July 20, 2010

Le Je-Ne-Sais-Quoi

Meet Tate.
Some guys just have 'it', that 'je-ne-sais-quoi' all of us long to possess but not always are able to obtain. 25 year-old Tate Geborkoff first caught my eye on Twitter, which is quite an accomplishment since profile pictures there are positively Lilliputian, but he did. So as I got to know Tate a bit better, I discovered that he not only has an alluring sense of style, but a covetable and carefully assembled wardrobe to boot. Top that off with an amiable personality, fetching features and his trademark pompadour and hey presto: you've got yourself a style icon. Drawing from an innate flair for fashion and his passion for writing (Tate is a talented playwright), he recently started a blog about his thoughts on fashion, lifestyle and theatre called 'The Glamorous Life of Tate Geborkoff'.
So tell me, who better could I pick for the first instalment of the "Le Je-Ne-Sais-Quoi" Q&A?

Have you always been interested in fashion and what is your earliest fashion-related memory?
I’ve always loved looking put together. My grandparents had a huge role in shaping my love for fashion (especially my grandmother). My earliest fashion memory was when my grandmother took me into her bedroom and showed me her Vuitton flat shopper from the 60’s and the Burberry trench my grandfather came to America in (from 1949).

If you were forced to only wear one label for the rest of your days, what would it be?
Although I love the theatricality of Alexander McQueen and the elegance of Lanvin, if I could only wear one designer it would be Prorsum. I think what Christopher Bailey does with clothing is pure poetry.

What menswear trends do you truly abhor?
I hate that designers are leaning towards shapeless clothes. Call me old-fashioned (60’s at least) but clothing needs to be tailored and trim.

Is there any piece in your wardrobe you’d never ever part with?
My navy asymmetrical McQueen cardigan (Spring 2008).

What piece of clothing is number one on your wish list?
I am desperate for this beautiful, heavy wool, McQueen toggle coat in charcoal from Barneys.

As a playwright and theatre buff, what is the most fashionable play or musical you’ve ever seen?
I personally thought that the revival of A Little Night Music was extraordinary in terms of fashion and the music is beautiful. But the most fashionable? Stephen Sondheim’s “Follies”. Hands down.

 Why did you start blogging?
I think that there is a valid place out there for a men’s lifestyle blog with my sort of slant.

Is there anyone in the fashion industry you’d love to meet?
Christopher Bailey. If you are reading this Chris, marry me!

Do you believe anyone can learn to become stylish or does one simply have to have ‘it’?
I think there is a difference between stylish and fashionable. I think anyone can be fashionable, but not everyone can be stylish. Stylish, to me, isn’t about what you’re wearing, it is how you wear it and goes beyond that to the way you conduct everything in your life. You can’t spell lifestyle without it.

And finally, have you got a fundamental style rule or tip the SFG readers should know about?
You don’t have to have money or expensive clothes to be stylish. Take pride in whatever it is that you are and do, and live your life honestly to yourself with confidence. There isn’t anything more stylish than that.

I couldn't agree more.
Tate wears: Striped shirt, skull scarf, grey trousers, navy jumper and 'God Save McQueen' scarf by Alexander McQueen
                 Tote, sunglasses and iridiscent and sequin dress shoes by Louis Vuitton
                 Bow tie by Lanvin
                 Striped Jumper by Marc Jacobs Collection
                 Belt by H&M

Photographs by Keelan Andrews
Big thank you, Tate, for your time!

8 comments:

Tate said...

Amazing! Thank you so much. :-)

Anonymous said...

Hey! This is maddy from La Societe de Mode I just wanted to comment on how gorgeous your blog is looking! The moustache hanger is so clever and the layout is flawless. The huge clear photos are so engaging and the articles are witty and well written. Everything looks gorgeous.

BIs
Maddy

Krizia said...

Damn, he's cute! :D

David Casavant said...

Luv the tophat!

www.DavidCasavant.net

ronelmarin.com said...

he's fantastic

ronelworld said...

gorgeous man

Unknown said...

Thanks for the nice comments, Tate really is an awesome guy!

Anonymous said...

I have known Tate for years...and he has always been that this incredible human being and always looks flawless...even just getting out of bed...the first man to turn me on to labels...I love you tate!