Aaron Levine, 36, is the vice president of menswear design for Club Monaco, the north American casual label. He lives with his wife in Westchester County, New York. Its preppy Made in the USA collection is available exclusively in Britain from Anthem in Shoreditch.
Describe your personal style
I try to not look silly while not taking myself too serious. I think about the men in my family and I try and dress in a way that is always appropriate and would be acceptable to them. I try to dress comfortably and in a way that's honest to who I am as a person.
What to you is the essence of men's style?
Confidence and individuality. If a man is comfortable in his own skin, chances are he'll look good no matter what he's wearing; and personal integrity trumps all.
What was the first item of clothing you ever bought for yourself?
Honestly, I can't remember that far back. Probably the first item of clothing I remember spending my lawn-mowing money on was from the local surf shop. I loved the local surf shop. The artwork from the 1980s skate culture was so great. Simply going to the local surf shop was an experience to look forward to. You weren't going to the mall like everyone else. You had to make a conscious decision to go out of your way to that one shop to pick up the goods not everyone was going to have. You also just spent time there with people who had similar interests.
The first piece of "grown-up" clothing I bought was a Brooks Brothers coat for "professional attire". My perception of how to dress has changed pretty drastically since then. I still have it. It's in a clea r plastic bin in my basement where I keep my archives. It's good for a laugh.
Any fashion teenage faux-pas you'd rather forget...?
The worst teenage faux pas I remember was wanting to buy the same thing that a popular kid in high school wore. I thought that if I bought what this guy had, I would be cool, which is a truly horrible thought. At that age, when you're so young and the whole world is at your fingertips, you waste time being self-conscious and thinking about trivial things like that.
Tell us about the oldest item in your wardrobe
I get emotionally attached to everything in my wardrobe. I have clear plastic bins filled with things I won't throw out. I always feel like that, in my profession, there will come a time when I may need every single thing I've ever owned and if I happen to throw something out that I may need down the road, how foolish would that be? I'm also sort of a hoarder, which comes in handy as a designer. At least, that's how I justify it to my wife.
What's the most expensive thing you've ever bought, clothing-wise?
There were a couple sport coats that were expensive and a topcoat or two. I'm really hard on my things, almost relentless. I can destroy a nice piece of clothing pretty quickly because I get into the habit of wearing things over and over, day in and day out. So I bought a decent watch that I know will stand the test of time. It will be hard to wear that out.
What are your sartorial pet hates?
It used to be, "Life's too short" and now it's "To each their own." I have things that I wouldn't do personally, but if it makes someone else happy or feel good about themselves than good for them.
How many pairs of shoes do you have?
I've completely taken over my wife's closet with my footwear. I'm not going to give you an actual number because it's quite embarrassing.
And jeans?
Maybe five or six pairs.
Favourite brand of jeans?
We're working on a really solid pair here at Club Monaco with a US factory that is quickly becoming my ultimate go-to.
Favourite tailor?
There are a couple that I frequent. I used to have a great relationship with one of the tailors at Bergdorf Goodman. I worked in the same building, so it was convenient and consistent. Now that I work in another part of the city, I've completely lost ties with her. This city is funny like that. As a crow flies, she's no more than a couple miles away. In New York terms, she might as well be in California.
This autumn you're mainly wearing...
I have this cotton/wool blazer that we made for Club Monaco in a factory based here in the US as well. I wear it all the time. I dress it up and dress it down. It never feels out of place.
Who are your style heroes?
Several of my friends have great style. I'm not going to say who. If they read this, they'll get bigger heads than they already have. It goes back to what I said before: the guys who are most comfortable with who they are, and if they have the ability to not take themselves too seriously truly have the best style.
And who from the past had great style?
I'm fond of artists, photographers and mechanics - basically anyone whose style is driven out of function. The authentic style is rooted in the individual.
What fragrance do you wear?
Patchouli by Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella .
In a parallel life, what would you be doing instead of your current job?
I usually cheat at this question. I say that if I weren't doing this exactly, I'd be doing some form of this. The truth is, I love being creative and constructive. I love working with my hands and using my brain. I guess that narrows it down to anything from building furniture to being a park ranger and anything in between.
Which menswear designers do you admire?
There are so many people working on such inspiring product that I can't narrow it down to just a few. I love small designers who are doing it for the love of the game, all the way up to design houses that have been around forever that specialise in making the best product in the world. Each has its appropriate end use. That's like asking, "What's your favorite song?" There are too many to list without being disrespectful to all the other greats out there.
Which is the best dressed nation?
I would say different nations in different eras. I'm more inspired by the individual style and character than a nation in particular. I love being surprised.
Boxers or briefs?
Come on! Whatever's clean.
Jeans or chinos?
Denim.
Suit or blazer?
Blazer.
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