Fashion plate: Ant Gratten

Ant Gratten says you can never have too many shoes. Picture / Glenn Jeffrey

Ant Gratten's first real job was at WorldMan. The 20-year-old has been at the fashion store for more than a year. He loves that men can express themselves through clothes and be able to stand out and create interesting and complex looks. It's not something he leaves to chance in the morning. "I think about what to wear the night before sometimes."

Who are your favourite designers?

My whole wardrobe is pretty much World but occasionally I'll pick up a vintage designer piece. Galliano rates high in my book.

What is your accessory of the moment?

The hat. It can really make an outfit. This season it's going to be a bright orange and turquoise sailor cap and the straw Cuban trilby from WorldMan.

What was your latest purchase?

My leather lace-up Costume National shoes. They're so beautiful.

What can't you live without?

My Chanel cologne. It's something that's always in my bag. Ask anyone at work about it and they'll tell you I spray it 20 times a day. When they get home they can still smell me.

What is your biggest fashion indulgence?

Shoes. You can never have too many. It's really hard to find the perfect pair so I'm always keeping an eye out for something amazing, whether it's a sneaker, a boot or a leather dress shoe. It's important to build up a decent collection.

What is the essential item for summer?

A pair of vintage Dior or Ray-Ban sunglasses.

What won't you be wearing?

Sandals. It's something I've never done, even when I was a little kid. I'll wait until I'm on an island somewhere.

What is the must-have bag for summer?

A black leather satchel. They look great and work with everything.

Best bargain ever?

I picked up a pair of really nice Wayfarer Ray-Bans for $65 from Vixen. Considering I'd been looking for them for years I was really excited. I managed to get them with the tortoiseshell frame, which was even better.

What should the fashion police ban?

Those early 90s thick-soled ankle boots. They're hideous.

Is there any rule you always dress by?

I tend to experiment with different garments and accessories and make outfits look as interesting as possible. It's good to use colour and have nice contrasts. You can have an idea of an outfit in your head then try it out and it can be magic. Other times it can be vomit-material. It's a bit hit and miss.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

World's Benny Castles. You never know what he's going to do next. He layers clothes so well he can wear an entire wardrobe at once. We call him the onion.