In celebration of newly launched men's e-commerce site MR PORTER, NOWNESS invited Dutch animator Christian Borstlap to create a cast of bons vivants who embody the looks and lifestyle pursuits of the platform's fictional namesake. “A man wearing a Charvet shirt will look good, but wearing the same shirt whilst playing the tuba makes him look even better," Borstlap riffs. The brainchild of Net-a-Porter founder Natalie Massenet, MR PORTER pairs discerning fashion editorial, overseen by editor-in-chief Jeremy Langmead (formerly of British Esquire), with on-trend offerings from the likes of Burberry, Ralph Lauren and Band of Outsiders. “The MR PORTER customer is anyone who wants or has to look good—wherever he is in the world,” Langmead explains. Inspired by the site’s Style Council feature, in which sartorially savvy gentlemen reveal the contents of their little black books and closets, we turned the tables on Langmead.
What is your favorite restaurant? Which dish would you recommend?
Wheelers Oyster Bar, Whitstable, Kent (try the oysters in Guinness batter). Due to the restaurant's smallness, you have to nerdily book months in advance.
What is your favorite bar?
In the summer, the rooftop at Shoreditch House; in the winter, downstairs at Odette’s in Primrose Hill.
What do you use to carry your stuff to work in?
A Bottega Veneta satchel.
Who or what is your favorite designer/brand?
I vary from season to season: this summer Lanvin, S.N.S Herning, Rag & Bone and John Lobb.
What is the most essential item in your wardrobe?
A crisp pale blue shirt. The right one can freshen you up, straighten you out and give the day some zing.
Whose style, dead or alive, do you most respect?
Halston. He had a uniform and stuck to it.
What is your number one style tip?
Good manners.
What is your favorite style and brand of shoe?
John Lobb brown loafer; Jack Purcell white sneaker.
Which gadget can you not do without?
Juicer.
What is your favorite album and why?
I can’t pick just one as I change my mind all the time. Currently: Breaking Glass by Hazel O’Connor (can’t think of one valid reason why); Broken Bells by Broken Bells (beautiful); Blue by Joni Mitchell (other people’s misery can be strangely cheering), Body Talk Pt. 1 by Robyn (holiday soundtrack), and Hunky Dory by David Bowie (genius).