17 questions to a well-dressed man – Robert Chmara
Photo credit: Robert Chmara
During my time living in Poland I met a lot of well-dressed gentlemen who are young and a member of the But w Butonierce club. This club is bringing together the best dressed gentlemen in Poland to discuss and enjoy events where they usually invite the best artisans, brands and retailers that the country has when it comes to fine clothing. One of the gentlemen I met in Szczecin was Robert Chmara. A man with two big passions; photography and shoes. I’m sure from his photography work we will be seeing more in the future as he is talented. But his good taste in clothes and shoes we can enjoy already now. One of the things that amazed me from Robert is to find himself nice goods on an affordable budget and dresses the part with that. On shoes he would never save a penny and he has therefor built up an impressive collection of shoes through the years. His favourite shoes are English shoes from what I understood and this I can only agree on with him. I’m happy he was so kind to answer the ‘’17 questions to a well-dressed man’’ and you can enjoy reading his answers below. If you are curious to his photography work, take a look at his website.
What are you wearing today?
Beige corduroys, shirt and dark blue sweater.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
I would choose to spend it on a suit. I have even one in my mind – a navy blue traveller from SuitSupply. Smart casual style suits are suitable for my everyday needs. I rarely wear full suits. Most often I wear jacket with chinos. I am not a big fan of watches. I like them and want to buy one with a leather strap for special occasions, but this is not a priority.
What jewellery could a man wear?
I wear a watch, wedding ring and sometimes cufflinks. A necklace could be also a man jewellery. I have had one and, in the past, I wore it. Nowadays it is too thick for me and I do not wear it anymore. Over the past years my style has evolved, and I would prefer now a different necklace. For me my “jewellery” are my shoes. I have many pairs and I like them a lot. If I could spend money on jewellery or on shoes the answer would be simple!
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie. Bowtie I have never tried. Maybe in the future I will buy one to try it.
Do you remember your first jacket?
The first that I bought intentionally was from Massimo Dutti. I still have it in my wardrobe. The fabric is not perfect because it has some polyester in it, but the pattern and colours I like. It has a checked pattern with brown and red colours. The style is smart casual with patch pockets. So, it is not perfect but I like to wear it still.
What is your favourite watch?
I have two watches. One I got from my mother and another one from my father. I do not favour any one of them, I like them both.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
Ballpoint. I used to write with fountain pen in school. Nowadays I prefer ballpoint.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
Yes! The Loake Taunton shoe. This is the most convenient pair of shoes that I have. From first day of wearing I didn’t have any problems with them.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Photography.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Purchasing a new pair of shoes!
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
James Bond, of course!
The best book you ever read?
Essentialism from Mckeown Greg
Which city should one go shopping?
Berlin
Tweed or flannel?
Flannel.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I do not have one.
Describe your style in three words?
Smart casual wear
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
In the last 6 months I did not purchase any clothes. But my last best purchase is blue navy formal suit for my wedding. I think that kind of suit is a must for every man!