5 rules for a stylish life, from one of Britain’s best connected men
David Tang's top 5 rules on how to be the perfect modern-day gentleman
Words: Gentleman's Journal
Often called the best-connected man in Britain, Sir David Tang has been everywhere, done everything, and pointedly refused to buy the tacky souvenir t-shirt. As the agony uncle for the Financial Times he is also the definitive guide for the sartorially anxious in the 21st century. For the readers of Gentleman’s Journal worried about making a social faux pas, Sir David is on hand to help with his clinically satirical advice.
Is wearing cufflinks on a single cuff shirt a complete sartorial no-no? “Not at all. Double cuffs are only de rigour on dress shirts. I have many shirts with single cuffs made by Charvet, the best shirt-maker in the world. In the company’s bespoke room above its shop overlooking the Place Vendôme in Paris, Mademoiselle Anne-Marie Colban, daughter of the owner, is able to offer 104 shades of white. If she can make shirts with single cuffs for cufflinks, I’d be foolish to worry about any sartorial faux pas.”
Wristwatch – battery, automatic, manual wind, or none? Or pocket watch instead? “Nobody carries pocket watches any more. For those who do they are usually pompous types who want to show off their gold or silver chain. However, I am prepared to make an exception of Hercule Poirot.”
Bow ties are also rather effeminate, as they look exactly like a butterfly
What is your view on bow ties? “Bow ties look ridiculous, unless you are either Bob Hope or Robin Day, who looked ridiculous – the former with a hockey stick chin, and the latter with Bavarian eyebrows. Bow ties are also rather effeminate, as they look exactly like a butterfly. Why would any real man wish to wear a butterfly around his collar?”
Do you ever wear a cravat? Egad, no! Certainly not since Yves Saint Laurent died.
It is highly unpleasant to look at a sockless person, especially with a suit
Is it OK to go sockless when wearing a suit? “It is highly unpleasant to look at a sockless person, especially with a suit because it would highlight their naked ankles and possibly hair around the bottom of the shin. Both of these are as ‘no-no’ as Nanette! In any case, isn’t the prospect of sweating in a pair of leather shoes altogether unsavoury? It doesn’t take a great deal of imagination to smell the consequences.”
I notice that lately you have been bothered with some quite stupid questions. How you are coping with that? “I would say in exactly the same way as I am coping with you, to wit, with aloofness and contempt. Don’t worry about me. You look after yourself.”
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