Interview With Clothing Expert - Andy Gilchrist on how Men Should Dress

Conversation between Adwin Ang & Andy GilchristUnlike women's clothing, most men's clothing (even for
Good day everyone and Welcome to our Interviewthe most formal occasions) are intricately comfortable.
with Andy Gilchrist!Adwin:Women are always searching for comfortable shoes,
Hi Andy, first of all I would like to thank you for takingwhile men would not stand (pardon the pun) for shoes
some time off from your busy schedule for this onlinethat didn't fit well and feel good.
interview. I have read the materials from your CD; youThere is also a world wide cultural (or sexual) mind
bet they are highly informative products. Especially youset that men are not suppose to dress well. They are
use charts and picture to illustrate. Also it is a very"supposed" to be unkempt, rugged individuals. But if you
good and fast reference guide.study every male animal species you note that the
My first question is Andy, what have made youmale is the more colourful!It's good to keep up on the
decide to come up with a website's that focus oncurrent trends, but not necessarily to go crazy for
men's fashion?Andy:each fad that comes along. The value of men's
It was an extension of my natural and long timeclothing is that they change fashion rarely since the
interest in men's clothing. I started out at the monitor ofstyles have been evolving down through a 100 years
a men's fashion Forum that was connected to Men'sto something that fits men's body types, activities and
Health magazine and liked the idea. I then decided tomakes most men look great. Look at formalwear -
write a book on men's clothes, (The Encyclopaedia ofevery man looks exceptionally handsome in the classic
Men's Clothes) which took me two years, and the(no frills, no updates, no changes) basic tuxedo.
website was a vehicle to sell the book.Adwin:The "acceptable" colors for business (Navy or grey
I have read and saw the huge number of topicssuit, white or blue shirt, etc.) compliment most
which you covered on menswear both on yourgentlemen's skin, hair and eye colors.Adwin:
website and CD Rom e-Book "The Encyclopaedia ofYou mention about the "Rule of Seven" a few times
Men's Clothes", the information really amaze me onin your Men's clothes Encyclopedia. What exactly must
what I have missed out all these years.we watch out on the '7 rules'?Andy:
Where or how did you develop your fashion sense?Just to restate that there is a "Rule of Seven" in
Any special training or courses one need towomen's fashion that applies to men as well. The "rule"
take?Andy:states that there should be no more than seven points
Some of it came from my father, who living in theof interest on your body at any one time!The theory is
middle of Kansas (USA) and doing oil exploration work.that too much visual stimulation detracts from the total
But he was always interested in men's fashion and thelook.
quality of the various brands of shoes, suits, shirts, etc.Points of interest could be a watch, pocket square,
And honestly I think it somewhat out of insecurity!! Notbright tie, blazer buttons, braces, belt buckle, cuff links,
being born the best looking guy in the world (don'tfashion glasses, facial hair, vest, anything that could
argue!) I realized that image and looks was importantdraw attention to that item.So if you're wearing an
and that I needed to make myself look as good inexceptional pair of cufflinks you don't want to
public as possible.Adwin:overpower them by adding too many other visual
It occurred to me men in my country aren't reallyexcitement.
dress to impress or know their dressing sense butWhen others are visually overloaded they tend to
dress according to what they think is suitable for therepel you. The mistake when you have too many
occasion.points of interest is that the look is loud, busy and
For example: Some men would wear a polo-shirt ordiscordant (not harmonic). Too many patterns make
jeans for Wedding dinner. They find it moreyou look like a clown.Adwin:
comfortable which is obviouslyWhere can we obtainThe section which I find it most interesting is on casual
the information on latest trends in men's fashion? Anywear.
websites which are your favourites?Andy: