VR: Your age and occupation?

Products from Pukimo Raivio

Kiton, grey sports jacket, size 50EU
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU

JR: 27 years this spring, working in finance.

An Italian job

VR: Your educational background?

JR: Master’s degree in accounting.

VR: Have you any children or spouse (and how do they relate to your style enthusiasm)?

JR: When you love all things beautiful it becomes something of a lifestyle that affects everything. My girlfriend’s gotten used to it by now though, so I suppose it’s a part of both of our lives.

Blue suede bomber

VR:…and your parent’s and siblings’ reactions back in the days?

JR: It’s been a very long time since I lived at home, but they were always supportive whatever I did.

VR: What other hobbies or passions do you have besides apparel?

JR: Having done sports daily since I was only a few years old, I spend quite a bit of my free time among physical activities. Gym, ice hockey, alpine skiing, football, badminton and running. Whatever time I have left after work and my daily sports time, I usually spend among style related matters.

VR: How did you first become interested in clothes, and when did you turn your eyes towards classic clothing? Why these instead of fashion pieces?

JR: I’ve always found aesthetics important, and therefore have always paid attention to what I was wearing. Previously a lot more fashion-minded, I started leaning towards more classic style and menswear about four years ago. I think the main reason for this change was that I had started favoring pieces that last longer and still look good years after purchasing them. Gradually my style started getting closer to what we could call the menswear scene, both its classic and street style influenced ends. That said, I think still today my style retains something different to many other enthusiasts. As I put it to my friend once, I wear mostly Italian clothing but my style isn’t that Italian.

Unstructured jacket with cashmere tie

VR: How have you gathered your knowledge of apparel – from books, in-house training, workshops or somewhere else?

JR: At first, most of my information came from internet forums such as Keikari and Styleforum, but later on I’ve mostly stopped reading forums. I would say the internet in general has the ability to teach you almost anything, and when it comes to the technical side of style it can certainly give you all the information you might need.

M-65 field jacket

VR: When did you decide to set up The Nordic Fit and what’s your motivation for the blog? How do you select the content?

JR: I started the site when I was living in the US in 2011. At first it was a bit of an experiment, but after a while I started having a more clear idea on how I wanted to develop the concept. Over 2013 I made some additional efforts to shaping The Nordic Fit into a site that would combine a presentable and professional layout, stylish pictures and interesting content. I usually don’t write about items I don’t like or recommend, so the goods presented on the site in some way represent my own taste. I find the internet is full of blogs that just reblog pictures, so I try to write at least some input into my every published post. When I have more spare time, I do like to write more informative articles as well.

Meermin snuff suede field boots

VR: How would you describe your own dress? Which RTW makers and tailors do you favour?

JR: Like I said, I wear mostly Italian clothes, but my style isn’t really all that Italian. I prefer my style quite simple and clean, if you will. Lots of plain colors that are livened up with textures instead of wild patterns. Furthermore, I find fit to be very important and this is perhaps where the Italians have most influenced me. I strongly think that soft and natural lines flatter a man’s profile the most, provided he isn’t very skinny. I also like my fit quite slim, but not overly tight.

I like most Italian manufacturers for suits and jackets. SuitSupply sometimes offers good bang for the buck as well, if their fits happen to work for you. I’m usually prepared to spend quite a lot into alterations, and would like to stress how important a skilled tailor is. When I shop for RTW items, I’m usually prioritizing material, quality and proportions. As nothing is gonna fit you right off the rack anyway, I don’t pay too much attention to things that can be fixed later on.

Lately I’ve started investing more into different MTO products though and will keep doing so, mostly because I’ve found it increasingly hard to find suitable RTW products.

A pop of colour in Drake’s form

VR: Who or what inspires you?

JR: I think my biggest inspiration comes from the daily weather, but also my surroundings in general. Often it can be a very little thing like seeing a picture of New York or something. On some mornings though, it’s just a matter of throwing some stuff on before leaving for work.

Suitsupply flannel slacks with moleskin jacket

VR: What is your definition of style?

JR: When talking about style in clothing context, I would say style is timeless, yet modern. Some things remain the same despite the latest trends, but as everything, style changes gradually.

VR: Is there something you wish more men would know about dressing well?

JR: Perhaps the most important thing is to avoid impulse buys and too specialized items. Build your wardrobe with patience and invest into quality. Before every purchase, consider if this is something that is going to last over time. Avoid sales.

Photos: The Nordic Fit

http://thenordicfit.com