We asked Kurt Slanaker, Director of Membership at Spring Place, to share what he’s shopping for this fall. His list reveals the brands every well-dressed man should know.
On defining his style in three words or less…Casual yet refined.
On what he’s shopping for now… Stoffa’s Rabbit Felt Rollable Hat, Common Projects Chelsea Boot in Grey, and anything Teddy Santis creates for Aimé Leon Dore.
Stoffa Felt Rollable Hat, $200, Common Projects Boots, $537, Aimé Leon Dore Thermal Layered Top Coat, $1000
On a man whose taste he most admires… Mr. Yasuto Kamoshita, the Creative Director of United Arrows.
On stores and designers that are doing it right… The best men’s clothing is now found in boutiques. Places like The Armory and Drake’s mix tailored and casual wear effortlessly, Magasin in Los Angeles is the newest addition out west and they’re doing wonderful things for menswear, and sites like Grailed are the only places to find the best clothes for your dollar.
From left: The Armory crew; Vintage Dolce & Gabbana jacket from Grailed; Suiting from The Armory; Drake’s scarves; Casual pieces from Magasin
On splurging…Amazing watches last a lifetime and only gain value, I’m obsessed with my Baume & Mercier Clifton 10055 and would gladly purchase another.
Baume & Mercier Clifton 10055 Watch, $4800
On what he wears when he doesn’t want to get dressed…Oxford button down and chinos, it’s my uniform regardless.
On how his taste has changed from when he was a teenager… My style has always been influenced by being casual, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be dressy. Now I understand how dressing appropriate applies to situations, it’s about maturing without losing your personality.
On the secret to good parties… It’s all about the experience and people, both need to be curated and of quality.
On how to schmooze without looking schmoozy…In today’s digital world, it’s about connecting people in-person. But not just introducing people, having background and understanding of each individual and a reason why you’re connecting them, think of it as social and community manipulation.
On the best thank you gift… A handwritten note goes well beyond anything else you can send someone as a thank you.
Early riser or night owl? Can you have your cake and eat it too? Being in the hospitality and relationship industry you have to be both, and each has their own respective reasons and purposes.
Sparkling or tap? Sparkling, live as the Europeans do.
Belt or suspenders? When it comes to suiting, always suspenders.
Statement socks or no show socks? There is never a good time for statement socks, your watch and your shoes should do all of the talking.
Plants or pets? Pets, they bring joy to life.
Uncle or father? Father.
Clean shave or bristles? Bristles, more specifically a 5 o’clock shadow regardless of the time.
On most recent things consumed….
From left: Item purchased: La Colombe iced coffee; Show binged: The Defiant Ones; Song listened to: Grizzly Bear ‘Painted Ruins’
White after labor day really wasn’t a thing since the 1950s, but it can feel risky, which is why we love these rule-breaking women and their white shoes to match.
