Ah man growing up in the Bronx the wrong people steered me 🤣, the Wu Tang Clan 👐🏾 specially a deceased chap by the name of Old Dirty Bastard 🤦🏻♂️, but now I’m grown and professional and learning the ways with gentlemen like you into Chap Nirvana 🤵🏽♂️
Oh! I do SO look forward to your videos Ash. What a brilliant roll-call of well dressed men. Cary Grant not only dressed impeccably but carried himself so well also. Apparently, on David Niven's death a large floral wreath was sent by the baggage handlers from Heathrow Airport because he always made them feel like gentlemen as they carried his luggage through. Need we say more.
You are right. I remember Ash mentioned that anecdote in a very fine video dedicated to David Niven. He was not only a dapper man but. most importantly, a true gentleman, but that I mean courteous and kind to EVERYONE.
I didn’t know that, but I always got the impression that David Niven was a kind and generous man. Same with Cary Grant - always impeccable. And it’s a key part of being a ‘chap’ - it’s not just how you dress, but also how you carry yourself, and treat others.
Steve McQueen ... the 'King of Cool', whether on his motorcycle in a tee & jeans, in a 3 piece suit in The Thomas Crown Affair, or whatever - with a lot of 'sprezz' to boot!
Mads Mikkelsen is definitely a candidate for well dressed actor today. Funk GB, Hugo Jacomet, and Guillermo Bo are sartorial standouts. We recently lost Edward Sexton who was an amazing tailor but always well dressed. From the past, I would definitely say Fred Astaire and Gregory Peck belong in the Pantheon of gentlemen.
Glad you picked Stan Tucci. As I watch this the evening news anchor is dressed so well I believe he must watch your presentations. I thing your discussions are making a difference.
Greetings from Toronto. My friend's father was the Benson of Benson, Perry and Whitley at 9 Cork Street in London who were the tailors for David Niven and Ian Fleming. I am currently reading Cary Grant: A Celebration Of Style which is a great read and yes, he had body flaws like all the rest of us.
Great list Ash...Love Carry Grant, David Niven and the early Bonds. I would also add Michael Caine to the mix as his outfits in the Italian Job and Get Carter are iconic. He a Anthony Sinclair as his personal tailor who also made suits for all Connery Bond films. In today world I would agree with Cavil , who wears Huntsman btw, and Hugo Jacomet who is the number one reason for me to start dressing better almost 15 years ago.
As a kid growing up in the 60s I was always impressed with Sean Connery Cary Grant David Niven. Patrick macnee. I loved watching the Man from Uncle The avengers and I am a big James Bond fan. All of these and my father all made a big impact on my style. Though I am a very big Tweed fan I'm not quite sure where I acquired the love for these wool jackets. Sean Connery perhaps but it may just be my love for the British country sports style. Anyway great video and content as usual Ash. I really liked your examples. Cheers Ron.
Great picks here! Love Tucci's style in 'Searching for Italy' That photo of Agnelli makes me question whether I could pull off the new 75th Anniversary Ploprof... Keep it up!
Nice video Ash. The thing that all these icons have in common is physique and a sense of the appropriate. l have the temerity to suggest that if we saw any one of them at the beach or barbeque in shorts and flip-flops, they would still be stylish and iconic, but less formal. My only reservation about your list is Mr Tucci , whose style is too eclectic for my taste.
I would put our Ash on the list. Just for his style and his true dedication to the quest of beeing a chap and letting others benefit from his experience. Ash, thank you for being so kind and authentic. You encourage me to care better for myself and shine a little more in polished shoes, ironed shirts and soon also with a pocket square and mirror shine.
Extraordinary video you are a proffesional influencer now in a class of your own. Continue doing well, may the lord bless you and keep you for helping boys become men and men clean up their image and lives. 💪🏾
I'm happy that you mentioned Cary Grant in your opening into this subject. He would be the epitomy for me too. Even in casual mode he looked great but then i guess all these guys do. Have you done a video on smart casual yet?
Great video.Just a note,the Council of American Tailors in 1989 voted comedian Don Rickles as best dressed stage presence,(Arsenio Hall,Donald Trump,Michael Douglas,and Placido Domingo were other picks)
I think the further we look back, the more sartorial inspiration we find because charisma above all else, on-and-off screen was held to a premium. David Niven for me is nonpareil; his wit was matched only by his graciousness. William Powell as well should be remembered not necessarily for his attractive physicality or physiognomy but his savoir-vivre. Both epitomized what we once called ‘gentlemen’.
Fantastic again... I found an old photo of my late dad that belonged to my mother from her childhood.... the frame (bakerlite) fell apart... Mr Grant was behind the photo of my dad. As you say, his style lives on as fresh as ever, photoshop say... Clooney's head on the images, you'd never know the vintage of the clobber. Sadly, on the subject of scores, I'm a 5.9nearly/5+/ and a flagon rather than a six-pack. thanks Ash.
Ash, those are fine choices of well dressed gentlemen, and some more to consider are Idris Elba, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere, and Alec Baldwin. Also , check out the cast of The Secret of my Success, Pretty Woman, and Wall Street. All of the characters in those films are impeccably dressed.
Richard Madden is all I can say….Been saying it /hoping for it for years🤞. Excellent observations of Mr. Tucci…The passion I have for my Trailmaster increased and ascended to the heavens when I saw him wearing one as well.
Ash… we all can appreciate the well appointed appearance of your choices. The challenge for us is that we may not have the seemingly unlimited resources of tailors and capital that they have. What comments/recommendations do you have for those of us that choose to dress well however are more budget restricted. Dressing well incorporates a mindset of excellence. I believe that I have that…. I’d like some imaginative direction to accommodate the fact that I am now retired and live in the warmer climate of Scottsdale Arizona. Please respond. Thank you.
If King Charles is mentioned as a style icon, then I feel, one must not forget to mention his late father Prince Philip, who was also always a very dapper dresser.
