STYLE IS NEVER OUT OF FASHION

WORDS Joshua Brosnahan PHOTOS Sarah Rowlands

After 20 years’ experience in London, Shanghai, and Singapore, Michael Stanton returned home with a decidedly European outlook on fashion, bringing a sense of style influenced by an array of international experiences.

When asked to describe his style, Michael credits his time in London’s financial district, working and socialising in a dynamic and fast paced business environment with some of the square mile’s most flamboyant dressers.

“Business style to successful traders and financiers goes far beyond matching a tie with a shirt. To my mind, business style is a way of life that echoes one’s approach to success and achievement, dressing well in the business environment is a clear point of difference.”

Working with well-dressed traders had a lasting and defining impression on Michael’s own sense of style. Michael muses that he once worked on a London dealing floor with one such trader who boasted a collection of more than a thousand Hermes ties.

Whilst his own collection has yet to reach such a magnitude, it was not long after joining a Japanese investment bank that Michael was marching off during lunch hours to Bond Street and returning to the office with infamous orange boxes neatly bound in the brown ribbon himself.

“My style is certainly something that has evolved over time. I think in the early days I was more fashion-focused or influenced by labels and brands than I am today. As I’ve grown older, I have shifted towards looking to be effortlessly stylish. Great style never goes out of fashion, but what is fashionable this year might not be next.”

The memories of that time are still evident in Michael’s shoe collection; suede Chelsea boots from Prada, as well as Gucci and Miu Miu loafers.

Keen observers may recognise Michael from Fashion in the Field, where he took out Best Dressed in 2017. The decision to enter was something that almost didn’t come to fruition.

“However, I am pleased that I did. I wouldn’t say that I’m a natural on the runway, but I think the confidence grew, as the day wore on. It was one of those things that you feel apprehensive about doing, however, once you’ve done it, you can’t wait for next year, to get up there again.”

“In my view, the reason people dress up is because they want to look fabulous and feel great. I don’t think it matters if the suit you plan to wear costs $200 or if the suit was made by a monk in Italy, took five years to make, and cost as much as a small European car.

The question you should ask yourself, is this; ‘Is it a good look? If you answer yes, then that is what’s important, not the price, story or label.”