RSS
Home
Brett Fahlgren: the gentleman’s stylist
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
Avid readers of GQ may recognize Brett Fahlgren (pictured right). As a style correspondent for the mag, he doesn’t have that over-the-top caricature of the stereotypical stylist (can we say, “Carson Kressley”). He looks like – a gentleman with a classic style fused with modern details. Often seen in dapper, yet simple attire on the pages of the magazine, he has a clientele that includes celebrities, athletes and Wall Street dudes, and he is, in fact, the stylist for the man’s man.
Switching gears from political science (that’s what he studied in college), Fahlgren’s tryst with fashion started when he moved to New York and took a job as a receptionist for Calvin Klein.
“It was my first job,” says Fahlgren. “I did that and sort of worked my way up.”
He took his adoration for fashion and became the special events director for Prada. Fast forward to a couple of years after, and GQ scooped him up as a style correspondent.
“It was a nice big step up,” says Fahlgren. “GQ immediately threw me in the mix and I had to host events. They flew me to this event in Chicago and I was terrified." He laughs. "I really love working for the magazine.”
As a style correspondent Fahlgren also goes on television and talks about trends, but a lot of his work is through GQ’s styling service for men who want to put a jolt of dapper charm into their wardrobe.
“Guys like to shop very quickly,” says Fahlgren. “My clients call me up and I hook them up with clothes. Very simple. I’ll go to stores in advance and pull clothes in their size. They show up and that’s that. (Fashion) is definitely a passion of mine. I was fortunate enough to work for great labels like Calvin Klein and Prada which are understated, simple and classic. That’s how I approach (styling). I don’t really do it over-the-top and that’s why it works. It resonates with a lot of the guys I work with. I come at it with an angle of understated and classic – but at the same time, modern.”
Last month, when Fahlgren (representing GQ, of course) hosted a swank event at Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, we chatted about winter trends, “green” fashion, his personal sense of style and psycho bunnies.
Many guys are stubborn when it comes to trying new things. How do you give style advice without shoving it down their throats?
You have to feel out different guys. They all shop differently. Some are open to new things; others are not. I usually bring them a safe bet. I just show them how to wear it. There are certain things that guys should look at – like V-neck sweaters. Those are such cool items. V-necks layered over a nice white shirt - that’s something a guy might not wear. I give them transitional key pieces that you can use a lot. Whether wearing something like that to the office, at night or on the weekend – they are usually open to that. With something like an overcoat, instead of going for something really heavy like most guys have, go with something that’s more like a topcoat. It’s just taking things that they already have and having them look at it in a different angle – updating the silhouette, style and color. They are very open to it.
Saks Fifth Avenue Cashmere V-neck Sweater, $137.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue
What is one thing a guy could do to switch things up in their wardrobe?
A quick upgrade is their shirts and their ties and how they put them together. A lot of men have difficulty with them. That’s a quick way to upgrade your style.
Ties are definitely making a comeback, right?
With ties, guys are wearing them in non-traditional ways. Even though a lot of guys don’t need to wear a tie to the office, a lot of guys wear them when they go out at night. We always feature striped ties – they are preppy notes on a look. I like the Psycho Bunny ties – it’s kind of cool and irreverent. (Saks) has a whole table dedicated to it.
Psycho Bunny Classic Bunny Stripe Tie, $115 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Eco-friendly or “green” trends is very big here in San Francisco, what do you think about “green” fashion? Do you think it’s more than a trend or a movement.
It’s still a niche market. People understand what organic food is – with clothing, I don’t think they quite get it yet – but it is gaining momentum. I think it’s in between and a trend and a movement.
Do you need expensive clothes to look good?
That is not necessary at all. You can find designers, whether expensive or moderately priced, and mix it to make it look expensive. I think it’s how you put it together that’s important. The first thing I ask my clients is how much they want to spend so I can take them to certain stores in New York. Obviously, I love Saks Fifth Avenue because they have a huge selection of items. You can find items that are not that expensive and still look really sharp.
What are some of the trends that men should take note of this winter?
Tweed is huge – especially in the winter. It’s definitely time to get the tweeds and flannel out of the back of your closet. It’s all about layering. It has to have layers, texture and contrast. Tougher shearling jackets is another key category – but more grungy and distressed. Instead of suede, you’ll see it in black – kind of a motorcycle silhouette.
Here are some other trends for the winter season. And when I saw “we” I am referring to men – but you gals should take note for that special gentleman in your life.
Edun Wool Cardigan, $128.90 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Fahlgren’s winter trend #1: “A cardigan sweater is so key for guys. I tell guys to wear it under their suit jacket. If a guy goes out and it gets cold, instead of putting a big overcoat on and losing the style, just layer a sweater or zip sweater under the suit jacket. A lot of guys want to make it easy to go out after a day at the office. They want to make it easy and simple. A thing like a zip cardigan in your briefcase will really pull your whole look together.”
Brioni Solid Pocket Square, $90 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Fahlgren’s winter trend #2: “Men are paying more attention to accessories like tie clips – the whole ‘Mad Men’ look is gaining momentum. The way to pull your entire look together is your shoes of course. They frame your look. It’s one of the last things someone looks at your silhouette. Watches are always important. Pocket squares are important too. Those small subtle things that pull your look together, are really important.”
Armani Collezioni Gingham Dress Shirt, $255 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Fahlgren’s winter trend #3: “Gingham check shirts is a nice way to make your look pop.”
.jpg)
Cartier Roadster Watch, $4,825 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Fahlgren’s winter trend #4: “Guys love their watches. It’s like a man’s jewelry.”
Theory Wool/Linen Vest, $112.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue
Fahlgren’s winter trend #5: “The vest has really maintained popularity throughout the seasons.”
And finally...
Fahlgren’s winter trend #6: “Fit is impeccable.”
If you want to ask Brett Fahlgren for some style advice, email him at stylecorrespondent@gq.com.
Related Articles:
Add a Comment