I try to balance Cary Grant's conservativism and formality, Fred Astaire's nonchalance and individualism, and perhaps Gordon Gekko's love of ornate ties and being overdressed. In fact, it wouldn't be a long shot to describe my style preferences as "Grant's formal traditionalism meets Gekko's dandyish love of the ornate." You'd be hard-pressed to find me without a relatively classic suit, gold-tone cufflinks, a collar clip, slicked-back hair, and red ties that aren't out of place on a Victorian hotel's walls - not to mention vintage fur come winter. For black and white tie, meanwhile, Astaire is a great go-to. I respect Gianni's sense of the relaxed, and I imitate some sprezzatura details, but I find that the best way to look natural and effortless in a suit is for it to be second-nature. I often leave single-breasted suits unbuttoned by sheer grace of not even noticing I'm wearing it, have a relaxed posture in relaxed environments, and don't play with my suit too much. Haphazardly messed-up accessories and asymmetrical ties are fine and dandy, but they can't compensate for not being genuinely comfortable - physically and mentally - in a suit. (I'll still be undoing my admittedly rare barrel-cuff buttons and tilting my hats, anyway, thank you very much.)
Ash, I recently watched again the classic British gangster film “Sexy Beast” and thought Ray Winstone’s summer style (being set in Spain) flash, but very classy and suave. Could I have your opinion? There are clips on here. Thank you!
Can't say I can point to anyone specifically that you didn't mention Ash. Really great list, and like some others have said, Stanley Tucci just has a lot of things down. Wish I could cook like him too.
Good morning Ash I'm a day behind on this as I was back in the 1940s yesterday where there were plenty of gentlemen in sharp suits. I tough was sweltering in Battledress I concur with all of your selected icons and excellent points thereon. Might I add suggestions: James Stewart, another tall actor and former USAAF bomber pilot. Always stylish. The (new) Prince of Wales and his Sons are maintaining the standard set by their Father/ Grandfather, but with a contemporary twist. Although not a celebrity, might I proffer LtCol Johnny Thompson, the King's equerry. Many of my lady friends are enamoured of him (maybe it's the Kilt🤔). He has been a visible presence through the last year of Royal events. I think this could become a new series of videos as I see many valid suggestions hereunder on the comments. Until next time *Salutes
For the benefit of the English readers, I shall reproduce the definition of "sprezzatura" according to the Enciclopedia Treccani, the Italian equivalent to the Encyclopaedia Britannica: "An ostentatiously casual attitude of studied nonchalance on the part of someone who feels very sure of himself and of his means" The expression was coined by the famous Italian writer and nobleman Baldassare Castiglione (1478-1529) The word derives from "essere sprezzante" (to be contemptuous) therefore "sprezzatura" means to show disdain/contempt for the sartorial rules by breaking them but with a clear purpose in mind. The English/French word equivalent to "sprezzatura" is "flamboyance"
Cary Grant!!...YES!! Classic AND timeless!!... You forgot to mention that Lazenby was the ONLY Bond to wear full Highland dress at the dinner scene at Blofeld's lair. If I would add any one else to this list, it would be Clark Gable (who also had WW2 credentials as a B17 bomber gunner..) and of course, Steve McQueen... Especially in the films 'Bullitt' and the original 'Thomas Crown Affair' which BTW, was remade in the 90s with (surprise, surprise!!) Piece Brosnan... Both elegant in their wool 3 piece ensembles in both movies
Ah, a lovely overview of stylish men which I completely concur with! I really like the "Moore bonds" much less, but that's a) a matter of the time and b) of partially abysmal silly writing, not the fault of Moore who looks way better "post-Bond" in my opinion. I'd add two more historical persons who I consider iconic and who's style certainly matters to me and that would be HM Edward VII, the eternal Prince of Wales and the inventor and/or popularizer of too many sartorial conventions to count (originator of the "last button left open" convention, adapted the Homburg from a hunting hat worn in the Taunus mountains to a dress hat just below the top hat just to point out two well known sartorial achievements), also bonus points for me because he always looked dapper and was a fairly substantial Gentlemen most of his life, and then there's Gustav Stresemann, Chanceller in `23, later foreign minster, in the Weimar Era, who popularized the Stroller Suit to such a degree that it is known in Germany as "The Stresemann" and has become essentially the most formal suit a German politician will ever wear. (Also the name of the most beautiful variation of the Pelikan Souverän fountain pen😉) Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
One thing you neglect to mention is that these actors were styled by other style specialists. A really good example is Sean Connery, by his own admission a " jock roughneck" as he once stated on Parkinson. He was taken to Saville Row and " dressed" by more sophistocated, elegent people. Height is not in my view an important considerstion to be stylish, Daniel Craig is 5'10, and looks equally menacing as Connery's 6'2. Harold Sakata (Odd Job in Goldfiner) was 5'9 /10. He was a broad, thick set man and quite easily threw Connery around the set like a little boy in their encounters. He also looked awesome in a suite too - his phyicality added to his charisma and style. Just to balance it out, physically smaller men both in size and/or bulk can find it hard to look charasmatic, but still look stylish to a point. Physical presence does have a considerable impact on style albeit in a subtly indirect way. One's voice and cadence also adds to the overall flavour of style as well. High pitched voices are cartoonish and silly, deeper or more modulated voices are seen as sexy and " intelligent". Interestingly, when Harrison Ford is interviewed he lowers his voice considerably in UK interviews, he is then more high pitched in his speech for the US chatshows! Great video Ash.❤
Certainly Connery had the raw materials, and Guy Hamilton formed them into what became a super star. Hamilton would have been a good example himself, and I would suggest, a type all too rarely seen in the UK today. But then WWII did seem to throw up numbers of blokes who could bring off the commanding personality thing very successfully indeed.
