An Interview with Gents Cafe
Meet Mr John-Paul Stuthridge from Liverpool, UK, Etiquette Consultant & Founder of Man For Today (@manfortoday).
This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
For those who may not know, I often contribute articles for Gents Cafe, from which several articles here were originally published. Recently, as part of the Community Talks series, I took part in a short interview and thought it would be best to repost here.
If you don’t know much about me personally, then here is a small window you may take a peak into.
John-Paul, how do you define your style?
The word ‘classic’ probably fails to answer the question, but I personally aim to have a style that’s timeless and simple but still stands out – noteworthy elegance, if you like. Well-put together, but unfussy. Style-wise, it’s probably an Anglo-Italian hybrid.
What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
I think it boils down to values, which includes values about the way you look and present yourself. You have to look as good as the person you really are. What’s the point in being a really nice and courteous guy but lack that extra value of self-presentation. Likewise, what’s the point in dressing well if you’re frankly horrid? You have to hold yourself to a physical standard too. When combined, I think the modern gentleman has a robust arsenal of skills and traits that people like and admire. If they don’t, then something’s wrong.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
I’m not creative. I can’t look at old magazines or whatever and come up with these divinely inspired outfits. Instead, I follow a lot of gentleman on Instagram who dress superbly, and I pick out exactly what pieces I think would work for me and then try to find them. There are some figures who I take a great deal of inspiration from in that regard such as James Bond (as portrayed by Daniel Craig).
His Majesty The King’s ensembles over the years while he was Prince of Wales too, not to mention Edward VI and VIII – that aspect of English tailoring I adore and slip into the wardrobe where possible.
I’m also refreshingly inspired by non-sartorialists. That is, men who are respectable and successful in their own right who also happen to dress very elegantly. Alexander Kraft and Christian Sieber are some honourable mentions for me.
What’s your personal style signifier?
It’s a navy jacket of some sort. There’s a navy quilted Barbour I live in throughout Autumn, a navy suede bomber in the spring, and now a navy knitted blazer. Jackets aside even, there’s always something navy going on.
In accessory to that, it’s my Omega Seamaster, which was a graduation gift.
What are your favourite wardrobe essentials?
I’ve come to regard having a selection of white (cream, sand, whatever) trousers as essential for me. They’re just so clean and elegant but not often seen on other men, which is another reason to like them. I live in such trousers all summer.
High-waisted trousers with side-adjusters being a must.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
The one thing I never feel like an imposter about is philosophy. I’m married to my academic interests in philosophy. I try keeping up to date with academia where possible and still keep in contact with former tutors. Nothing makes me happier than a 3 hour philosophy debate with a friend over the deepest questions in life, as much as others may dread it. I feel similar about History too.
That has probably informed my second passion, which is travelling. Going to some medieval European city to hear the concerts, see the galleries, wander into breathtaking churches, and see the best of the continent. I could do it all year round – God willing.
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
A decent lie-in, a thorough cleaning, planning the week, a lamb roast is a plus, and a long hot bath. If I can squeeze in an outing for a quick walk and coffee somewhere nice then that’s ideal, but the rest alone suffices.
Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us what’s the next destination on your bucket list.
Going to Poland in 2018 was a unique experience since it was the first time travelling alone in a destination I felt was completely tailored to my interests, as I’ve described. My first trip to Russia too without question as that took a lot of planning, but it made me return some months later to then live there for a few years; tribulations, joy, language learning, minus 45 winters… one incredible extended trip, shall we say.
As I write this, I’m preparing to go to Prague, one of those European cities I’ve dreamed of visiting, next there’s Madrid and then Poland (again).
In my heart, however, Italy remains No.1 on the bucket list.
Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.
Johnnie Walker Black Label. About eight or nine years ago I remember watching a clip of Christopher Hitchens saying it was a staple for him, so I gave it a go. My proclivities for an Old-Fashioned have never looked back.
What are your three favourite books?
Crown & Country by David Starkey.
The best and most riveting summary from the beginning of the English monarchy to the very recent and now – of course – British monarchy.
An Introduction to Beauty by Roger Scruton.
A book I’ve returned to a few times to understand the philosophical nature of Beauty.
The Spirit of The Age by William Hazlitt.
Any lover of the English language will appreciate Hazlitt’s masterful writing.
What are your three favourite movies?
Grease
Don’t ask.
Casino Royale (2006)
Is this not just the perfect Bond film?
I’m going to cheat and throw in a series (which has two film productions actually)…
Downton Abbey
Probably my favourite series of all time.
