Interview with Mariano de los Santos from Typhoid Jones

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June 4, 2013 by Ville Raivio

Q. Your age and occupation?

Products from Pukimo Raivio

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

A. I am 34 years old and pursuing a career as an attorney.

Q. Your educational background?

A. I have a BA in Art History and a JD (juris doctor).

Interview_with_Mariano_de_los_Santos_from_Typhoid_Jones_at_Keikari_dot_com

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

A. I am married, but children are still somewhat in the future for us. My wife and I share an interest in clothing and lifestyle and enjoy going to charity shops, consignment stores, and thrift shops together. We have different, yet complimentary personal styles and I rely on her to help rein in some of my style choices that wander off the reservation…

Q. …and your parent’s and siblings’ reactions when you were younger?

A.  My family had to put up with a lot of foolishness.

Q. How did you first become interested in clothing, and when did you turn your eyes towards classic style? Why classics instead of fashion?

A. I developed an interest in clothing in high school and college and experimented with a wide range of clothing styles and went through a number of phases. I think it’s important for a person to try different clothing styles to see which style (or combination of styles) suits his personality. I turned to a more classic style after I graduated from college and started working in the art field as an exhibition preparator for art galleries. I wasn’t required to wear a suit or even a jacket and tie, but it was important to look professional regardless of what I was wearing in order to be taken seriously. It is for this reason that I chose classic style over fashion.

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Q. When did you discover the thing called Ivy League style, and what has kept your interest over the years?

A. I didn’t discover Ivy League style until I was living in Boston. I think what initially drew me to it and what has continued to hold my interest in it is its “American-ness.” I find that it is an accessible and approachable style of clothing.

Q. How have you gathered your knowledge of clothing — from books, in-house training, workshops or somewhere else?

A. Trial and Error. Mostly error. And the internet.

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Q. How would you describe your own dress? Which tailors/RTW makers do you favour?

A. I would describe my personal style as: Appropriate, bordering on inappropriate. I almost never buy anything brand new anymore. That being said, it’s a list of the usual Trad/Ivy League/#menswear suspects.

Q. Who or what inspires you?

A. My wife. Integrity. Hunter S. Thompson.

Q. What is your definition of style?

A. Be appropriate (in action, dress, etc.) for whatever circumstances in which you may find yourself.

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Q. How was Typhoid Jones born and what goals did you set for yourself in the beginning? How have you been received so far?

A. Typhoid Jones Vintage Menswear came about while I was still in law school. At the time, it was a way to make extra spending money because I was unable to work a regular job due to my school schedule. My goals for Typhoid Jones are the same now as they always have been – I wanted to offer the best vintage classic menswear that I could possibly offer. And in that endeavor, Typhoid Jones has met and exceeded my expectations.

Q. There are thousands of eBay stores, Etsy sellers, and webstores online — why should my readers have a look at your selection?

A. I believe in integrity and I think that there is inherent integrity in things that are well-made and timeless. It’s always been my hope that people would re-discover the value of supporting small businesses run by real people with a commitment to excellence.

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Q. What other hobbies or passions do you have besides apparel?

A. Travel. I lucked out and married a flight attendant, so I have had the opportunity to visit many different places around the world.

Q. Over the years you must have learned quite a bit about style. Is there something you wish more men would know? This is a great opportunity to make a lasting influence on my younger readers. Most of us aren’t blessed with rakish relatives which makes learning about style a challenge later in life. All tips and thoughts are valuable.

A. The best advice I could ever give a young man re: style is this:

DO NOT BUY EXPENSIVE BRAND NEW CLOTHING.*

* Purchasing quality second-hand clothing will save you THOUSANDS of dollars in the long run while you are developing your personal style. Young men can find 99% of everything they will ever need to wear on the secondary market. Be patient. Wait until your personal style has matured and you know who you are and what you want. You’ll get WAY more out of high-end RTW and bespoke/MTM.

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TyphoidJones

Pictures: © Mariano de los Santos


3 comments »

  1. […] See on Scoop.it – the Mod Generation weeklyA. I didn’t discover Ivy League style until I was living in Boston. I think what initially drew me to it and what has continued to hold my interest in it is its “American-ness.” I find that it is an accessible and approachable style of …See on http://www.keikari.com […]

  2. Great advice! Good style and a good read. Way to go Typhoid!

  3. BarrelnTrigger says:

    Finally, we get to see the infamous Mr. Typhoid Jones in action and in full glory! Thumbs up!

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