Michael Roberts: Let's talk about style
Michael Roberts is the Style Editor-at-Large at Vanity Fair. He has also worked as the Fashion Director for The New Yorker, Style Director and Art Director of Tatler, and Design Director of British Vogue, among others. A prolific photographer and illustrator, Michael is currently collaborating with ONETSHIRT for a variety of projects. He divides his time between Rio de Janeiro and London.
Q: The three essential things a man should know about style are…
Most people don’t have it. No person can buy it. When you are talented you don’t need it.
Q: Please describe your style in three words.
Hard to copy.
Q: What is the biggest mistake one can make when getting dressed?
Forgetting about the English weather.
Q: Do you believe in role models?
I believe in supermodels.
Q: What are your favourite fabrics?
Bombazine and tulle.
Q: Are there any style combinations that you object to?
Topshop couture.
Q: Which city has the best-dressed men?
Tokyo.
Q: Would you say that you are conservative or bold?
Neither.
Q: What are the rules in the way you dress?
Not too many holes.
Q: Celebrities and style…
Are usually incompatible.
Q: Name one garment/accessory that you can never have enough of?
Underwear and socks.
Q: A man should always look like…
He didn’t fall off of the back of the bus.
Q: Who taught you what you know about style?
As in most things, I’m completely self-taught.
Q: How do you select your clothing every morning?
By what’s the least creased.
Q: What is your biggest regret?
Worrying about said creases.
Q: Do you have any shopping rituals?
I avoid shopping assistants.
Q: The most stylish person you have ever seen…
Tina Chow and Manolo Blahnik.
Q: What is the first thing you notice on a man?
His wallet.
Q: The one image that defined your approach to style…
A blank white page.
Q: Which new designers do you follow and why?
Following is not a position I usually adopt; however, I did admire Mr Balenciaga.
Q: The only article of clothing that a man needs to pay close attention to is…
His lederhosen.
Q: What are the most treasured items in your wardrobe?
My old Hermès coat.
Q: Is comfort an enemy of style?
It is a master of style.
Q: Which fashion house never fails to impress you?
Sooner or later they all fail to impress. With that being said, I’m more consistently attracted to Prada than all the others.
Q: Who would you like to recommend for My Style?
Unfortunately they are all dead.
Q: The best words of advice you have ever heard?
Mae West was once asked to address a group of Hollywood students. To the question “What advice do you have for the young?” she answered, “Grow up.”
ONETSHIRT interviewed Michael Roberts for fashion we like.