Get the look: gianni agnelli
Words: Alex Woodhall
As far as icons go, Gianni Agnelli stands tall above the pantheon. L’Avvocato, as he was nicknamed, was an esteemed Italian industrialist, society playboy and, at the height of his powers, the richest man in Italy. He was however, known as much for his idiosyncratic approach to style as his unrivalled business prowess.
In the land of fashion that is Italy, Agnelli managed to redefine the art of dressing. He was a maverick and totally unfazed by breaking the sartorial rules, rules that many saw and still see as ironclad. He was a practitioner of sprezzatura, a phrase roughly translating to “making the difficult look easy” and Agnelli certainly did.
His tailored style oozed sophistication and has been a prime source of inspiration for men across the globe. It was the little touches unique to him that really turned heads though, touches such as the off-kilter tie, wearing his watch over his cuff and the unbuttoned button-down collar. These distinctive signatures have have forever marked him as a true icon of style, one still very much admired to this day.
We show you how to replicate his rakishly cool look here, the perfectly poised manner, considered nonchalance and limitless confidence is something you’ll have to supply yourself though.
THE PERFECTLY TAILORED SUIT
In a neutral colour, usually grey, Agnelli’s tailoring was never anything less than perfect. Favouring a single-breasted cut, the suit was an area that Agnelli took few risks with it; it was always classic, sharp and perfect in fit.
Classic Charcoal Birdseye Jacket, £595 from Gieves & Hawkes
A TEXTURED TIE
Agnelli’s ties were not always of the shiny silk sort. Instead he often sided with the tactile, a knitted silk or wool to bring a touch of luxurious depth to his formal attire. Emulate Agnelli by twisting the tie knot slightly, we don’t recommend this move for the boardroom however.
Handrolled Woven Cashmere 8cm Tie, £115 from Drakes
HIKING BOOTS
Agnelli was one of the first to bring hiking boots off of the slopes and onto the street. Rocking them with both suits and jeans, this is one of the trends started by the Italian that still remains popular today.
Red Wing Iron Ranger Leather Boots, £250 from Mr Porter
A WATCH OVER THE CUFF
Probably his most recognisable style quirk, Agnelli’s propensity to wear his watch over his cuff is a move not easy to replicate but will add an distinctive touch to your look if you can pull it off. This one was however supposedly born out of convenience, as opposed to fashion; Agnelli claimed he didn’t have the time to adjust his cuff to check the time!
Omega De Ville Tresor, £POA from Omega
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Further reading
This is the one piece of luggage every modern professional should own
From vision to masterpiece: Charting the personalised journey of a bespoke Swaine creation
