Source : the age
Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, actor Thomas Cocquerel.
Thomas Cocquerel has a love of cowboy style, thanks to his time spent in Texas.Credit: Tara B Photography
How would you describe your style? I like to be relaxed but sophisticated. It’s about feeling good in classic tailoring and neutral tones – nothing too bold.
What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I found my great-grandfather’s black, high-waisted suit pants in storage recently. I had them tailored and wore them to my sister’s wedding with a Belancē tuxedo jacket.
And the most recent addition? I bought a new shirt for the wedding, but I mostly buy vintage clothes. A prized addition is a navy bomber jacket with an old David Jones label I found in an op shop. It would be at least 25 years old.
What would you wear … on a first date? Jeans with a short-sleeve Portuguese Flannel “Dogtown” shirt and loafers. … on a plane? I’m often travelling to an event with a suit, so I’ll wear the jacket with jeans and loafers. … on the red carpet? The red carpet’s changing, there’s more play to it now. The classic suit isn’t as present. I recently wore a wide-leg pant with a nice shirt, no jacket.
What’s your favourite fashion era? Style in the 1950s and ’60s was charming and confident. I love the tailoring and the classic look of jeans, T-shirt, sweater over the shoulders and a good pair of sunglasses.
Who are your favourite designers? My friend Oscar Leal, co-founder and creative director of Belancē – their suits are incredible. I wear a lot of Venroy; it’s relaxed and casual. And I’ve always loved Ralph Lauren for contemporary classics.
What’s your fragrance of choice? I’ve worn Dior “Sauvage Elixir” for some time but I’m also liking Paco Rabanne “Million Gold” and Boss “Bottled Beyond”.
What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A navy or cream cashmere sweater, dark blue Levi’s “555” jeans and a pair of vintage brown loafers.
Any go-to jewellery? I wear a silver signet ring with my family initials. My three sisters wear the same ring in gold.
Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? Cowboy boots and a cowboy hat. I lived in Texas for a while growing up. We’d go to the rodeo and I desperately wanted to be a cowboy.
Vintage brown loafers are a favourite of Cocquerel’s.
What was your first fashion moment? I was invited to an Oscars party on a trip to Los Angeles in 2013, just after finishing drama school. It was very exciting. I bought a light blue suit which I loved and wore to many events, probably too many.
And your worst fashion mistake? Around the same time, I was wearing deep V-neck T-shirts with long loose cardigans and a lot of necklaces. It was a fashion crime.
Is there something you’d never wear? Anything loud or with clashing prints. I tend to be more understated. I like to think that most things I’ve worn in the past, other than the V-necks and cardigans, would still work today.
Is there a current trend you like? I’m slow to trends. It took me a while to get into the baggier pants, but I love them now. Also, the looser-fitting suits are nice and I’m glad double-breasted blazers are coming back.
What shoes do you wear the most often? A pair of brown R.M. Williams boots, although in summer, I’m barefoot. I don’t wear flip-flops. I don’t like the feeling of anything between my toes.
Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Paul Newman’s style was cool and effortless. The way he wore a suit was elegant, confident and masculine.
What do you wear on a typical working day? I shot a film in Utah this year and got to go back to my roots in the cowboy gear. Generally, though, it’s jeans and a tee, whatever feels comfortable before I get into costume.
What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? Ideally, it’s shorts, no T-shirt and no shoes.
Thomas Cocquerel stars in All Her Fault, currently streaming on Binge.
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