@@daniell2217 if you were 6'2, you'd still be wishing you were 6'6. I'm 5'10 and 17 stone. I'm not a porker, but well built. I get guys over 6ft calling me a big guy. Most of my colleagues in work are 6ft plus, but I dont t not feel small or inadequate. 5'8 is fine, but if you have a small or skinny build, get in the gym and build yourself up. That will boost your confidence and self esteem, along with a good sized heel! I recall the Englishman John McCarthy ( lebanon kidnapping) who was also 5'8 and spoke with a superb speaking voice. He had such a presence. His height ( or lack of it) has nothing to do with his personal charisma.
I have many Savile Row suits made by G&H and Henry Poole and made a conscience decision to avoid solids for pinstripes, herringbone & muted Prince of Wales plaids. Does this make me a sartorial apostate based on your video? I'm a built similar to Cavell though I don't have his height. I must be doing something right here in styleless conscious LA. For where one of my high-end suits I get lots of compliments.
I've always considered the best dressed gentlemen are the ones who can style, or add an accessory to their appearance differently to others. However subtly, or without undue cost. In other words, those who have the unique ability to exhibit and lead style successfully rather than merely follow the norm. Few can do this. But when one sees it, one instinctively knows.
There are no celebrities who I look to emulate as style icons, but I do resonate with characters I see. I do like modern James Bond, with the move to practical, yet stylish attire. While I do dress well, I am not one to walk around in a sportscoat or suit while out and about everyday, but instead look for things like classic knitwear, dark indigo denim, and Harrington or brown minimalist leather jackets.
Just look at a film from the 20s (silent B&W like Stsn&Laurel) to the 60s and all are style icons. Some more impressive than others but all respectable even the statists and side actors.
I've often regarded Fred Astaire as an interesting icon of men's style. He brought the graceful elegance of his dance routines to everything he wore, from top hat, white tie, and tails, to suits, sport coats, and blazers. Astaire was also, to my knowledge, one of the pioneers of the trend of wearing a tie as a belt with trousers, especially in the summer months. (He was also a distinctive, and much under-rated vocalist, in my opinion.)
Thank you again, an insight into which I entirely agree with. I suppose being slim, lean, handsome and dressed by others with an eye and a budget for style make me less inclined to revere some of the more traditional choices of best dressed men. It's relatively easy for them. However I've always admired Agnelli and loved his eccentric eye-catching touches to his attire. I'm also glad you did a section on Henry Cavill, whilst I'm a mere shadow of him I'm of rugby forward build so seeing fellows that are not large eyed and pigeon chested having the motivation to dress well taking into account the limitations of the fashion being geared towards smaller men is most welcome. I looked at the range of suits made famous when Daniel Craig became 007 and realised that they may have fitted me at high school but certainly not now! Proud to be a Patreon, see you in September!
I would say taller slim gentleman fit into clothing easier because the outfits drape easier, however, if an outfit is fitted properly, in the case of Daniel Craig, one will obtain the same results -with the proper physiques of course.
Nice video as always Ash. For me, there are too many suits😊. I like the styles of Steve McQueen and, more modern, Johnny Depp. Ties are o.k. in certain occasions but, for me, a little bit fallen out of time.
Cary Grant and David Niven are my icons regarding timeless style. This is what I am striving for. I am mid-aged, ditch the trends and go for timeless elegance in sartorial matters and my manners. A person who influenced me heavily and was the ignition for me to start wearing tweed and becoming a tweed lover is the British actor Hugh Fraser. I love his portrayal of Captain Arthur Hastings in the Poirot series. His tweed suits and combinations of pants and sport coats can be put into our current times and they would not be seen as out of place. I was surprised to see Stanley Tucci in the list. He is indeed another well dressed gentlemen and his style in "Searching for Italy" was fantastic. Regarding Bond, my favorite is Pierce Brosnan. I like his suits and style overall. I think this is especially because Brosnan was Bond during my time as I entered manhood.
My icons of men's style are Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard, Cary Grant, David Niven, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Patrick McGoohan, Patrick Macnee, George Lazenby, David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, David Sylvian, Anthony Andrews, Jeremy Irons, Pierce Brosnan, Nicholas Foulkes, Douglas Cordeaux, Duke of Windsor & King Charles III.
Only just discovered this channel and i love it, loving the videos so far. I'd like to throw another name in the ring for the title of Mr. Bond and that would be Tom Hardy he has the versatility he's a good looking chap and can pull off style like nobody else when he tries i think he tends to dress more casul but when he throws it on people notice. We mostly see him in quite intense violent roles but i think he could pull off the elegance of Bond. Personally i'd like to see bond planning and leading a team in his missions seeing as he is a commander in the British military which would also allow the introduction of more characters and possibly more style. What do you think?
Sadly I think Tom is already too old for the Bond role, as he is 45 and would only really have 1 film in him before he is too mature. But he certainly has style presence
Funnily enough, watching the Hawkeye Pierce character on MASH made me want to dress up at any point when I had a few minutes. He wasn't necessarily superbly dressed, but he was in a war zone. So there's that.
Gianni Agnelli was proper sprezzatura, grotty old hiking boots with a tailored suit, wearing his watch over the cuff like he is about to go scuba diving, bow tie with a denim shirt. What a legend.
When I was a teenager, I was a pretty competent pianist, and I idolized Vladimir Horowitz. I also liked his signature gigantic bowties. I feel like I started wearing French cuff shirts because of him as well. As far as actors, I always thought Christopher Plummer was a bit of an inspiration. Additionally, as a child of the 70s, the James Bond of my youth was Roger Moore, and I think if only because of the appeal of the character you can’t help but be drawn in and want to be a little bit like him. And I can also agree with Pierce Brosnan although my earliest memories of him are not as James Bond, but as Remington Steele, who also had a pretty fantastic lifestyle.
Good video, Ash. Niven, arguably, deserted to go to America. To his credit, he didn't hesitate to come back to fight. The war records of actors often surprise, one way or another. Look at Anthony Quayle's, for example. That dirty, rotten spy in 'Ice Cold In Alex'. Or that of James 'Desert Fox' Mason. Or that of mild-mannered James Stewart. Or that of Richard 'Major Howard' Todd. The best-dressed Bond? Brosnan - but the beard doesn't suit him.
