Personal style has always been celebrated here on Man of the cloth. While stylish people are a dime a dozen online it is a pleasant surprise to encounter someone who has something special added. Tommy Ton first snapped Nickelson Wooster during Milan fashion week. It wasn't long until websites and blogs started to notice his fantastic style between shows. GQ even profiled a few of his looks in their "9 men who bring it" story online. With little information on offer online I had to find out more about this man.
The internet is pretty fantastic if you consider how a person can be recognized from NYC to South Africa by his style alone. You're getting quite the buzz on your fashion sense, what do you think about that?
I am quite flattered that anyone is paying attention. I just put my trousers on one leg at a time.
How did you come to be the Men's Fashion Director for Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus and what does that title entail?
I work with the merchant teams to find and develop new talent and to further enhance our existing portfolio of brands to bring our customers the latest and most desirable merchandise. I also work closely with the advertising, press and marketing teams to communicate our vision across the company and to our customers.
Your style is certainly classic with a twist without looking contrived, what do you attribute to this?
I grew up in Salina Kansas and worked in the nicest clothing store in town. My first mentor was an inherently classic guy who instilled the basics of how a gentleman should dress. He had really great taste. I also had the opportunity to work as a buyer for Fred Pressman and Peter Rizzo at Barneys New York... they taught me the fundamentals--I have always marched to a slightly different beat.
As a menswear Director you oversee a large selection of fashion and trends, what would you say are your top sellers, both in brand and item? Our main call out for the season are: MILITARY, GREEN, BOOTS [particularly UTILITY BOOTS], PLAIDS and CHECKS, VELVET, CORDUROY, QUILTED, OUTERWEAR, the SOLID TIE. We sell trends--our customers want to know what we think is the latest and most covetable... my job is to help them discover that.
What are you thoughts on the Fashion blogging market and it's connection to retail?
I am amazed at how impactful social media and blogging have impacted our connection to the customer. We are able to speak to them directly and immediately. I also think we are only in the infacy stage of understanding how revolutionary this change is. It's completely exciting. I can't tell you how many people stop me and know exactly who I am...it's extraordinarily flattering--and a little bit scary.
For your work you must get your information/knowledge from somewhere, is this instinctive or is there a specific place you get your trends? I just keep my eyes open. I love people watching. Everywhere I go, I take photos, make a note, tear out swipe from a magazine...and I love to shop.
Any designers we should be watching out for? Aside from anyone we carry at BG and NM...I think Patrik Ervell, Richard Chai, Geroge Esquivel [shoes], Adam Kimmel are ones to watch. My favorite brand is VISVIM.
What trends are you currently enjoying on the streets of New York?I just think guys are freer than ever. I love the mix of high/low...expensive and cheap, dressed up and super casual...all at the same time. I love a jacket and shorts.
What do you think it is that men all over the world are suddenly realizing about fashion and grooming?They look better when they look in the mirror. It pays to take care of yourself.
Finish the sentence: I got into the fashion world... because I am obsessed with clothing.
When you're not shopping high-fashion rails where do you go? I love to hide away at the beach in the summer on Fire Island. During the winter, I love a cozy apartment. Always with my best friends. Any great/secret finds in NY? If I told you my secret finds, they wouldn't be my secret [lol]. I just discovered the coolest shop behind my apartment--Gramme Fowler on W. 10th Street. They carry a wide assortment of vintage boots, Belstaf Jackets, watches and they carry my secret vice--Trickers shoes.
When you prepare a look for fashion week, what is your process? I open my closet.
Some photo's from Tommy Ton, GQ, the others collected in random.
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