KEY POINTS:
Chris Vovan suspects his penchant for nice clothes started when he was about 10 years old.
His sister was working in England on a wealthy estate where the children of the house wore handmade shoes and expensive designer clothing. "And she would send me the things they only wore once or twice and then threw out.
"So I had things like handmade tasselled loafers and all these Benetton outfits," he says, laughing.
That was only the beginning of Vovan's appreciation for the finer things in fashion. For the past 3 1/2 years he's been working at the Little Brother menswear store in Auckland, where he's now the manager, and last year a local magazine named him one of the country's best-dressed blokes.
His tips for any local blokes who'd like to follow in his well-shod footsteps. "I think in general New Zealanders are pretty casual so I think a lot of guys dress really casually by nature," he notes.
"I also think a lot of guys are scared of coming across as too formal. Or looking like their fathers. But dressing well can also be a lot of fun and quite creative. So I'd say don't be too safe.
"I'd much rather see someone try, and make a really grand mistake, than not try at all."
Who are your favourite designers?
Little Brother for shirts and trousers, Gubb and Mackie and Raf Simons for jackets. And Jil Sander for everything.
Who inspires your style?
I'm surrounded by some very snappily clad colleagues. And they've definitely inspired me on countless occasions.
Best fashion bargain?
I couldn't call them a bargain but certainly my two pairs of John Lobb monkstraps were purchased at a substantially reduced price. I still find myself marvelling at their flawless craftsmanship after almost a year.
Who does the best shoes?
For unquestionable quality of make and timelessness of style, John Lobb. He makes shoes to measure in Britain.
The best jeans?
I wouldn't hesitate to invest the same amount of money in a good pair of well-tailored trousers. Much better value.
Your favourite shop?
Crane Brothers - the complete sartorial domain for any gentleman.
Your favourite shop elsewhere?
Jil Sander in London. It's in a majestic but restrained Georgian residence on the corner of Savile Row and Burlington Gardens.
Any grooming tips for guys?
Clean fingernails, a regular haircut and the complete refusal to don designer facial hair.
Is there anything you'd never wear?
Polar fleece, ever.
Worst masculine fashion crime?
Business-casual makes me cringe every time.
Any style icons?
Any one of the guests who attended Truman Capote's black and white ball of 1966.
Best sartorial advice you ever had?
Pointed toe shoes are for women.
Best sartorial advice to pass down to your own son?
Dress your best to be your best.
Dress to impress whom?
Myself. I'm not sure anyone else gives as much of a damn.
Most overrated item in fashion?
Vulgar designer sunglasses on perpetually glum faces.
Most underrated item in fashion?
Finest quality hosiery. Never take for granted that your ankle will not make an appearance at some point . And if it's rarely seen, all the more attention should be devoted to it to ensure the uncommon spectacle.
