Meet The Style Guru Mathias Le Févre
With his distinct signature style, Mathias le Févre has become one of the street style favourites during the biannual fashion weeks. We met the Danish style guru to talk about his personal style, style icons, how to travel in style and his decision to pursue a career in London.
Interview: Alexander Gram
Photo: Nick Tydeman
Y
ou only need a quick scroll through Mathias le Févres feed on Instagram to be able to draw the same conclusion as I already did a few years ago: Mathias le Févre is one of the absolutely best dressed men in Denmark
The 24 year old Dane moved to London – the epicenter of classic tailoring and menswear – more than five years ago to pursue his dream within the lifestyle and fashion industry. Since then, Mathias le Févre has manifested his name in the international fashion landscape due to his unique and distinct signature style which is characterised by Savile Row vibes, 70s references and a potpourri of inspirational suits and fits in general. You can also be sure to see his outfits in the streetstyle gallery on Vogue, GQ and so on during the international men's fashion weeks. And the list of exclusive brands Mathias le Févre has collaborated with already include Rolls Royce, Vacheron Constantin, Ralph Lauren, Hackett London and more.
We met the danish style guru to talk about his personal style, style icons, how to travel in style and his decision to move to London to pursue his dream.
Mathias, how would you describe your personal style?
I would say; “Classically tailored with a dash of 70’s flair.”
When I first started wearing tailoring it was to achieve a polished and corporate office look. After years of wearing white shirts and boring ties, I took the leap to pursue a career in the creative industry. With a closet stuffed with plain suits I was longing to express my personality through what I was wearing so I started experimenting with pattern, colour and texture. Later on, I through my job as a creative consultant met the legendary tailor, Edward Sexton. The man who in the 70’s, together with designer Tommy Nutter, basically reinvented the Savile Row suit with a dash of rock N roll. Edward inspired me to experiment with wide trousers, flairs and vintage suits.
Photo: Mart Joseph
How and when did your passion for classic menswear begin?
Ever since I was a kid I have had this itching fire inside of me wanting to work. I started making my first pocket money as a 12 year old working for my father and grandfathers company. Having watched them running business, I was soaked in entrepreneurial juices, so much that founded my first business at the age of 16 when at the same time as I stated business college. Running a business as teenager it was important to make my clients and business partners take me seriously so I decided to use dressing-up as a tool to do this. I educated myself on tailoring through books, online journals and started following the most stylish guys I could find on Social media. This is how my obsession started.
How do you find inspiration?
I am constantly inspired by my environment; living in London, birthplace to the modern suit, the streets are always full of dapper gentlemen taking pride in looking their best. Dandies to be more specific. Other than that, I use Instagram for inspiration, I enjoy staying connected with the sartorial community and sharing the love for tailoring with people from all around the world. Lastly, I’m big fan of music from the 70’s and 80’s. Elton John, Mick Jagger and John Lennon are all major style heroes to me.
Are they also your style icons?
Tommy Nutter, Elton John, Mick Jagger; are my 70’s style heroes. They made dressing in a suit seem effortlessly cool and rock and roll.
Ralph Lauren; do not only have an incredibly inspiring entrepreneurial journey but inspired me to experiment with prep style. Cricket jumpers, plaid on plaid and pop colours.
Foto: ANDREA NATALI
Summer essentials?
My summer essentials consist of the following:
1) A three-piece cream suit cut from Irish Linen by the tailors Gieves & Hawkes. It’s light weight and super versatile. You can wear all three parts for a formal garden party, the trousers with casual shirt or the jacket with bold pair of checked trousers. The options are countless....
2) My favourite warm weather polos are from the newly founded Yuri & Yuri. They are knitted from a breathable Japanese yarn and cut with a chic wide collar, a garment just out of “The Talented Mr Ripley”.
3) If you wan to smell like a breezy summer evening in Tuscany then Acqua Di Parma Blu Mediterraneo is your weapon for choice. I’ve been using this one for the last 3 years and it has become an absolute favourite.
4) It is no secret that I spend a lot of time on the road with my job so it means so much to have luggage that you love. I have a set of Globe-Trotter cases in brown leather that develops a beautiful patina per every travel.
5) I switch between loose hair and a slick side-parting depending on my mood and the occasion. When doing my hair I use a mix of Truefitt & Hill’s “Clay” & “Paste”.
What does the tie mean to you?
The tie is not only an extraordinary accessory, but it also symbolise a very important mentality. A tie says dedication, a tie shows effort and a tie represents commitment.
The item all men should have in their wardrobe?
A silk jacquard gown to lord around the house on Sundays.... an absolute essential!
PHOTO: KIRK TRUMAN
Some years ago you moved to London. Why London?
I moved to London 5 years ago and it was not only the community sartorial enthusiasts that got me to move here. It is a city packed with ambition and a very driven entrepreneurial energy - most people I have met on my way are here because they are aspiring and want to achieve something great within their own space. Are you familiar with the quote: “If you are the smartest person in the room, then you are in the wrong room.” ? Well, with an elite population of 9 million people the chances of that is very low. Being the capital of Europe it is also a cultural melting pot and who wouldn’t want make friends from all around the world.
You have currently more than 153.000 followers on Instagram. Can you tell us a bit more about that?
Instagram definitely played a big role in the process of realising my passion and helped me connect with the creative community that I now consider my industry. It kickstarted my career in modelling, writing and art direction, and now works as outlet for me to share my work.
You work as an influencer, model and creative director. How does a typical day look like?
Two days are never the same and it was a big struggle for me to get used when I decided to pursue a career in fashion. I got the hang of it and realised that I had to change my mindset and start thinking of my calendar as seasonal, dynamic and project based, as most of my work evolves around my content production projects.
PHOTO: NICK TYDEMAN
It's obvious that you travel a lot. How many days did you travel last year?
Last year I had 94 days away from home... Japan, Italy, Scotland, France, Singapore, Dubai, Switzerland, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Portugal. I love travelling, exploring new cultures and going on an adventure. It opens up my soul and changes my perception of our reality.
What's always in your suitcase when you travel?
A camera: I would never leave without my camera. It has become an extension of my vision and I love capturing candit moments on my trips.
A second suit; there is always a possibility if spilling gelato down your best silk / cashmere suit, so bring a back up.
A book: when commuting there are always several gaps of time, I bring book to learn something new. Recent reads to recommend: The Art of Happiness, Rework and Awareness by Osho.
How has the big attention on your style from street style photographers and media like Vogue and GQ affected your career?
That’s a huge compliment, thank you! But a very hard question to answer. Increased awareness will always bring more opportunities when it comes to collaborating with others creatives and brands. However it also means that you have to turn down a lot requests and proposals. Essentially every project you take on will define the path in front of you.
Photo: Nick Tydeman
Do you have a style tip to the Danish men?
Don’t take dressing too seriously. Experiment, take chances and have fun.
What's your typical working from home outfit these days?
I’m mostly rocking a smart casual shirt / tie combo, but for conference calls and my Live Instagram sessions I put on a jacket. Also, even when working form home, I put on fragrance, i found that it has a surprising effect on my work ethic.