Looking at the suits particularly ones worn by Cary Grant, the suit jackets look overly long and the trousers seem to start at the belly button. This brings me to my question, where should a suit jacket finish relative to a mans bodily features?
If you're over 6ft Always go for the long fitting, a jacket should always cover your bum. A little leeway upwards could be allowed for a blazer. Clearly, tall people should avoid the current Norman wisdom look, unless of course you're seeking work with Bertram Mills. :)
No question about Grant who had an advantage over Connery's Bond. In my opinion, the style of Grant's era has proved to be more classic than the Connery/Bond narrow lapels style which, I don't think, has stood the test of time.
Personally, I always admired the style of the late Japanese maestro Ryuchi Sakamoto - not conventional ‘chap’ attire, but he always wore impeccably tailored clothes, had great haircuts, and in later years had wonderful taste in eye glasses. Staying with music, I always thought Bryan Ferry and Robert Palmer, and for that matter in later years, David Bowie to be well dressed chaps. In terms of actors, I’ve always though Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney to always be well turned out.
Excellent video! But I am a gay man standing at 5'8 and a style icon in my own right. The gentlemen on your list would not be on my list, except Tom Cruz.
I second Mr. Burtonshaw's question, I'd truly be interested whom you consider a style icon and a well dressed man? Cruise evidently so there's potentially some overlap. Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
I am admittedly below the average height at only 5 foot six. I don’t find it particularly useful to know that being considered stylish weighs significantly upon being over the average height😂
@@hunterluxton5976 It's a qualifier that the last decades sometimes have made necessary when you state that you as a male consider and *clearly* have the qualification to do so (as you are... oh.. *another man* ), to assert another man's inherent sexual attractiveness... the younger the people get you talk to the more this is a necessity because the less secure in their sexuality they are the more they seek clear and fixed and of course cliche based markers to designate the sexual orientation of others. And sadly we live in an age when dressing well already qualifies you as a potential homosexual (not that I'd have a problem with that, it's just that I'm fairly hetero, if I where homosexual in orientation I'd probably have mentioned it at some point...)... and that's when all gay men I know in my circle of friends and acquaintances dress less well than I do, but *I'm* the one who get occasionally asked stupid, offensive in intent, questions about my sexuality... and since I'm evil I tend to answer such machismo-idiocy based questions with a "so *you'd* like to think that hmm?" and give them a little smile and a wink... in 90% of the cases they get *really* uncomfortable.😈 Best regards Raoul G. Kunz
@hunterluxton5976👆🏾 what he said, also adding that Ash mentioned he was a heterosexual man and said his peace on Mr. Cavill, I was merely reinforcing his point. Best Regards ✌🏾
Well tailored suits , hand made shoes . Wont tick all the boxes. You also need deportment along with a natural ability to be well spoken with a distinctive voice. Like Christopher Lee , peter cushin . Sadly i am lacking in all the above .
There's another "6" too 😂. Don't ask. Anyway, speaking of body type, Cavill is quite "blocky" despite being in very good shape. You can see that when he is dressed in a suit. I noticed that from the mid-century bodybuilder and actor Steve Reeves. His physique looked incredible in swim trunks - very lean, angular, muscular, etc. But in a suit he looked "too big". And you didn’t immediately know if he was fat or not! You couldn't see all that muscular definition. Im going to say something controversial and likely unpopular: for an IDEAL James Bond, Henry Cavill looks too endomorphic in a suit! Carey Grant, too me, looks underdeveloped and relatively unmuscular without a shirt on. Too lean. But he looks really good in a suit.
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Staying slim is an advantage for sure.
Ah man growing up in the Bronx the wrong people steered me 🤣, the Wu Tang Clan 👐🏾 specially a deceased chap by the name of Old Dirty Bastard 🤦🏻♂️, but now I’m grown and professional and learning the ways with gentlemen like you into Chap Nirvana 🤵🏽♂️
WuTang👐 is for the children OdB rip
But dont throw away those timbs keep rocking then lad
Oh! I do SO look forward to your videos Ash. What a brilliant roll-call of well dressed men. Cary Grant not only dressed impeccably but carried himself so well also. Apparently, on David Niven's death a large floral wreath was sent by the baggage handlers from Heathrow Airport because he always made them feel like gentlemen as they carried his luggage through. Need we say more.
You are right. I remember Ash mentioned that anecdote in a very fine video dedicated to David Niven. He was not only a dapper man but. most importantly, a true gentleman, but that I mean courteous and kind to EVERYONE.
I didn’t know that, but I always got the impression that David Niven was a kind and generous man. Same with Cary Grant - always impeccable. And it’s a key part of being a ‘chap’ - it’s not just how you dress, but also how you carry yourself, and treat others.
Steve McQueen ... the 'King of Cool', whether on his motorcycle in a tee & jeans, in a 3 piece suit in The Thomas Crown Affair, or whatever - with a lot of 'sprezz' to boot!
Mads Mikkelsen is definitely a candidate for well dressed actor today. Funk GB, Hugo Jacomet, and Guillermo Bo are sartorial standouts. We recently lost Edward Sexton who was an amazing tailor but always well dressed. From the past, I would definitely say Fred Astaire and Gregory Peck belong in the Pantheon of gentlemen.
A testament to the fact that Pierce Brosnan is perhaps the most stylish man is his absolutely perfect attire in his role as Remington Steele
Great choice of style icons Ash. I would have put George Clooney on the list.
Glad you picked Stan Tucci. As I watch this the evening news anchor is dressed so well I believe he must watch your presentations. I thing your discussions are making a difference.
Greetings from Toronto. My friend's father was the Benson of Benson, Perry and Whitley at 9 Cork Street in London who were the tailors for David Niven and Ian Fleming. I am currently reading Cary Grant: A Celebration Of Style which is a great read and yes, he had body flaws like all the rest of us.
