Photography by Jeroen Noordzij
When and how did you first develop an interest in the way you dress?
I grew up surrounded by my grandfather’s clothes, suits mainly and the shop windows filled with mannequins dressed in suits and ties. Even as a little boy, I would stop and think, ‘As soon as I can, I want to dress like that.’ My mother also dressed me quite formally when I was young, so I suppose it was part of my world from the very beginning. I think my interest in menswear really came from that early fascination with the elegance, confidence and character that a well-dressed man can and should have.
Your life takes you to a lot of different places and occasions. How do you approach getting dressed?
I honestly don’t overthink it. The most important rule for me is: ‘If you’re not comfortable in it, don’t wear it.’ It’s not about changing the way you look; it’s about being the best version of yourself. You should always feel good in your clothes, in your own skin, and even in your fragrance. Whether I’m going to a meeting, an event or simply spending the day in Florence, I want what I’m wearing to feel natural to me. Confidence comes from feeling comfortable with who you are.
Style doesn’t come from nowhere. Who or what has had the biggest influence on your personal style?
Without a doubt, my grandfather and the way he dressed had a huge influence on me. Over time, I’ve also been drawn to personalities who, to me, embody the idea of true style: L’Avvocato Gianni Agnelli, Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Cary Grant, Mastroianni and Yves Saint Laurent. Places and eras have influenced me too, from 1970s Saint-Tropez and La Côte d’Azur in general, Rome during La Dolce Vita, Milan during the ‘Milano da bere’ years, and the incredible fashion scene of the 1990s. I didn’t experience all of these moments myself, but I’ve always admired them, and they have shaped my idea of style.
“Ultimately, the most luxurious thing you can wear is yourself.”
Italy has an almost iconic status in menswear. What does that heritage mean to you personally?
I’m Italian, and I represent Italy and the Italianità wherever I go. I have a very close relationship with my country, which I love deeply. We have, in my opinion, the finest tailoring in the world, the concept of sprezzatura, and centuries of history and cultural influences behind us. Being Italian comes with a certain responsibility: I always want the very best from our heritage, even though I sometimes feel people take advantage of Italian culture. And you certainly don’t become Italian by writing ‘Italian Dolce Vita’ on something or making coffee in a moka pot. Those are simply stereotypes. Italian style is much deeper than that.
Every man has his non-negotiables when it comes to getting dressed. What is the one rule you never break?
As I said before: ‘If you’re not comfortable in it, don’t wear it.’ That is definitely my most important rule. You have to feel good in what you wear, and you should wear it because you genuinely like it, not because you want to please other people. There’s a certain confidence you feel when you look in the mirror and are completely comfortable with yourself. And believe me, people around you can always sense that confidence.
The world of luxury is full of opinions on how a man should present himself. What, to you, is the biggest misconception you keep coming across?
I would start with the word ‘luxury’ itself. It is probably one of the most overused and misused words in the world. To me, luxury should mean the best thing you could possibly have, and very often it doesn’t. Luxury brands are a perfect example. Sometimes I see mannequins wearing very narrow lapels or trousers marketed as ‘sartorial’ or haute couture that are essentially skinny pants. A man should dress in a way that represents who he is, rather than allowing a brand or the idea of luxury to impose rules on him. Ultimately, the most luxurious thing you can wear is yourself.
We created two outfits together. What was your experience working with our tailors, and what drove the choices behind each look?
First of all, we had a lot of fun, and I genuinely loved every moment of the process: exchanging ideas, discussing proposals, choosing fabrics and refining the details. I definitely have my own ‘signatures’ when I work with tailors, from the shoulders and lapels to the shape of the trousers, but the most important thing is always to leave room for the tailor’s touch and expertise. M&G did a fantastic job, and I particularly enjoyed working with Sydney, who understood my style immediately and, most importantly, understood just how Italian I am!
