Masters of Style 12: Shaun Gordon

I've known Shaun Gordon since the early days of this blog and have no hesitation as describing him as one of the most naturally stylish men I know. Many followers of this blog have bought his beautifully made ties and while, at the time of writing, he's closing that business, I know that Shaun will be back soon with another venture that makes full use of his creativity and style.

Shaun Gordon image 1 (credits below)

GF: Please introduce yourself, what’s your name, where are you based and what do you do?

SG: My name is Shaun Gordon, I am a London based multi-product menswear designer who currently handcraft neckties and fine accessories.

GF: When and how did you first become interested in style, in clothes and dressing well?

SG: I think the pinnacle point for me was when I stopped caring what people thought and decided to dress in a way which I thought would look respectable and make me feel great. At the time I was watching old golden era Hollywood films and I adored the elegance of men’s clothing and style. Then my thoughts got carried away with the inspiration of dressing in this manner. I sold all my casual clothes on eBay and used the cash to hunt for vintage clothes I could wear.

GF: How would you describe your style?

SG: Let’s see, a modern timeless sartorial approach with a vintage edge.

GF: What sort of clothes do you wear and where do you find them?

SG: I enjoy wearing tailored clothing, which for me consist of a fedora hat, shirt (relaxed or formal), tie and penny loafers or shoes. I found most of my early clothes in Portobello Market and various places in the Shoreditch area. As time went on, I purchased from renowned brands such as Ralph Lauren, Richard James, Hackett, Ozwald Boteng to name a few. So these days my style is a balanced mixture of vintage and modern clothing.

GF: Do you buy mainly ready to wear, tailored or vintage?

SG: Earlier on in my style journey it was predominantly vintage, however now I buy whatever catches my eye and feel that will complement my current wardrobe. I do have a secret wish list that I must have and will complete my aesthetic jig-saw puzzle.
 
Shaun Gordon image 2 (credits below)

GF: Please describe the main style influences in your life - past and present. 

SG: My Grandfather will always be the foundation of my style, it’s the philosophy of dressing well always as you never know who you could meet and now I have grown to believe it to be fundamentally about self respect. I am inspired by many things and to name a few; Sidney Poitier for the way he wore his clothes that reflected his personality and it shone through in the films. Early Miles Davis, although I appreciate the way his style transitioned through time and was in sync with his music. David Hockney, I love the way he uses colour within the subject’s style. Another artist who’s a personal favourite is Jack Vettriano; its beautiful to see the way he paints the drape of clothing. Cary Grant, the beautiful form of tailoring worn with that classical gentleman’s panache… there’s seriously too many to name.

GF: What are your favourite brands and stores?

SG: The brands which I appreciate are: J. P Hackett No.14, Ralph Lauren, Richard James, Edward Sexton, Eton, Turnbull & Asser, Adret, Borsalino, Lock & Co, Tom Smarte, Hat of Cain, Drakes, 282 Portobello, Crockett & Jones, Smythson, Joseph Cheaney, Mulberry, Cambridge Satchel, Churchs, Rolex, Omega, Seiko, Fears watches and probably too many I’ve missed (apologies in advance!).

GF: What is/are your favourite individual item(s) of clothing?

SG: My navy Borsalino rabbit fur fedora which goes with pretty much everything and has grown softer over the years as I have worn it. My Shaun Gordon Ivan striped tie, which consist of navy, turquoise and yellow stripe. My navy linen SB suit and green linen SB blazer by Richard James. My 1954 Omega Seamaster watch – I love vintage watches! My chocolate brown Crockett and Jones penny loafers.

GF: Would you say that your style is still developing? If so, how?

SG: I am unsure if developing is the right word, perhaps evolving in a sense that as our perspective and needs changes, we experience and appreciate clothes in a different way. And I think it is a beautiful explorational journey. My style has developed from being strictly vintage, which tends to be sharp tailored pieces to becoming more modern with a refined and softer silhouette.

GF: What skills would you say that you have that help you in your search for style?

SG: A sincere curiosity (if you can call that a skill at all) and actually wearing the clothes I had in mind. Not just looking. Once you’ve learnt what there is to know, you have to take the plunge and try things out, otherwise how will you know if it suits you? Not just in how it appears but how it makes you feel because it will inevitably affect the appearance anyway. Also, as a menswear designer I have developed a sharp eye for detail and I believe this is a skill that has helped me in my search for style.

Shaun Gordon 3 (image credits below)

GF: What are your top tips for others on a search for style?

SG: In terms of the well-dressed approach: to summarise, I would say to build the foundational wardrobe first such as your navy or black suit, white shirt and tonal coloured tie. Think classic before venturing into the wonderful world of texture and colour. With this make sure the fit is correct. What I mean by this is to aim for a ‘tailored’ fit as opposed to anything too fitted or loose. Learn everything about what would work with your stature - this will aid your selection choice of fit, cloth pattern and details, which will help you create the complementary look you want. Most importantly, have fun with it and be patience. It takes time to develop your own personal style because it is just as much as learning about yourself.

GF: Where can you be found on Instagram and other media?

SG: The various social media accounts I can be found are:
Instagram: @shaungordonstyle
Pinterest: @shaungordon
Shaun Gordon ties: www.shaungordon.co.uk (Note that at the time of writing, Shaun Gordon is closing his tie-making business and is selling his stock as generous reductions - buy now before it's too late).

Click here for more in the Masters of Style series.

Image credits and clothing information:

Shaun Gordon 01:
Photographer: RKZUK - Rikesh Chauhan
Hat: 282 Portobello
Shirt: Turnbull and Asser
Tie: Shaun Gordon
Jacket: Paul Smith

Shaun Gordon 02:
Photographer: Gahli Richardson
Hat: Tom Smarte
Shirt: Alder and Green
Tie: Shaun Gordon
Suit: Turnbull and Asser

Shaun Gordon 03:
Photographer: The Exiled Brit
Hat: Borsalino
Shirt: Turnbull and Asser
Tie: Shaun Gordon
Suit: Turnbull and Asser



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