Photography by Jeroen Noordzij
Je stijl is geworteld in traditie en tegelijk uitgesproken persoonlijk. Welke rol spelen nostalgie, erfgoed en herinneringen in hoe je je kleedt?
“Ik heb mezelf altijd als een old soul gezien en veel van mijn inspiratie komt uit de jaren vijftig en zestig, een tijd waarin verfijning echt de boventoon voerde. Miles Davis staat bovenaan mijn lijst van stijliconen. Maar als ik verder terugga, kom ik bij mijn moeder. Zij leerde me als eerste hoe belangrijk presentatie is en dat je trots mag zijn op hoe je de deur uitgaat.”
In collaborating with Michael & Giso, how did you experience the process of tailoring, not just as fit and fabric, but as a creative dialogue?
"The first word that comes to mind is 'comfortable.' It's not just about how the pieces fit together; it's more about how easy it was to communicate exactly what I wanted. Too often, we find people in the business who don’t really understand their roles, or even their own products. For me, that understanding is key for any collaboration and for creating something truly great."
“Een pak moet laten zien dat een man oog heeft voor subtiele details, vakmanschap en de schoonheid van iets tijdloos.”
What excites you most about the direction tailoring is headed in, and where do you personally see yourself evolving within that shift?
"What excites me most is the freedom I see in menswear today. We’re moving into a space where individuals can interpret what we’ve always known and express it in a way that fits their personality. It's about stepping outside the box and bending traditional rules a bit. For me, the core of timeless menswear and a level of sophistication will always remain the same. My evolution focuses more on fabrication and the subtle details of each piece."
Let’s end on a personal note: What’s one item in your wardrobe that tells a story no one else would know, and why does it matter to you?
"That would be my leather card holder. This piece has been through a lot over the years and may not be the most beautiful at this point lol. but every time I look at it, it tells a story. I purchased it during my first trip to Florence back in 2021. It comes from a fourth-generation artisan who uses the same tools that his great-grandfather used to create all of his small leather goods. Walking into his shop transported me to another time, and his love and passion for his craft continue to resonate with me today and is a reminder of what true craftsmanship is about."
