Customer Classics: Japanese-American style inspiration and classic Ivy League

Japan fan Staffan speaks about his personal style, which has changed over the years. It has moved between Italian styles for the Ivy League and nowadays-Japanese work wear. Over the years, the style has been refined and the eye for detail sharpened; from the hook fasteners on the deck jacket to the perfectly balanced soles.

We meet Staffan at home in his apartment in Stockholm, between business meetings and moving boxes.

”It all started with a Salomon rucksack”

Staffan has always had an interest in clothing. However, it all began with the Salomon rucksack that all of my classmates in primary school had. Then skateboarding and Nirvana became popular, just as the trend was for many others during the 90s when grunge had its heyday. During his teenage years, Staffan discovered the well-known brand Ralph Lauren and the Ivy League world - then his interest in clothes really began to take shape, marking Staffan's continued style journey.

Style influences from Japan, USA and Italy

– I became very interested in Alessandro Squarzi, who was an icon in Italian fashion industry. However, I also like the Frenchman Gauthier Borsarello who has a great sense for incredible clothing combinations. He is classic but still “breaks the rules”, says Staffan. Nevertheless, I'm also inspired by old men with big jackets and corduroy trousers.

However, Staffan draws most inspiration from Japan, he mentions how Japanese fashion magazines can function as fashion manuals when it comes to combining different garments. There he finds great inspiration. Among other things, he bought a pair of New Balance sneakers in Tokyo ten years ago, which remain close to his heart - it was also here that the Japanese-American interest began.

”It’s about the small details”

– Some would probably describe my style as a bit boring. It is fairly plain, but it is all about the small details. Those who know, know. It could be anything from my shirts being made in the USA to finding a well-balanced pair of shoes.

In the past, there has been a lot of focus on dressy style, which has now become gradually more casual throughout the men’s fashion world. Today he would feel overdressed in a suit and tie and is much more comfortable in a pair of Orslow blue jeans and an American-made light blue Oxford shirt. The common trend is classic Ivy League, preferably with a Japanese interpretation. Now he is moving more towards work wear, which could be a consequence both of the Japanese interest but also of how the trend has developed.

Five wardrobe favourites

– I change around a lot with my outfit choices. For a couple of weeks, only shirts, then sweatshirts. It can take two months until I realise, 'oh, I have these trousers - they're really cool,' says Staffan.

Staffan has several favourite pieces of clothing, but has a particular interest in jackets and shoes. Here are Staffan's five wardrobe favourites.

Jacket from Real McCoy’s

– I'm obsessed with jackets, maybe because I live in a country with a really cold climate. My khaki jacket with the alpaca collar is perfect. It is lined with wool and is warm as a radiator.

Penny loafers from Alden

– I love my penny loafers from Alden to death and have not had to replace them once.

Light blue Oxford shirt

– You usually see me in a light blue Oxford shirt. My oldest is over 10 years old and I use it as a lounging-around-the-home shirt, it is wonderfully oversized and perfectly comfortable.

Jeans from Orslow

– With the shirt, I often wear a pair of blue jeans from Japanese Orslow. They have a reasonably high waist and a perfectly straight fit and are easy to style.

Hoodie from Real McCoy’s

– I bought my cream white hoodie in Real McCoy's store in Tokyo. The shop is hidden in a basement, without a shop window, which in itself was a cool experience.

Are there any garments you regret purchasing?

– I bought a rugby shirt with different colours on the sleeves that looked cool on Drake's website - but not on me. Then I resold it. I might not experiment as much as I used to, but it should be fun too, right?

Future investments and tips

– Now I'm looking for a pair of military pants with suspenders that the Americans had in the 40s in durable fabrics. I look ahead to when I'm seventy years old and walking around in them.

Do you have any tips for our readers for making good investments?

– Buy classic, quality garments. It is better to have fewer clothes of a higher standard. Buy what you really want, and not a substitute. It's worth it.

Do you want us to take a deep dive into your wardrobe? Get in touch with us at: [email protected]