Interview with gusvs
0February 18, 2016 by Ville Raivio
VR: Your age and occupation?
gusvs: I’m 41 and work as Business Unit Director at a large industrial company.
VR: Your educational background?
gusvs: Master of Science in Business Administration, as well as a couple of years at university in Japan.
Products from Pukimo Raivio
 |  |
|---|---|
Ralph Lauren, Black Label suit, size 52EU
VR: Have you any children or spouse (and how do they relate to your tailoring enthusiasm)?
gusvs: Wife and two kids, 6 and 4 years old. Well, they’re all used to it by now. They usually join to visit Liverano & Corcos when we’re in Florence.
VR: …and your parents and siblings’ reactions back when you were younger?
gusvs: My father has always been dressing in classic menswear, so no big reactions really. I think they all enjoy it, rather.
VR: What other hobbies or passions do you have besides classic apparel?
gusvs: Except spending time with my family and friends, I enjoy golf, fishing and music (classical & jazz).
VR: How did you first become interested in style, and when did you turn your eyes towards the classics? Why these instead of fashion?
gusvs: Well, first of all, my father has always dressed in classic style, so I guess it was sort of natural to me. Then my first job required a suit and tie, so the need was there. I have worked and lived in Japan, and that is where my interest really got more serious. In Japan, classic menswear is all around and anything you like is available. So that’s where it started really.
VR: How have you gathered your knowledge of the tailored look — from books, talks with salesmen or somewhere else?
gusvs: From books and magazines (especially Men’s Ex which was a great magazine 10 years ago), and from the Internet. I was pretty early on Styleforum back in the days when there were more knowledgeable discussions around tailored clothing.
VR: Have you any particular style or cut philosophy behind your own clothing?
gusvs: My style has definitely changed over the years, but the last years I’ve gone for a less is more-philosophy. I keep it simple and classic.
VR: I see you are a devoted follower of the eccentric Liverano&Liverano cut. Why does his art of the cloth appeal to you over others?
gusvs: There is something about the overall balance in the Liverano cut which is unique and I find it perfect for my body type. The dartless front combined with rounded quarters and fairly generous lapels create a shape which is soft yet formal enough for a business suit.
VR: Who or what inspires you?
gusvs: I travel a lot and get inspiration from meeting different people all over the world. In style, I’m greatly inspired by Antonio Liverano and Takahiro Osaki. I also find Kotaro Miyahira to have a great sense of style. This is really key to me: I choose my tailor based on his own style.
VR: What’s your definition of style?
gusvs: Style is about expressing yourself through what you wear. It is about showing respect towards people around you. And, of course, style has nothing to do with fashion.
Vr: Finally, Sweden seems to have the most active, largest and varied men’s style scene in Northern Europe. Could you perhaps explain why classic clothing interests so many Swedes?
gusvs: Not sure, but I guess in Scandinavia we have a long history of design – in clothing as well as furniture. There is a lot of textile industry in Sweden still, which I guess is a big reason behind the interest. Also, not unimportant, Swedes are active on internet forums which I think has partly helped spread the iGent bug here.
Photos: The gusvs family album
Category Inspiration, Interviews, Men of style, Nordic Style, Styleforum | Tags:
Leave a Reply