Since we launched the shop we have been introduced to many amazing people in the virtual world of blogs and social networking. With this post we continue a regular series of profiles of New School Dandies. Up next, blogger Lassi Patokorpi of the blog Flanööri.
Where did you grow up? In short: Finland. I'm not going to bore you with the details of my migration.
Where do you live now? I currently live here surrounded by a lake in inland Finland. Ha! That came out funny.
When did you establish your personal style? Was there a pivotal moment? How has it changed? I pretty much was a run-of-the-mill young man studying in Senior High until I met my current girlfriend. She was one to dress up, unlike myself who barely ever looked in the mirror. After we had started seeing each other she very gently and inconspicuously noted my appearance. I personally hadn't cast even the faintest thought in the matter of clothes: basic jeans and a t-shirt (well, I had some standards.. I always wore solids, no prints never). After getting the hint I began to ponder about it all and decided to buy a new pair of trousers as I was getting tired of the same old rags. So I set out to find some nice ones – and this time with thought! I pretty much knew what I wanted: a pair of brown wool tweed trousers and definitely not jeans. After a hideous search I finally tracked a pair down and after that the whole thing has just gone out of hand... Suits, bow ties, shirts, shoes you name it. It's a slippery slope!
My style has gone back in time quite a bit. At first it was a 50's dad-look with the checked dress shirt, bow tie, suspenders (braces for you Brits) and dress trousers. But after finding out 'bout "the good stuff" I have moved backwards in time to the Edwardian-1930's era. This time period is really the right one for me as I have always loved art deco, industrial design of the 20's and 30's as well as the architecture and cars. When I discovered so much to my liking in the era I just couldn't let go! It simply had all that I hold dear and essential to my sense of aesthetics.
You could say that a woman has put forth the interest but I myself have been maneuvering it. She has no say in what I wear! In fact me getting so into it all I've very much fueled her enthusiasm as well and we are now both fiery vintage-enthusiasts. Though I think she some times regrets that she sparked the interest in me... Yes, It's that bad!
It was just a wake up call. I had never before thought about it all, but when I did I just woke up and saw it in different eyes. In today's world I bet it's safe to say that this kind of realization is fairly common: there rarely is a need to dress neatly. Though it can also be our Finnish culture. In fact, we have a saying here "rumat ne vaatteilla koreilee" which roughly means that it's the ugly people who dandy up. And yes, Finns dress badly.
My style has gone back in time quite a bit. At first it was a 50's dad-look with the checked dress shirt, bow tie, suspenders (braces for you Brits) and dress trousers. But after finding out 'bout "the good stuff" I have moved backwards in time to the Edwardian-1930's era. This time period is really the right one for me as I have always loved art deco, industrial design of the 20's and 30's as well as the architecture and cars. When I discovered so much to my liking in the era I just couldn't let go! It simply had all that I hold dear and essential to my sense of aesthetics.
You could say that a woman has put forth the interest but I myself have been maneuvering it. She has no say in what I wear! In fact me getting so into it all I've very much fueled her enthusiasm as well and we are now both fiery vintage-enthusiasts. Though I think she some times regrets that she sparked the interest in me... Yes, It's that bad!
It was just a wake up call. I had never before thought about it all, but when I did I just woke up and saw it in different eyes. In today's world I bet it's safe to say that this kind of realization is fairly common: there rarely is a need to dress neatly. Though it can also be our Finnish culture. In fact, we have a saying here "rumat ne vaatteilla koreilee" which roughly means that it's the ugly people who dandy up. And yes, Finns dress badly.
How would you describe your style? I can't describe it in one word but I can try my best to put it in a single phrase. I think of my style as very early 30's young Finnish middle-class male. I very much like what Finland had to offer in terms of style in the era and I am getting more and more into it. It's not too busy but elegant and stylish.
Who is your style icon? I can't say I have a style icon. I've never felt it to be me to have someone to look up to but I have to admit that Clark Gable had the best grooming ever. I love the pencil mustache and that's on my list of to-dos.
Do you have a favorite website? I like The Fedora Lounge and the ambassador of classic men's style in Finland: Keikari.
What is your favorite personal item (non-clothing/accessories)? Even if my style is in the past tense that doesn't mean everything I own is (hence me writing this on a computer). My essential every day item is my cellphone. Can't say it's my favourite but I think it's the best I can provide to this question, sorry!
What is your favorite clothing article or accessory? A-ha, now this I can answer accurately! I have to say that I love my Finnish made black dress boots from 1935. I found them at a recycling center for 1 (one) euro! They were in immaculate shape and the best part is that they fit my largeish US 11 feet!
Where is your favorite or dream vacation spot? I would like to visit Belgium. I love Belgian ales and I find the country charming.
Tell us the best kept secret in your city. If I were to live in a city (by international standards or even national) I would gladly tell you. At the moment I reside somewhere that doesn't have any secrets that I'd even want to know.
At which establishments would you consider yourself a regular? If there is one place I go regularly it's a thrift store, recycling center or a flea market. They are pretty much the only places I ever visit if you don't count the groceries.
What would you be doing ten years from now? I will hopefully be teaching English unless my path takes me elsewhere.
What is your current obsession? I. Need. New. Plus-Fours. Exclamation mark.
Currently inspired by? The beautiful and sunny summer. I love that I can utilise my straw boaters!
Currently annoyed with? Stress.
C.H.
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4 comments:
His clothing is absolutely beautiful and he is very handsome. I guess I have no excuse not to look like that, living in New Jersey, when he can look so fabulous living in Finland.
Yes a real "college" dandy again fantastic to read.
Great to see you here, Lassi - you're bound to get lots of fan mail! Bravo.
Not only is he handsome but also the sweetest guy you'll ever meet.
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