| HOME RULE: CARTER'S CONCEPTS |
 |
Man of Fashion
According to Darryl Carter,
sticking to the classics is the only
way to never go out of style—
a rule that applies to his wardrobe
as well as his home.
|
| BY SHERRY MOELLER |
|
|
  MUCH LIKE THE PHILOSOPHY I espouse in
my interior design, my fashion principles are
basic: Less is more, stick with the classics, marry
the lasting with the new and tasteful.
For home interiors I tend to use very tailored
upholstered pieces with pared-down lines
inspired by antiques. I juxtapose these against a
clean backdrop that is respectful of fine art. The
intention is to create lasting environments,
resistant to trends.
I generally use subtle but sumptuous textiles
to create a sense of depth within a space. For
instance, simple linen on an otherwise complicated
antique invariably accentuates the
architecture of the piece, and gives it a more
modern sensibility.
These tenets are also being honored in the
men’s clothing line that I’m currently developing.
There’s a certain fashion sense that defines
the well-dressed man: His clothing bespeaks his
confidence. The business suit should be impeccably
tailored, with a clean silhouette. Somehow
the simplest designs effortlessly stand out in a
crowd. Fabric should drape perfectly and lapels
should always be simply pitched or traditional.
Colors should be dark, patterns few.
 A vintage watch on a worn alligator band that
isn’t necessarily prestigious can still be very elegant.
A watch and a beautifully scuffed pair of cuff
links are the only jewelry a man should wear.
Shoes with business attire should be simple tie-ups
with a low heel, plain sole, and discreet stitching,
if any. Avoid superfluous metal ornamentation on
shoes (the lack of which makes it easier to get
through airport security).
For casual hours, well-worn work boots with
jeans, a D-ring alligator belt, and a V-neck
T-shirt with a big, sporty watch convey a certain
irreverence. This outfit can be dressed up with a
classic blue blazer. Between business and
leisure, tapered khaki pants with crepe-soled
desert boots and a white oxford shirt will never
go out of style.
With regard to accessories, a thin glove-leather
billfold or a modest sterling money clip is sufficient.
Cologne should be a boutique scent that is
memorable to the man, not the room. ★ |
|
|
|
