17 Questions to a well-dressed man – Michael Hallinger
Photo credit: Michael Hallinger
I think many of us are Anglophiles or at least appreciate British Style very much when it comes to dressing and perhaps interior, architecture and gardens. I know I do for sure and what would be more British than somebody who actually is working with gardens. Michael Hallinger is half Danish and half British, grew up in Denmark but lives now in rural Hampshire in England where he works as a gardener. And beside gardens Michael has many other passions that will make us, appreciators of fine style, happy. Michael is a very well-dressed man who is often spotted in tweed jackets and other quintessentially British outfits. We can spot him for example on Instagram under the name of TinTinFellow. He takes his inspiration from classic tailoring, movies, subcultures and from what he learned from his father and great uncle, who were both great inspirations as well. Being named TinTinFellow it is no surprise that we see him often reading a TinTin book on the pictures and see the beautiful drawings from this legend behind him. It’s worth checking out his Instagram account for every Anglophile, TinTin fan or just any other appreciator of fine style. For now Michael Hallingeranswered the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ and I’d love to invite you reading his answers below.
What are you wearing today?
Today I am wearing a tweed jacket from Brook Taverner, tattersall shirt from Samuel Windsor, tie from TM Lewin, cardigan from Charles Tyrwhitt, burgundy corduroy trousers from Tesco supermarket(!), and socks from Uniqlo. So a selection of items from many different sources, none of them fancy, but combined they make a harmonious outfit.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
I would spend it on a suit. I am not a “watch guy”. My pride and joy is my 15 year old Longines Evidenza, but other than that I wear inexpensive watches such as Timex and Swatch. But I do wear an old pocket watch and chain on occasion.
What jewellery could a man wear?
Personally I only wear cuff links, but those are not purely decorative but also functional. A wedding ring is of course a classic.
Tie or a bowtie?
Always a tie for me, I only wear a bowtie with a dinner jacket. But as with everything style related, it is about personal preference.
Do you remember your first jacket?
The first jacket I remember getting was a classic blazer, handed down from my father.
What is your favourite watch?
My Longines Evidenza, which was a present to mark the birth of my first child.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
I like the idea and look of a fountain pen, but I always use a ballpoint pen. I always worry about losing nice pens!
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
I keep finding them!
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Enjoying beautiful things, be it clothes, music, art, or nature.
What is your guilty pleasure?
There is no such thing as a guilty pleasure. If you like something, like it unapologetically!
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
Cary Grant was always effortlessly stylish, but these days, I would suggest Erik Mannby, or Peter Zottolo, both of whom are friends from Instagram.
The best book you ever read?
The Adventures of Tintin, The Calculus Affair, by Hergé.
Which city should one go shopping?
London.
Tweed or flannel?
I love both for the colder months, but wear more tweed.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I always enjoy going to Brasserie Zedel in London.
Describe your style in three words?
Eclectic, classic, playful.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
Probably my flannel blazer from Regent Tailoring in Salisbury, or my duffle coat from Burrows & Hare in Oxford.