I agree with your style icons but I would have included Fred Astaire.
Great list Ash...Love Carry Grant, David Niven and the early Bonds. I would also add Michael Caine to the mix as his outfits in the Italian Job and Get Carter are iconic. He a Anthony Sinclair as his personal tailor who also made suits for all Connery Bond films. In today world I would agree with Cavil , who wears Huntsman btw, and Hugo Jacomet who is the number one reason for me to start dressing better almost 15 years ago.
As a kid growing up in the 60s I was always impressed with Sean Connery Cary Grant David Niven. Patrick macnee. I loved watching the Man from Uncle The avengers and I am a big James Bond fan. All of these and my father all made a big impact on my style. Though I am a very big Tweed fan I'm not quite sure where I acquired the love for these wool jackets. Sean Connery perhaps but it may just be my love for the British country sports style. Anyway great video and content as usual Ash. I really liked your examples. Cheers Ron.
Great picks here! Love Tucci's style in 'Searching for Italy' That photo of Agnelli makes me question whether I could pull off the new 75th Anniversary Ploprof... Keep it up!
That's a nicely fitted blazer you have on. Dapper classic ensemble. Cheers.
Nice video Ash. The thing that all these icons have in common is physique and a sense of the appropriate. l have the temerity to suggest that if we saw any one of them at the beach or barbeque in shorts and flip-flops, they would still be stylish and iconic, but less formal. My only reservation about your list is Mr Tucci , whose style is too eclectic for my taste.
Awesome choices but I think you missed George Clooney.
Stanley Tucci played a slick drug dealer with style in an eighties TV show called
Miami Vice. Spoiler his character gets 💀
I would put our Ash on the list. Just for his style and his true dedication to the quest of beeing a chap and letting others benefit from his experience. Ash, thank you for being so kind and authentic. You encourage me to care better for myself and shine a little more in polished shoes, ironed shirts and soon also with a pocket square and mirror shine.
You are most kind sir.
Extraordinary video you are a proffesional influencer now in a class of your own. Continue doing well, may the lord bless you and keep you for helping boys become men and men clean up their image and lives. 💪🏾
Thank you so much 🙂
Ash, Kudos on YOUR outfit for this video. That tie knot is perfect!
I didn’t think this video would speak tome. I almost passed it by. Boy, was I wrong! Nice job Ash!
I'm happy that you mentioned Cary Grant in your opening into this subject. He would be the epitomy for me too. Even in casual mode he looked great but then i guess all these guys do. Have you done a video on smart casual yet?
I like John Gilbert and Clark Gable. Bogart wearing the ivory dinner jacket in Casablanca.
If you looking at icons from the past, Gary Cooper was also a very well dressed chap, along with Clark Gable.
Great video.Just a note,the Council of American Tailors in 1989 voted comedian Don Rickles as best dressed stage presence,(Arsenio Hall,Donald Trump,Michael Douglas,and Placido Domingo were other picks)
Maintaining a healthy lean weight is a key to impressive style. But it’s not easy. A lifelong focus is needed.
I think the further we look back, the more sartorial inspiration we find because charisma above all else, on-and-off screen was held to a premium. David Niven for me is nonpareil; his wit was matched only by his graciousness. William Powell as well should be remembered not necessarily for his attractive physicality or physiognomy but his savoir-vivre. Both epitomized what we once called ‘gentlemen’.
You have hit the nail on the head - those qualities are sadly lacking today.
Great call on David Niven!
Yeah David Niven and Peter Ustinov were both styling in "Death on the Nile". God bless those guys for wearing suits in Egypt. 😂
Great video sir. Thank you.
Fantastic again... I found an old photo of my late dad that belonged to my mother from her childhood.... the frame (bakerlite) fell apart... Mr Grant was behind the photo of my dad. As you say, his style lives on as fresh as ever, photoshop say... Clooney's head on the images, you'd never know the vintage of the clobber. Sadly, on the subject of scores, I'm a 5.9nearly/5+/ and a flagon rather than a six-pack. thanks Ash.
But we can dream
Great video! And, of course, your fashion sense and your presentation skills are always impressive!
Great video Ash, so many to choose from, there are so many people that influence us. Once again thank you🙂
Ash, those are fine choices of well dressed gentlemen, and some more to consider are Idris Elba, Denzel Washington, Richard Gere, and Alec Baldwin. Also , check out the cast of The Secret of my Success, Pretty Woman, and Wall Street. All of the characters in those films are impeccably dressed.
Richard Madden is all I can say….Been saying it /hoping for it for years🤞. Excellent observations of Mr. Tucci…The passion I have for my Trailmaster increased and ascended to the heavens when I saw him wearing one as well.
Good list of icons..Ash and other fans 2 this wonderful channel...enjoy your week....peace
Great video but why Ray Milland never gets mentioned is beyond me.
I agree, and slso Gene Kelly.
Love the butterfly photobomb!! Lol.
Ash… we all can appreciate the well appointed appearance of your choices. The challenge for us is that we may not have the seemingly unlimited resources of tailors and capital that they have. What comments/recommendations do you have for those of us that choose to dress well however are more budget restricted. Dressing well incorporates a mindset of excellence. I believe that I have that…. I’d like some imaginative direction to accommodate the fact that I am now retired and live in the warmer climate of Scottsdale Arizona. Please respond. Thank you.
Thanks
Thank you sir. Much appreciated.
great info: ash
David Niven wore a Rolex GMT Master with a Pepsi bezel.
If King Charles is mentioned as a style icon, then I feel, one must not forget to mention his late father Prince Philip, who was also always a very dapper dresser.
I try to balance Cary Grant's conservativism and formality, Fred Astaire's nonchalance and individualism, and perhaps Gordon Gekko's love of ornate ties and being overdressed. In fact, it wouldn't be a long shot to describe my style preferences as "Grant's formal traditionalism meets Gekko's dandyish love of the ornate." You'd be hard-pressed to find me without a relatively classic suit, gold-tone cufflinks, a collar clip, slicked-back hair, and red ties that aren't out of place on a Victorian hotel's walls - not to mention vintage fur come winter. For black and white tie, meanwhile, Astaire is a great go-to.
