17 questions to a well-dressed man – Suly Mastrogiovanni
Suly Mastrogiovanni is a Belgian tailor with a true passion for the art of making clothes. What I find particularly interesting about Suly is that he is not only a craftsman, but also a gentleman with a clear appreciation for elegance, tradition and the details that make a garment truly personal. He had a solid training in Milan by Maestro Paolo Lentini and so we could say, you are in good hands when going bespoke at Suly.
As a tailor, he is surrounded every day by beautiful fabrics, fine construction and the traditions of bespoke clothing. But being well dressed is about much more than making a good suit. It is about knowing what you like, understanding what suits you and, perhaps most importantly, wearing it with confidence.
I was therefore very curious to hear Suly’s thoughts on style, tailoring and the finer things in life. I am happy that he agreed to answer my “17 Questions to a Well-Dressed Man” and I hope you will enjoy getting to know him a little better through his answers.
What are you wearing today?
Today, I was invited to the wedding of one of my clients, so I dressed elegantly without being too flashy.
I made a bespoke pair of trousers in off-white 130s wool, a made-to-measure blue linen shirt with a stand collar, and a bespoke jacket in a wool, linen and silk blend by Standeven. I wore the whole outfit with turquoise loafers from Santoni. I have to admit that I’m a big fan of loafers — I wear them all year round.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
You’re talking to someone who loves tailoring, so a beautiful suit, without hesitation!
I really like watches as well. In fact, I studied watchmaking when I was younger, and I think it complements a beautiful suit perfectly. But if I had to choose, a great suit will give you more presence than a beautiful accessory. Sometimes, I even like wearing a suit without a watch, for a more relaxed feel.
What jewellery could a man wear?
I really like jewellery! I particularly like steel and silver rings and bracelets. I enjoy wearing jewellery with a slightly vintage character, as it can give a lot of personality even to a simple outfit.
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie, of course! In Belgium, men aren’t always comfortable wearing a tie, especially those who don’t wear suits very often. Personally, I wear my tie proudly. I think it adds a lot of allure.
I like unlined ties that are as lightweight as possible, so that they remain consistent with my suits, which I also like to be light and fluid.
Do you remember your first jacket?
Yes, it was really an important milestone in my life. It was the beginning of my love affair with elegance.
I was 15 and wanted to express my style and look elegant at school, so I bought my first suit from Massimo Dutti. It really wasn’t anything incredible: it was a light blue jacket, with two flap pockets and double vents at the back. It was actually a little too tight.
Obviously, my style has evolved enormously over the years, but that first purchase left a lasting impression on me. My classmates made fun of me at first, but by the end of the year they were asking me for advice on how to improve their style. I already knew quite well what I wanted in life.
What is your favourite watch?
REXHEP REXHEPI!
It’s a brand I discovered while studying watchmaking. Rexhep Rexhepi fled the war at the age of 11 to join his father in Switzerland. He trained at Patek Philippe from the age of 15, and at 25 founded his own independent high-end watchmaking brand, Atelier Akrivia, in Geneva, becoming a global star in the world of watchmaking.
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
For elegance: fountain pen.
For convenience: ballpoint pen.
For my tailoring appointments: the Apple Pencil! I’ll let you judge me for that one!
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
Mine!
I was 14 when I started sewing as a self-taught enthusiast, and I’m 29 today, so I’ve gained a tremendous amount of experience since then.
Last year, I trained in Milan in the method of Master Paolo Lentini, and I can say that my suits are now more perfect than ever.
I imagine they’ll be even better in ten years, but for now, I really feel that I’ve found the cuts, style and comfort that suit me perfectly.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
Learning!
I’m curious about everything. There are so many things that interest me, and I hope I’ll have many more years ahead of me to learn about all kinds of different subjects.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Niche fragrances. My latest purchase was BDK Gris Charnel.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
I don’t have one particular style icon, but I really like the way Korean men dress. I also love the style of Assisi Sartoria. Everything is perfectly balanced, and nothing is left to chance.
I’m drawn towards this kind of elegance, while perhaps keeping my own slightly more original touch.
The best book you ever read?
My sister-in-law recently gave me The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love by bell hooks. It may well become my new favourite book.
Which city should one go shopping?
Florence, without a doubt!
Tweed or flannel?
Flannel! I particularly like Drago’s “Rugby” flannel, which I think offers excellent value for money among high-end fabrics.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I think it’s DiverXO in Madrid. I haven’t had the chance to go yet, but there’s a good chance it’s the restaurant I would enjoy the most. Madrid is an exceptional city when it comes to gastronomy. I lived in Spain for ten years, and I think that, in some way, I’ll always be drawn back to that country.
Describe your style in three words?
Classic, but never following the rules.
I don’t necessarily put myself in a box. I like constantly trying new things.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
My Singer treadle sewing machine!
Since my training in Milan, I’ve turned to an old-fashioned model with a traditional treadle. It allows me to make very supple stitches and achieve even greater comfort — which is what you’re looking for when you wear bespoke clothing.
In my opinion, Singer makes the best sewing machines!