A Collected Gentleman

A Collected Interview:

The Gentleman Bentley 

What inspired you become a  blogger?

My inspiration to become a blogger came from my love of fashion, and affluent articles. I wanted a place where I could fully express myself…my thoughts, my views, on all things that were of interest to me. As a result, IntroducingMrBentley.tumblr.com was created.

What inspired you to create custom lapel pins?

 The Idea of the Original Bentley Boutonniere came from me noticing that the selection available for mens accessories was extremely lacking. Women have just about every bobble and bracelet you could possibly imagine to help accessorize their attire. We men, aren’t so fortunate. Watches, rings, maybe a bracelet or two. We are very basic. Lapel pins have been around since the mid 1700’s, then referred to as Boutonnieres, they were primarily reserved for dignitaries, high ranking officials, and/or royalty. Later in time they became popular for special occasions prom, weddings etc. It was rather obvious to me, that the boutonniere was something that could be utilized as a means to fill the gaping void in mens accessories. After researching the pedigree of the boutonniere and spending even longer in my design lab, I was finally able to come up with a design that utilized the essence and heritage of the boutonniere, while presenting it in a way, that would allow the modern day gentleman to wear it on an everyday basis. Thus The Gentleman Bentley Boutonniere was born.

Talk a little bit more about your collection 

The idea of the Luxe collection was birthed during an evening of heavy creative brainstorming, and a bottle of Bourbon. 

With the Luxe Collection, I took the idea of the Bentley Boutonniere one step further. The new Bentley Boutonnière Luxe Collection, utilizes a combination of rich, supple, cow hide, tanned ostrich hides, woven tapestries, studs, and antiqued hardware. Their designs are both edgy and relaxed, providing a perfect visual nuance for everything from denim to leather. 

The purpose of the new collection, is to bridge the gap, between the Traditional Dandy Gentleman, and the New Age Gentleman Rebel. 

Not every occasion/ensemble calls for the more formal look of the Original Bentley Boutonnière. The New Luxe Collection, provides an additional option, for those donning more casual attire… While still providing the essential polish required by any true Gentleman. 

How’s the style represented in Ohio?

 Unfortunately being in the midwest…Ohio is almost without a style identity right now. We are almost always 2-3yrs BEHIND in fashion. As a result of this the people dress quite the same.The majority of my clients as you can imagine are from out of state, all of the US. I’ve made things available here, and its catching on. Slowly, but then people in the midwest don’t adapt to change to well.

What’s your definition of a Gentleman?

Being a true gentleman is more than throwing on a suit, more than opening up a door or two…it’s about carrying oneself with the utmost integrity. A gentleman is an exemplary figure that inspires others to advance to their own next level. He is respectable, responsible, dependable, and yes, stylish, but not limited by others’ expectations.

What do you think you’ll dress like in ten years?

 Hopefully the same, but with the refinement that comes with even more age and experience.

What season do you feel like your style is at its highest level?

Autumn - I enjoy how the fluctuating temperatures make layering appropriate. And the availability of so much texture - tweeds, wools, richer leathers, makes everything so much more visually stimulating

 You’ve had great success with your pins do you see yourself venturing off into maybe making tie/bow ties or even pocket squares?

 I like the idea of expanding into the accessory market, however, bow ties and pocket squares seem a little obvious. There are already a myriad of artisans making ties/pocket squares currently, I can’t see myself following the exact same path. But I do have my mind on other things…

How do you feel about the state of menswear and how it’s expressed

As of recently, it has been injected with life - menswear design and manufacture (especially suiting) using the original artistry, but with more modern styling. The younger generation has caught on, and are expressing their own personal style utilizing their own spin on menswear. Its all quite refreshing.

Do you feel like Menswear is a term that’s overused?

Clothing for men is simply menswear. You can’t get any more straightforward than that.

What are your favorite menswear shops?

Mr. Porter, Killgore Trout, Cuffs, Banana Republic and J. Crew - to name a few. Saks has a great selection as well

 What are you most looking forward to wearing in the spring?

 Vivid colors and lighter textiles.

 If you could shop with any celebrity/fashion icon for one day who would it be.

Nickelson Wooster

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

 Ah yes… the 8 Million dollar question. I would truly love to be able to predict what direction or plan GOD has in store for me. I’m truly just along for the ride. Where my destination may lead me… only He knows.

ACG: What keeps you inspired?

TGB: Originality - I read and research fashion, and style constantly. Both foreign and domestic. This along with my own personal sense of experimentation