17 Questions to a well-dressed man: Pedro Mendes
Photo credit: Fate Luxury Goods
Pedro Mendes who is also known as The Hogtown Rake is a menswear journalist who is living in Toronto, Canada. Many of you may know him from the podcast ‘’Unbuttoned’’ where he made a series of interviews with menswear legend G. Bruce Boyer. But he also made a series of videos visiting artisans in Italy, wrote for different magazines and wrote a book on Walter Beauchamp, Canada’s oldest bespoke tailor. He is also planning a new book which is due for release in 2021 and called ‘’10 Garments Every Man Should Own’’. Pedro has a unique passion for clothing and the way it is made. He has beside a passion for clothing a big passion for watches too and owns some magnificent pieces. Many of you could for sure spend hours talking with Pedro about these fascinating topics and I do highly recommend also visit his website: www.thehogtownrake.com to read some more of his work. I had the pleasure to ask Pedro the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ and you will have the pleasure to read his answers below.
What are you wearing today?
It’s a hot spring day in Toronto so I’m in a MAROL button-down made of lightweight Loro Piana denim, my bespoke summer wool trousers from Pino Peluso and Sagan loafers from B&L, along with my Baltic Aquascaphe on a leather racing strap.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
Let’s go full fantasy here and set a price range. So around $5000 Canadian for a custom suit. That would get me started on the lower end of luxury watches and since I don’t have any of those, but do have a number of exceptional suits, I’d probably go for the watch.
What jewellery could a man wear?
Anything he chooses, we live in an age of (apparent) freedom and diversity. Then again, I temper that with understatement. So for me, my wedding ring, a signet ring on the other hand, and a watch are daily wear. However, I don’t shy away from a lapel pin and chain if I’m dressing for a special occasion.
Tie or a bowtie?
I love bowties and gave them a serious try several years ago. But I feel that if you are going to wear bowties, you have to commit to them and be a bowtie wearer most of the time. I wear them rarely as I find an unlined, lightweight tie is more easy-going.
Do you remember your first jacket?
The first sport jacket I regularly wore was a green corduroy with tan piping my dad used to wear as part of a suit in the 1970s. I cemented my love to corduroy through that jacket. The piping is a bit bold, though, so I wouldn’t wear it now.
What is your favourite watch?
My recently acquired birth year King Seiko. It is a 1971 5626-7110, a testament to Taro Tanaka’s “Grammar of Design” - faceted edges and clean, sharp lines – that also is an important part of Seiko’s horological history. And if something that old can look that good, it bodes well for me.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
I adore my Sheaffer fountain pen but for day to day work, my go to is a Cross ballpoint.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
So far, it’s my pair of Alden split toe derbies. The style is so versatile, from casual to a bit dressy, and the comfort is amazing. The shoe is built on a last that really suits me, plus, it’s more slender in the ankle. The shoes started out drum tight all around and have eased into supreme comfort.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Finding and sharing stories that broaden the mind, lift the spirit and expand the consciousness.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Building scale model airplanes. Guilty because it is fundamentally useless, but working on something with my hands is so satisfying.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
G. Bruce Boyer, without a doubt. He is my greatest inspiration when it comes to clothing and writing...and spreading joy and kindness.
The best book you ever read?
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay by Michael Chabon. A thrilling and moving combination of my love of comic books, history and amazing storytelling.
Which city should one go shopping?
Naples. So many options for quality classic menswear in one place. I can’t wait to return.
Tweed or flannel?
Has to be both! A tweed jacket with grey flannel trousers is my winter uniform.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
A few years ago, I had the supreme pleasure to dine at Le Parc, the Chateau Les Crayeres restaurant in Reims, France. The atmosphere is definitely old world, while feeling bright and inviting.
Describe your style in three words?
Classic
Understated
Professorial
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
My Anthology knitted t-shirt which is not only casually elegant for summer, it helped raise funds to fight Covid-19.