17 Questions to a well-dressed man – Tomasz Waliszewski
Photo credit: Robert Chmara
Tomasz Waliszweski is a gentleman I met during the time I was living in the Polish city of Szczecin. Many people might not know it, but Poland has a very strong group of sartorialists who are gathering together in a forum and club called ‘’But w Butonierce’’. They have local departments too and at the time I was living in Poland the local department in Szczecin had a monthly meeting. With Tomasz I met more often than once a month and always we had a good chat on style. He also introduced me there to a local bespoke tailor where I had various garments made which I enjoy wearing for some years already. Tomasz is a lawyer in daily life and beside that he has since last year’s summer the noble honour to be the Chairman of ‘’But w Butonierce’’. They couldn’t choose a better person for that as Tomasz is a man who knows how to dress, where to find quality and how to choose the right garments for the right occasion. I’m sure we are going to hear a lot from him and ‘’But w Butonierce’’ in the next years, those who don’t know it already will notice Poland’s sartorial value very soon. But now I am extremely honoured that the Chairman of ‘’But w Butonierce’’ and my very good friend, Tomasz Waliszewski answered the 17 questions to a well-dressed man. And the answers he gave on that you will find below.
What are you wearing today?
Blue hopsack jacket from Suitsupply, mid-raised bespoke trousers - made by my local tailor, bluish flannel untipped tie, chestnut full-grain leather longwings and a beautiful pocket square with artwork made by Japanese artist Utagawa Kunisada from polish manufacturer Poszetka.com
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
Difficult question! If you would ask me the same question several years ago I would bet on a suit. But now I would gladly go with some new watch, you never want to be late, right?
What jewellery could a man wear?
For me the answer is simple: only watches are acceptable. And a wedding ring if you are married. Call me traditionalist but I'm resilient to any progress in this matter.
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie. Bowtie draws too much attention from the person who’s wearing it. Unless of course you have the strong personality that can overcome it.
Do you remember your first jacket?
I think it was some black double-breast jacket which I wore for my First Communion when I was 8 years old. 90’s to the fullest.
What is your favourite watch?
If you ask for my favourite from my own collection – that’s 35 mm Longines Heritage Conquest. If you ask for a dream watch: IWC Schaffhausen on a blue dial.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
Ballpoint.
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
No. I hope I’ll never find such thing, because if I do – what’s the point of searching anymore?
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
To create an environment of people interested in classic menswear and timeless elegance.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I'm hesitating between Gin & Tonic and sleeping late.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
Andreas Weinas.
The best book you ever read?
“The King of Warsaw: A Novel” by Szczepan Twardoch. It has been recently translated into English. The book tells an amazing story about a Jewish boxer, living in Warsaw in 1937. Note the fact that the author adds lot of sartorial nuances, such as famous tailors of that age added to the plot.
Which city should one go shopping?
I believe one should do shopping according to some thoughtful wish-list. It helps to slowly discover and develop your own sense of style. The concept of going to one city just for shopping may result only in serious debt (smiley face).
Tweed or flannel?
Flannel. I am not a huge fan of tweeds.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I’m not sure if the one I have in mind is really the most elegant (let’s face it – probably not), but I would point 9 Suprem in Figueres, Spain. I have an excellent memories connected to this place.
Describe your style in three words?
Comprehensive, versatile, effortless.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
Sony WH-1000XM3 headphones.