Manning up

Photo / Babiche Martens

Eddie Von Dadelszen knows the power of a good suit. He was appointed creative director of Working Style late last year, and has been with the company for four years now. As part of his job, von Dadelszen helps the Working Style directors buy, design and develop collections for the stores, as well as running the tailor-made programme in their Chancery store. We can't imagine he would ever look anything less than sharp, in a suit the reflects his passion for traditional men's tailoring.

Who are your favourite designers?

Carlo Brandelli did a superb job as creative director of Kilgour - he turned their ready-to-wear collections into some of the most sought after in the world, while respecting the heritage of the environment in which he was working. He left Kilgour last month so it will be very interesting to see where he goes next. Also Tom Ford for bridging the gap between bespoke, luxury and fashion.

What was the last item of clothing you bought?

A pair of chestnut two-tone monk straps from Gucci on Old Bond St. I also ordered a new Dormeuil Tonic (mohair and wool) Birdseye suit last week - it should be pretty spiffy and will have all the bells and whistles of our custom-made offering.

Who or what inspires you, sartorially?

There is a sense of tradition in men's tailoring that I find inspiring. This framework means although patterns, proportions and colours may change, what is fundamentally correct never will. Also the original film Alfie starring Michael Caine is like watching a lesson on how to look good - Jude Law couldn't pull Alfie's character off with the same nonchalant elegance that Michael Caine did, and Jude Law is a very stylish man.

What is the biggest fashion mistake that men commonly make? When they choose to ignore brown accessories.

Who does the best shoes?

One day I would love to own a pair of bespoke Berluti shoes - their craftsmanship and design ethos is without equal, in my opinion.

What's the one thing that every man should have in his wardrobe?

A tailor-made suit.

How do you define the word "fashionable", what does it mean to you?

"Fashionable" is a passing sensation - although fashion will always be fascinating because new fashion creates a need for something else to become unfashionable.

Your favourite shop?

I spend a lot of time in our Chancery store and am pretty proud of it. Outside of Working Style, Myhart is in a gorgeous building and is very well merchandised, Driss always has great stuff in Tango and Ashley Ardrey has an incredible shoe collection.

Your favourite shop elsewhere?

Ralph Lauren in Milan is utterly beautiful although Dunhill's Bourdon House in Mayfair would have to be my absolute favourite; it has its own members bar, barber, bespoke luggage service, cigar room and tailor - it is a unique concept and brilliant branding exercise.

Whose wardrobe would you most like to raid?

Tom Ford's - he is iconic.

What do you wear to work?

To work I always wear Working Style and it is always tailor-made.

What is the one rule you always dress by?

Style is a reflection of your attitude and your personality. I believe Shawn Ashmore said that.

What is the best sartorial advice you ever had?

My girlfriend told me that I looked like a picnic blanket in a rather noisy, oversized check suit that I once wore to the races - on reflection she was correct and I will never, ever go there again.

What is the best sartorial advice you would offer a friend/client?

Buy the best possible quality that you can afford and buy it from someone that you trust.

What do you feel best wearing?

I feel my best in a tailor-made suit and shirt with a slim tie and well polished shoes.

Most stylish city?

London.

What are you never caught wearing?

Shorts outside of the gym - these are never a good look on me, especially with my chicken legs.

Most overrated item in fashion?

High-top sneakers - although Charles Ninow looks like a rock star in his.

Most underrated item in fashion?

Cufflinks. They can speak volumes about your personality and eccentricities - but are only really made visible to those whose hand you would feel comfortable shaking.