Richard James talks personal style: Part One
Richard James is renowned for leading a new wave of fashion-focused tailors and re-energising Savile Row with his bold suiting
My personal style signifier is one of my own two-button mohair suits. This slim‑cut design pretty much sums up the Richard James aesthetic and is all about the striking shade of blue. From £1,645; 29 Savile Row, London W1 (020-7434 0605; www.richardjames.co.uk).
The last thing I bought and loved was a set of small, delicate dishes by Tom Dixon. They are quite fragile and have a lovely wash of gold. They are perfect for serving peanuts or olives. £65; www.tomdixon.net.
The Grill Room at the Café Royal in London’s Regent Street | Image: James Bedford
And the thing I’m eyeing next is a white Superoblong sofa by Jasper Morrison. It is part of a modular seating system and looks incredibly soft and comfortable. From £1,130; www.cappellini.it.
An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Lake Como. I travel to the area for business, but I recently visited the Canottieri Lario rowing club on the lake and it is spectacular. The main building was built in the 1930s and is the perfect modernist example of Italian rationalism. I found the overall setting to be just magical. www.canottierilario.it.
A recent find is the beautifully restored Café Royal in Regent Street. I especially like the Grill Room, with its red and gold hues and delicious champagne and caviar lounge. The building is very iconic, and the overall atmosphere incredibly pleasant. 68 Regent Street, London W1 (020-7406 3333; www.hotelcaferoyal.com).
The grooming staple I’m never without is Cleansing Foam by Shiseido Men. I also like the Moisturizing Emulsion.Both products are very fresh and light. Cleansing Foam, £23 for 125ml, and Moisturizing Emulsion, £35 for 125ml;www.shiseido.com.
Shiseido Men Moisturizing Emulsion, £35 for 125ml
The books on my bedside table are Vanished Years by Rupert Everett and The Russian Court at Sea by Frances Welch. The first is a wickedly funny memoir that people are raving about. The second is about the Russian Imperial Family fleeing their country for a new life. I’m finding it very sad. I tend to favour biographies, and non-fiction in general.
An indulgence I would never forego is the Sea Salt Organic Milk Chocolate Bee Bar from Rococo. I enjoy a little almost every day. £1.30; www.rococochocolates.com.
Vanished Years by Rupert Everett
My favourite room in my house is the top floor of my flat, located just off Regent Street. It has two glass walls and a partial glass roof, and is home to my kitchen and dining area. From this space I can look out over the rooftops of London and towards Buckingham Palace – where I can see the flags that let me know whether the Queen is in residence or not.
An object I would never part with is an oil painting by optical artist Bridget Riley that I purchased 18 years ago. It takes up almost an entire wall and features stripes in all sorts of colours. Her blues, oranges and purples just work beautifully together.
Rococo’s Organic Milk Sea Salt Chocolate Bee Bar, £1.30
The last meal that truly impressed me was at the small, rather simple restaurant La Petite Maison in Nice. It serves delicious fresh fish and also offers the perfect truffle sandwich on a baguette. It is unlike anything else I’ve ever tasted – my mouth is watering just thinking about it. La Petite Maison,11 Rue Saint François de Paule, 06300 Nice (+334-9392 5959; www.lapetitemaison-nice.com).
If I didn’t live in London, the city I would live in is Stockholm. It is surrounded by water and is the perfect place to wander. In addition, the food is wonderful and I love the restaurants, such as Lisa Elmqvist, which specialises in fresh salmon and prawns – all served with lots of dill. The shopping is fantastic, too, with design stores such as Svenskt Tenn, which has a lovely tea salon. For Scandinavian furniture and glassware, I like the auction house Bukowskis, and the Moderna Museet is a treasure trove of contemporary art. Bukowskis, Arsenalsgatan 4, 111 47 Stockholm (+468-614 0800; www.bukowskis.com). Lisa Elmqvist, Ostermalms Saluhall, 114 39 Stockholm (+468-5534 0410; www.lisaelmqvist.se). Moderna Museet, Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm (+468-5195 5200; www.modernamuseet.se). Svenskt Tenn, Strandvägen 5, 114 84 Stockholm (+468-670 1600; www.svenskttenn.se).