I respect Gianni's sense of the relaxed, and I imitate some sprezzatura details, but I find that the best way to look natural and effortless in a suit is for it to be second-nature. I often leave single-breasted suits unbuttoned by sheer grace of not even noticing I'm wearing it, have a relaxed posture in relaxed environments, and don't play with my suit too much. Haphazardly messed-up accessories and asymmetrical ties are fine and dandy, but they can't compensate for not being genuinely comfortable - physically and mentally - in a suit. (I'll still be undoing my admittedly rare barrel-cuff buttons and tilting my hats, anyway, thank you very much.)
Ash, I recently watched again the classic British gangster film “Sexy Beast” and thought Ray Winstone’s summer style (being set in Spain) flash, but very classy and suave. Could I have your opinion? There are clips on here. Thank you!
I will check it out - I have yet to see that movie.
Can't say I can point to anyone specifically that you didn't mention Ash. Really great list, and like some others have said, Stanley Tucci just has a lot of things down. Wish I could cook like him too.
Good morning Ash
I'm a day behind on this as I was back in the 1940s yesterday where there were plenty of gentlemen in sharp suits. I tough was sweltering in Battledress
I concur with all of your selected icons and excellent points thereon.
Might I add suggestions:
James Stewart, another tall actor and former USAAF bomber pilot. Always stylish.
The (new) Prince of Wales and his Sons are maintaining the standard set by their Father/ Grandfather, but with a contemporary twist.
Although not a celebrity, might I proffer LtCol Johnny Thompson, the King's equerry. Many of my lady friends are enamoured of him (maybe it's the Kilt🤔). He has been a visible presence through the last year of Royal events.
I think this could become a new series of videos as I see many valid suggestions hereunder on the comments.
Until next time
*Salutes
I'd like to be the guy who mentions The Equalizer. That's Edward Woodward's version of The Equalizer. He's my style icon these days.
Excellent video I really enjoyed the detail
Glad you enjoyed it
For the benefit of the English readers, I shall reproduce the definition of "sprezzatura" according to the Enciclopedia Treccani, the Italian equivalent to the Encyclopaedia Britannica:
"An ostentatiously casual attitude of studied nonchalance on the part of someone who feels very sure of himself and of his means" The expression was coined by the famous Italian writer and nobleman Baldassare Castiglione (1478-1529) The word derives from "essere sprezzante" (to be contemptuous) therefore "sprezzatura" means to show disdain/contempt for the sartorial rules by breaking them but with a clear purpose in mind.
The English/French word equivalent to "sprezzatura" is "flamboyance"
I think David Beckham has upped his sartorial look over the past decade
I agree Tucci is effortless. i think Ryan Renyolds has style, can you do a casual style video please
I would add Michael Caine.
Thumbs up for Stanley Tucci - amazing style icon
Cary Grant!!...YES!! Classic AND timeless!!... You forgot to mention that Lazenby was the ONLY Bond to wear full Highland dress at the dinner scene at Blofeld's lair. If I would add any one else to this list, it would be Clark Gable (who also had WW2 credentials as a B17 bomber gunner..) and of course, Steve McQueen... Especially in the films 'Bullitt' and the original 'Thomas Crown Affair' which BTW, was remade in the 90s with (surprise, surprise!!) Piece Brosnan... Both elegant in their wool 3 piece ensembles in both movies
Ah, a lovely overview of stylish men which I completely concur with!
I really like the "Moore bonds" much less, but that's a) a matter of the time and b) of partially abysmal silly writing, not the fault of Moore who looks way better "post-Bond" in my opinion.
I'd add two more historical persons who I consider iconic and who's style certainly matters to me and that would be HM Edward VII, the eternal Prince of Wales and the inventor and/or popularizer of too many sartorial conventions to count (originator of the "last button left open" convention, adapted the Homburg from a hunting hat worn in the Taunus mountains to a dress hat just below the top hat just to point out two well known sartorial achievements), also bonus points for me because he always looked dapper and was a fairly substantial Gentlemen most of his life, and then there's Gustav Stresemann, Chanceller in `23, later foreign minster, in the Weimar Era, who popularized the Stroller Suit to such a degree that it is known in Germany as "The Stresemann" and has become essentially the most formal suit a German politician will ever wear.
(Also the name of the most beautiful variation of the Pelikan Souverän fountain pen😉)
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
One thing you neglect to mention is that these actors were styled by other style specialists. A really good example is Sean Connery, by his own admission a " jock roughneck" as he once stated on Parkinson. He was taken to Saville Row and " dressed" by more sophistocated, elegent people. Height is not in my view an important considerstion to be stylish, Daniel Craig is 5'10, and looks equally menacing as Connery's 6'2. Harold Sakata (Odd Job in Goldfiner) was 5'9 /10. He was a broad, thick set man and quite easily threw Connery around the set like a little boy in their encounters. He also looked awesome in a suite too - his phyicality added to his charisma and style. Just to balance it out, physically smaller men both in size and/or bulk can find it hard to look charasmatic, but still look stylish to a point. Physical presence does have a considerable impact on style albeit in a subtly indirect way. One's voice and cadence also adds to the overall flavour of style as well. High pitched voices are cartoonish and silly, deeper or more modulated voices are seen as sexy and " intelligent". Interestingly, when Harrison Ford is interviewed he lowers his voice considerably in UK interviews, he is then more high pitched in his speech for the US chatshows! Great video Ash.❤
I am looking into the power of the voice in 'presence' and charisma at the moment. It is a fascinating topic.
Certainly Connery had the raw materials, and Guy Hamilton formed them into what became a super star. Hamilton would have been a good example himself, and I would suggest, a type all too rarely seen in the UK today. But then WWII did seem to throw up numbers of blokes who could bring off the commanding personality thing very successfully indeed.
Much as I like what you said, doesn’t stop me from wising I was 6’2” instead of 5’8”. Lol.
@@daniell2217 if you were 6'2, you'd still be wishing you were 6'6. I'm 5'10 and 17 stone. I'm not a porker, but well built. I get guys over 6ft calling me a big guy. Most of my colleagues in work are 6ft plus, but I dont t not feel small or inadequate. 5'8 is fine, but if you have a small or skinny build, get in the gym and build yourself up. That will boost your confidence and self esteem, along with a good sized heel! I recall the Englishman John McCarthy ( lebanon kidnapping) who was also 5'8 and spoke with a superb speaking voice. He had such a presence. His height ( or lack of it) has nothing to do with his personal charisma.
I have many Savile Row suits made by G&H and Henry Poole and made a conscience decision to avoid solids for pinstripes, herringbone & muted Prince of Wales plaids. Does this make me a sartorial apostate based on your video? I'm a built similar to Cavell though I don't have his height. I must be doing something right here in styleless conscious LA. For where one of my high-end suits I get lots of compliments.
I've always considered the best dressed gentlemen are the ones who can style, or add an accessory to their appearance differently to others. However subtly, or without undue cost. In other words, those who have the unique ability to exhibit and lead style successfully rather than merely follow the norm.
Few can do this. But when one sees it, one instinctively knows.
There are no celebrities who I look to emulate as style icons, but I do resonate with characters I see. I do like modern James Bond, with the move to practical, yet stylish attire.
While I do dress well, I am not one to walk around in a sportscoat or suit while out and about everyday, but instead look for things like classic knitwear, dark indigo denim, and Harrington or brown minimalist leather jackets.
Just look at a film from the 20s (silent B&W like Stsn&Laurel) to the 60s and all are style icons. Some more impressive than others but all respectable even the statists and side actors.
Very good. I think the program name doesn’t do the material justice. 🥂
I've often regarded Fred Astaire as an interesting icon of men's style. He brought the graceful elegance of his dance routines to everything he wore, from top hat, white tie, and tails, to suits, sport coats, and blazers. Astaire was also, to my knowledge, one of the pioneers of the trend of wearing a tie as a belt with trousers, especially in the summer months. (He was also a distinctive, and much under-rated vocalist, in my opinion.)
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Thank you again, an insight into which I entirely agree with.
I suppose being slim, lean, handsome and dressed by others with an eye and a budget for style make me less inclined to revere some of the more traditional choices of best dressed men.
It's relatively easy for them.
However I've always admired Agnelli and loved his eccentric eye-catching touches to his attire. I'm also glad you did a section on Henry Cavill, whilst I'm a mere shadow of him I'm of rugby forward build so seeing fellows that are not large eyed and pigeon chested having the motivation to dress well taking into account the limitations of the fashion being geared towards smaller men is most welcome.
I looked at the range of suits made famous when Daniel Craig became 007 and realised that they may have fitted me at high school but certainly not now!
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I would say taller slim gentleman fit into clothing easier because the outfits drape easier, however, if an outfit is fitted properly, in the case of Daniel Craig, one will obtain the same results -with the proper physiques of course.
Nice video as always Ash. For me, there are too many suits😊. I like the styles of Steve McQueen and, more modern, Johnny Depp. Ties are o.k. in certain occasions but, for me, a little bit fallen out of time.
George Clooney and High Jackman.
Cary Grant and David Niven are my icons regarding timeless style. This is what I am striving for. I am mid-aged, ditch the trends and go for timeless elegance in sartorial matters and my manners.
A person who influenced me heavily and was the ignition for me to start wearing tweed and becoming a tweed lover is the British actor Hugh Fraser. I love his portrayal of Captain Arthur Hastings in the Poirot series. His tweed suits and combinations of pants and sport coats can be put into our current times and they would not be seen as out of place.
I was surprised to see Stanley Tucci in the list. He is indeed another well dressed gentlemen and his style in "Searching for Italy" was fantastic.
Regarding Bond, my favorite is Pierce Brosnan. I like his suits and style overall. I think this is especially because Brosnan was Bond during my time as I entered manhood.
My icons of men's style are Charlie Chaplin, Laurence Olivier, Leslie Howard, Cary Grant, David Niven, Sean Connery, Roger Moore, Patrick McGoohan, Patrick Macnee, George Lazenby, David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, David Sylvian, Anthony Andrews, Jeremy Irons, Pierce Brosnan, Nicholas Foulkes, Douglas Cordeaux, Duke of Windsor & King Charles III.
And, of course, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, Anthony Eden, Sir Michael Caine, and Robert Hardy :-)
"The name is Jones, Ash Jones. I like my suits pressed, not wrinkled." ;) Can't wait to see you in the next Bond movie.
Only just discovered this channel and i love it, loving the videos so far.
I'd like to throw another name in the ring for the title of Mr. Bond and that would be Tom Hardy he has the versatility he's a good looking chap and can pull off style like nobody else when he tries i think he tends to dress more casul but when he throws it on people notice. We mostly see him in quite intense violent roles but i think he could pull off the elegance of Bond.
Personally i'd like to see bond planning and leading a team in his missions seeing as he is a commander in the British military which would also allow the introduction of more characters and possibly more style.
What do you think?
Sadly I think Tom is already too old for the Bond role, as he is 45 and would only really have 1 film in him before he is too mature. But he certainly has style presence
Funnily enough, watching the Hawkeye Pierce character on MASH made me want to dress up at any point when I had a few minutes. He wasn't necessarily superbly dressed, but he was in a war zone. So there's that.
Gianni Agnelli was proper sprezzatura, grotty old hiking boots with a tailored suit, wearing his watch over the cuff like he is about to go scuba diving, bow tie with a denim shirt. What a legend.
