Simplicity, comfort and sobriety, are three words that represent my concept of style. I think they are indispensable to find one's own “comfort zone” and, consequently, the trying to be even more synthetic and enclosing everything in one word, I would say that “harmony” expresses well the essence of style.
1. Tell us about your background and journey.
After finishing my studies and after some brief work experiences I had the lucky opportunity to start working for one of the most important auction houses in the world, Sotheby Parke Bernet, which later became Sotheby's where I was responsible for the organization of the auctions (Saleroom Manager) at the Florence headquarter placed at the beautiful Palazzo Capponi.
This experience lasted almost 15 years and allowed me to get in touch with extraordinary works of art, to visit fantastic houses and above all to get to know and collaborate with people who, among other things, made me appreciate the true "British Style".
At the end of this experience, when the headquarter of Florence was closed to be moved to Milan, not having intention of leaving my city, I embarked on a different kind of career and started working in the sector that attracted me most after art: the Menswear. I had various experiences in this sector. In over 30 years in this field I have held various roles, each of which has contributed to increasing my knowledge of this beautiful world.
Towards the end of my career, I started working as an image consultant, an extremely stimulating and rewarding job every time you see a sort of transformation on the part of the client. In addition to the well-known passion for cigars (Habanos, but also Toscano), I love good wine, Tuscany red for the most part.
I am not a lover of super spirits even though I often sip a good, very aged rum or whisky with great pleasure, even if I consider an excellent Sherry a pleasant preparation for smoking a good cigar. My favourite cocktails are certainly Negroni (“sbagliato” or not) and Old Fashioned. All enjoyed maybe watching one of the old American comedy movies with actors like Cary Grant, Rock Hudson or David Niven.
2. What led you to start your page on Instagram?
I started having a profile on Instagram many years ago (with different nicknames) while the current profile franz_1955 has been active since 2016. The reason why I signed up on this social network was, like many others, to "up to date to current times" despite my age.... at that time there was no project and no specific goal.
In winter 2018, during the 93rd edition of Pitti Uomo, a photo that portrayed me was published by the "New York Time Fashion" profile and from that moment my photos started to circulate on many accounts of classic men's fashion and this drew attention to my profile, which from that moment began to be more and more popular.
3. What is your personal style statement?
Simplicity, comfort and sobriety, are three words that represent my concept of style. I think they are indispensable to find one's own “comfort zone” and, consequently, the trying to be even more synthetic and enclosing everything in one word, I would say that “harmony” expresses well the essence of style.
You can be elegant and stylish even when wearing clothes that are not necessarily expensive. The most important thing is to follow your own idea of style with the aim of always feeling comfortable and confident with what you wear.
4. What does your clientele look like?
Impossible to say. There is no customer equal to the other. All the clients who come to me have different characteristics, different styles (not very often so brilliant), different needs and different goals. With each of them I always try not to impose my concept of style but I try to adapt and correct their way of being and dressing by teaching them to select and match clothes always according to their characteristics. Many of them often also need an excuse on the rules of etiquette and good manners that I personally consider indispensable to interact elegantly with other people.
5. What is your idea of success or your mantra in life?
Success in life, both family and professional, must never be separated from respect for the others. The results obtained in my life have always taken this fundamental aspect into account.
During my professional life, for example, I have had several occasions in which an incorrect move would have given me an advantage but I have always managed to maintain my correctness by often giving up on easy money. This may not have made me rich but it has allowed me to earn the esteem and trust of many people.
6. Who is your favorite fashion blogger and why?
I am not a connoisseur of "fashion bloggers" as the sector in which I am most at ease is that of classic menswear. In this restricted universe there are some "men of style" that I really appreciate. Some of them are also very good friends of mine. Each of this gentlemen interprets the concept of elegance in a different and personal way but all of them share a great kindness and availability and tolerance towards others.
Elegance without ostentation and good manners are their common denominator.
In a short list I would mention:
A. Gui Bo
B. Ignatious Joseph
C. Henrik Hjerl
D. Alexander Kraft
E. Roberto Mararo
F. Shuhei Nishiguchi
G. Nicholas Foulkes
H. Fabio Attanasio
Obviously you can easily find all of them on their profiles on Instagram.
7. Do you have any tips for people who want to join this field?
The search for one's own style and the desire to be recognized for one's elegance is by no means an easy thing nor futile. Giving a good impression to the people you meet is very useful and beneficial in interpersonal relationships. In work as in everyday life. For those wishing to approach this field, I would recommend first of all to study and read up on the rules of well-dressing and elegance.
Some are written others, others unfortunately, they are not. In this regard, it would be useful to consult one of the books by the writer Bernhard Roetzel, real manuals for those who want to learn the basics of elegance. After that, undoubtedly, advisors to identify their own style by going around, for example, on Instagram, trying to figure out which could be the closest to their characteristics.
All this also to avoid making big mistakes that maybe lead you to show up at a wedding wearing a tuxedo or wear it on any other occasion before 6pm or to go to a formal dinner with a light suit, etc.
But this is only the beginning. Once you have tried to learn the basics and have "stolen with your eyes" from other people, it is time to decide how to dress and how to interpret your style..... and here, in my opinion, your idea of style begins to take shape. At this point all that remains is to start experimenting, starting with the simplest elements and then trying to customize with your own "touches of style" until you are masters of your wardrobe. But always and in any case trying to practice good manners on all occasions.
8. Which is your favourite book and why?
“Gentleman”, “Gentleman’s look book” , “The new Gentleman” and others, all by Bernhard Roetzel.
“How to be a Gentleman” by John Bridges
“A proposito di eleganza” By Tommaso Di Benedetto
“Le regole delle buone maniere” By Samuele Briatore.
Interviewed By- Rahul Kumar Gupta
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