Where has all the good sales help gone? I found one, David Anicich, the store manager at Luigi Borrelli in Manhattan. New customers come to David because they want the "Borrelli Look"; their eye might not pick up the subtle nuances that separate Borrelli from say Brioni but they know it is different somehow.
When the customer steps out of the dressing room and David starts working his magic, you can see the customers face go from puzzled concern to "ahhhh...thats the look I was going for." The pants might be a little shorter than they are use to, the jacket a little more snug, the collar a little more spread, but they love it.
David is like that barber who gently but firmly tells you that a mullet might not be the best haircut for your face shape.
The Sartorialist asked David a few questions about his personal style.
Best Sartorial advice from your Dad?
Always punch your weight and dress your age.
Best Sartorial advice to pass down to your son?
Listen to your tailor, but always remember you have to wear the suit.
Hardest thing for American customer to understand about the “Italian fit”?
That a suit (or shirt) that fits the body is more natural, comfortable and flattering way to dress than the shapeless (relaxed?) fit most men are used to wearing.
You build your daily look around your?
My mood and who I need to be on that day.
The first thing I look at in another Sartorialist’s outfit?
The overall fit. A man who understands how his clothes should fit always looks confident and "put together".
I skimp when buying?
Jeans! classic Levi's on sale!!!
I splurge when buying?
Seven fold ties and bench made shoes.
I never break this fashion rule?
I NEVER wear a watch and ALWAYS wear formal shoes with a tuxedo.
Favorite store?
Casa dello Sport in Firenze and Marinella in Napoli
Favorite item of clothing?
An old pair of suede chukka boots.
Describe personal style?
Classic Dad.
Personal Style quirk?
Re-tying my tie throughout the day until I get it right.
Dress to impress who?
My sons.
Most overrated item in menswear?
Denim.
Most underrated item in menswear?
A good tailor and an honest salesman.
Most stylish city?
New York. The mix of styles and level of self expression is like no other city.
Never caught wearing?
White