Angelo Flaccavento is an Italian fashion writer. He currently works as a features editor at Dapper Dan and Hunter magazines and as a contributing editor for various media outlets including GQ Italia and the German and Russian editions of GQ Style.
The Fashiongton Post: Angelo, how do you discover new ideas for writing and for style?
Angelo Flaccavento: My main source of inspiration is my curiosity about what’s happening around me, in every creative field and beyond. I believe it’s important to be aware of the present moment. My taste may seem nostalgic, and while I do have a fondness for the past, I am more interested in the present. It’s this drive that keeps me evolving. New writing ideas can come from books, movies, paintings, or even photos. The same goes for style. My mind follows unpredictable paths, making unique associations, and that’s where progress happens. It’s very instinctive.
F.P.: Please, describe your personal style.
A.F.: I would describe my style as paradoxically classic. The elements I incorporate, like tailored blazers and formal pants, are the foundation of a masculine wardrobe. However, it’s the proportions that I play with. My blazers are always very slim, while my trousers are two sizes up and very short. I complete the look with massive brogues. I like to keep it simple and have fun with as few elements as possible. Uniform dressing is my rule, but I can also change my mind suddenly. After all, it’s just clothes. You get bored of them sooner than you think.
F.P.: What would be the most difficult challenge for men who are eager to look good but do not yet know where to start?
A.F.: The most difficult challenge is to be themselves. In an era where individuality is mass-marketed, it’s truly a challenge to trust your instincts. It’s a difficult road to follow, but in the end, it’s worth it. It’s also a wonderful exercise in strength. Looking good is mostly about feeling good and being respectful. Dressing appropriately is a sign of respect for yourself and others.
F.P.: Never without?
A.F.: I am never without a pen in my breast pocket. It allows me to take notes, jot down ideas, and capture inspiration in my notebook.
F.P.: Dress to impress who?
A.F.: I dress to impress nobody but myself. It’s not about trying too hard. Sprezzatura, the art of being effortless, is essential.
F.P.: The first job that inspired you and made you want to link your profession with writing about fashion?
A.F.: Fashion writing is a passion I discovered early on in my life. It grew naturally as I studied art history at university. Meeting Rebecca Voight in 2001, who was the editor-in-chief at Dutch magazine at that time, kickstarted my career.
F.P.: Have you ever wanted to have a tattoo?
A.F.: No, but wearing earplugs is a fantasy I cherish.
F.P.: Do you collect anything special?
A.F.: I collect books. It’s not just a collection, but a cultural necessity for me.
F.P.: What are your favorite countries to shop at and favorite brands, if any?
A.F.: I love shopping in the south of Italy, particularly Naples, Palermo, and my hometown, Ragusa. I always gravitate towards the old, forgotten shops. Then, I have my tailor alter my purchases to my liking.
F.P.: Which fashion magazines do you read daily?
A.F.: I read the On the Runway blog of the NY Times, Style.com, and The Business of Fashion.
F.P.: What is the best style advice you have received?
A.F.: I once read a quote by film director Jean-Luc Godard that resonated with me: “It’s not where you take things from, but where you take them to.” I also believe in the words of Wallace Stevens, who said, “Reality is the product of the imagination.”
F.P.: What has been the most confusing moment in your life and career?
A.F.: I try not to dwell on the past. I see even the confusing and challenging moments as opportunities for growth.
F.P.: How has your approach to getting dressed changed in the last two years?
A.F.: My approach has become both stricter and more playful. I feel less rigid, even though my uniform still follows a specific code.
F.P.: Is it better to wear shoes with socks or without?
A.F.: It depends. I love the look of a naked ankle with a tuxedo.
F.P.: What is the best rule in clothes combinations to break?
A.F.: I love breaking the rule of mixing patterns. It’s considered a big no, but I find it exciting!
F.P.: What is the worst fashion mistake?
A.F.: Trying too hard.
F.P.: What has been the most inspiring place you’ve been to?
A.F.: Traveling with loved ones always inspires me, no matter where we go.
F.P.: What is your unique piece of advice for the readers of The Fashiongton Post and fashionistas?
A.F.: Take style as an all-around practice. It’s not just about how you dress, but also how you talk, write, behave, and even eat. And most importantly, don’t take yourself too seriously. Lightness is a charming quality.