Antonio Pappano, Shirley Verrett, Amos Oz, Amor Towles, Sir Roger Norrington. Currently, Marius hosts two cultural shows on the Cultural channel of the National Television, MCs major cultural and corporate events and is an art & lifestyle columnist for several publications.
Marius also has an eye for aesthetics, craftsmanship and elegance and always gives a fine sartorial appearance during his broadcastings. An example for many people on TV is you ask me. So, I thought it would be wonderful to hear his view on style and elegance via this interview. I enjoyed doing this interview with Marius and I hope you will enjoy reading it.
What are you wearing today?
Right now, as I write to you, I am home, wearing a crappy but so comfortable cotton t-shirt and some equally comfortable shorts. Earlier, I had a working day, totally non-glamourous, therefore I wore jeans and a t-shirt.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
A suit. I have never been a watch guy, although I did wear some nice ones. I practically gave up on wearing watches during the pandemic, because of intensive and frequent handwashing. I have ruined some leather bands… I love a beautiful watch on the wrist of a man, but I have learned to… sneak a peek at my phone when I want to know what time is. On the other hand, a quality suit, tailor-made preferably, of the finest wool, is such a versatile, rewarding, and timeless piece, that it represents an investment as viable as a watch.
What jewellery could a man wear?
In my opinion, whatever he finds suited to express his personality. I, personally, have been wearing the same thing for years already: a necklace with some very personal memorabilia, my wedding ring and a bracelet or two (leather or semi-precious stones), that I change every month. If needed, cufflinks (of course) – I do have some favourites here and, for very special occasions, I have a small collection of pins. They all bear significant meanings to me.
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie, no question about that! And I do have a collection! Just the other day, I was laughing with my wife (she is an earrings aficionada), telling her that my collection of ties matches that of her treasured earrings! It is the accessory that I love the most and, in time, friends and family have nourished this passion. I am quite picky when it comes to choosing one. It`s the first accessory that I notice on another man. A tie can improve or even change the general aspect of a man`s attire. I find bowties whimsical, funny, inventive. Some years ago, I used to wear them frequently, in an almost casual way. On the other hand, with age, I have come to be reluctant towards the ready-made bowtie. So self-tie or none whatsoever.
Do you remember your first jacket?
I perfectly remember one jacket my father bought when I was fourteen. It was the most lavish, thick, slightly pungent English wool, checkered, with some hunter-style cuts in the back, with tortoise shell buttons. It was splendid, with one… capital flaw: it was at least three sizes larger than me. My father had bought it bearing in mind that I would still grow, but that happened only vertically, rather than horizontally. Unfortunately, those inventive cuts on the back prevented a radical tailor make-over, something I dared only many years later. It did not turn out particularly flattering to my body, so I quit wearing it for a long time. I may still have it, though, somewhere in the back of my wardrobe.
What is your favourite watch?
One that I never wore. It is a beautiful Balmain that I gave to my father for his seventieth birthday. He passed away last year and now I have the watch. I will wear it when the right moment comes.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
I love writing with a fountain pen! I feel that my handwriting is more beautiful, more readable when I use one. On the other hand, most of the time I have several ballpoint pens with me in my bag. More practical.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
To me, the perfect garment remains the white shirt. I think a man can never have too many, as long as they are perfect white, perfect stiff cotton and perfect on the body. A white shirt, a fitted pair of jeans and good shoes. That`s all it takes to be impeccable.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
One word, as a matter of fact: Living.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sweets. Watching horror movies to which I inevitably fall asleep. Tiding up almost pathologically. Buying books with beautiful homes and daydreaming with them. Should I go on?
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
My father. He gave me all what represents the grounds of a stylistic education. To me, he will always remain the definition of the English lord.
The best book you ever read?
Oh, God, this is a tough one! I have read hundreds of books and there are so many that left such a strong mark on me. I couldn`t possibly give you one. I will give you four all-time favourites instead: Gabriel Garcia Marquez`s One Hundred Years of Solitude, Emily Brontë`s Wuthering Heights, Jules Verne`s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea and Hanya Yanagihara`s A Little Life.
Which city should one go shopping?
London and Rome.
Tweed or flannel?
Both. For different purposes. Tweed for Britishness, flannel for cosiness.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I am not such a fancy person, and, between a Michelin restaurant and an authentic Italian trattoria, I would probably choose the latter. But I can tell you which is one of the most beautiful and full of character restaurants I have ever been to. It is in Paris; it is called Coupe Chou and is housed in a Renaissance building. One cannot simply imagine how intricate, how movie set-like this place is, half museum, half cabinet of curiosities, half pantry. Come for the place.
Describe your style in three words?
True to myself.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
I will twist your question a bit and change it to: best purchase in the next 6 months. I am about to finish one extremely demanding month, probably one of my busiest, with over twenty large concerts to present on live television. I love it, it`s my thing, but that doesn't do it less challenging. I have decided to reward myself (since my company most certainly won`t). I will do something I almost never do, buy something expensive. Nevertheless, it is something that I want since I first laid my eyes upon it: a Drake`s scarf. My favourite pattern just made its comeback on the website. I will drink only water the whole month.