17 questions to a well-dressed man – Vincent Pauwels
Photocredit: gkayacan
In Brussels, refinement still speaks softly through the tilt of a hat, the touch of a fine glove, and the quiet assurance of a man who understands the meaning of elegance. Vincent Pauwels, who owns together with his family the style institutions Monsel and Ganterie Italienne in Brussels, embodies this understated grace. His two boutiques, both sanctuaries of craftsmanship, remind us that beauty begins with devotion to quality, to form, and to the human hand.
Vincent is not simply a shopkeeper; he is a curator of gestures and textures, a guardian of the old European art of dressing well. His vision is rooted in authenticity. Where elegance is not performance, but presence.
Vincent was so kind to share his sense of style with us through 17 Questions to a Well-Dressed Man. And his answers you can read here today.
What are you wearing today?
A light green jacket , light beige pants , green tie and pair of loafers.
If you had to choose to spend money either on a suit or on a watch, what would you choose?
Difficult question, it depends on the moment.
What jewellery could a man wear?
What he wants, but for me less is more, so a watch.
Tie or a bowtie?
Tie
Do you remember your first jacket?
Not really, I think it was when I was 15..
What is your favourite watch?
For now the one I have : an old lip T18 roman dial for the year 40’s.
My dreamwatch : an old Omega or an Cartier tank
Fountain pen or ballpoint?
Ballpoint
Have you found the perfect garment yet?
I just ordered my first bespoke suit (by Suly Mastrogiovanni), so i hope it’s this one.
Explain your biggest passion in one sentence?
I have too many passions: reading , listening to music, going to concerts , watching my football team play...
What is your guilty pleasure?
Sleep till late on my days off.
Who is the best dressed man in the world for you?
Nowadays I think Gui Bo.
The best book you ever read?
Another difficult one , I have read too many books to choose one. Some of my favourite authors: Richard Russo , Stephen King , John Kennedy Toole...
Which city should one go shopping?
It’s not a question of city but more of the place.
Tweed or flannel?
Both.
The most elegant restaurant in the world for you?
I hope the next one I visit!
Describe your style in three words?
In general a suit and otherwise casual chic.
Best purchase you did in the last 6 months?
My first apartment.