When I was a teenager, I was a pretty competent pianist, and I idolized Vladimir Horowitz. I also liked his signature gigantic bowties. I feel like I started wearing French cuff shirts because of him as well. As far as actors, I always thought Christopher Plummer was a bit of an inspiration. Additionally, as a child of the 70s, the James Bond of my youth was Roger Moore, and I think if only because of the appeal of the character you can’t help but be drawn in and want to be a little bit like him. And I can also agree with Pierce Brosnan although my earliest memories of him are not as James Bond, but as Remington Steele, who also had a pretty fantastic lifestyle.
You missed only Ash Jones MBE😉
Good video, Ash.
Niven, arguably, deserted to go to America. To his credit, he didn't hesitate to come back to fight. The war records of actors often surprise, one way or another. Look at Anthony Quayle's, for example. That dirty, rotten spy in 'Ice Cold In Alex'. Or that of James 'Desert Fox' Mason. Or that of mild-mannered James Stewart. Or that of Richard 'Major Howard' Todd.
The best-dressed Bond? Brosnan - but the beard doesn't suit him.
Jeffrey Wright, Miles Davis, (60's era) Common.
Looking at the suits particularly ones worn by Cary Grant, the suit jackets look overly long and the trousers seem to start at the belly button. This brings me to my question, where should a suit jacket finish relative to a mans bodily features?
If you're over 6ft Always go for the long fitting, a jacket should always cover your bum. A little leeway upwards could be allowed for a blazer. Clearly, tall people should avoid the current Norman wisdom look, unless of course you're seeking work with Bertram Mills. :)
Think you need to mention dean martin
Sprezzatura: a word to live by
Maybe Christopher Lee. LOL. I don't recall ever seeing him in regular ordinary casual clothing. Always wearing a suit in documentaries and stuff.
No question about Grant who had an advantage over Connery's Bond. In my opinion, the style of Grant's era has proved to be more classic than the Connery/Bond narrow lapels style which, I don't think, has stood the test of time.
Let's never forget the Godfather of Style, John Steed, the Evengers (Patrick Macnee).
My Style Icon is Steve McQueen the King of Cool... All-American.
It’s very hard to think of anyone but Humphrey Bogart!
Personally, I always admired the style of the late Japanese maestro Ryuchi Sakamoto - not conventional ‘chap’ attire, but he always wore impeccably tailored clothes, had great haircuts, and in later years had wonderful taste in eye glasses. Staying with music, I always thought Bryan Ferry and Robert Palmer, and for that matter in later years, David Bowie to be well dressed chaps. In terms of actors, I’ve always though Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney to always be well turned out.
Gary cooper
Apparently Cary Grant always took the stairs.
Could be true.
"I'm happily married, but that man it sexy..." Ha ha .. You know I do that about well dressed men too. I'm hetro, BUT.. Excellent video
Excellent video! But I am a gay man standing at 5'8 and a style icon in my own right. The gentlemen on your list would not be on my list, except Tom Cruz.
Could you point us at who you think should be there?
I second Mr. Burtonshaw's question, I'd truly be interested whom you consider a style icon and a well dressed man?
Cruise evidently so there's potentially some overlap.
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
Style icon...Robert Goulet...he would have made a good Batman
No shame in having a man crush.
Ash❤Henry.
I am admittedly below the average height at only 5 foot six. I don’t find it particularly useful to know that being considered stylish weighs significantly upon being over the average height😂
Sir, as another heterosexual man, we all look at Henry Cavill and give him his credit
Heterosexual man? What has that to do with anything?
@@hunterluxton5976 It's a qualifier that the last decades sometimes have made necessary when you state that you as a male consider and *clearly* have the qualification to do so (as you are... oh.. *another man* ), to assert another man's inherent sexual attractiveness... the younger the people get you talk to the more this is a necessity because the less secure in their sexuality they are the more they seek clear and fixed and of course cliche based markers to designate the sexual orientation of others.
And sadly we live in an age when dressing well already qualifies you as a potential homosexual (not that I'd have a problem with that, it's just that I'm fairly hetero, if I where homosexual in orientation I'd probably have mentioned it at some point...)... and that's when all gay men I know in my circle of friends and acquaintances dress less well than I do, but *I'm* the one who get occasionally asked stupid, offensive in intent, questions about my sexuality... and since I'm evil I tend to answer such machismo-idiocy based questions with a "so *you'd* like to think that hmm?" and give them a little smile and a wink... in 90% of the cases they get *really* uncomfortable.😈
Best regards
Raoul G. Kunz
@hunterluxton5976👆🏾 what he said, also adding that Ash mentioned he was a heterosexual man and said his peace on Mr. Cavill, I was merely reinforcing his point.
Best Regards ✌🏾
Well tailored suits , hand made shoes . Wont tick all the boxes. You also need deportment along with a natural ability to be well spoken with a distinctive voice. Like Christopher Lee , peter cushin . Sadly i am lacking in all the above .
Tucci isn't just married to any English lady, he's married to Emily Blunt's sister!
There's another "6" too 😂. Don't ask.
Anyway, speaking of body type, Cavill is quite "blocky" despite being in very good shape. You can see that when he is dressed in a suit. I noticed that from the mid-century bodybuilder and actor Steve Reeves. His physique looked incredible in swim trunks - very lean, angular, muscular, etc. But in a suit he looked "too big". And you didn’t immediately know if he was fat or not! You couldn't see all that muscular definition. Im going to say something controversial and likely unpopular: for an IDEAL James Bond, Henry Cavill looks too endomorphic in a suit! Carey Grant, too me, looks underdeveloped and relatively unmuscular without a shirt on. Too lean. But he looks really good in a suit.
alan delon shall be included.
BTW, Tom Cruise is elegant and classy!
He certainly is!!
Why do I picture you dressed to the 9s on top but in your boxers and flip flops underneath the table 😂 (I know, I’m insane and easily entertained)
You know my secret
@@TheChapsGuide😊
YOU MISSED EDWARD THE 8TH