Style Profile: Matthew Zorpas
Matthew Zorpas
Sophisticated. Tailored. Experimental.
The first time I met Matthew he was walking across Somerset House during London Fashion Week. He immediately stood out from the crowds. Back then the crazier the outfit the better and Matthew’s style exuded a quiet sort of confidence. We became fast friends, meeting up every time I was in London to snap photos and catch up. It has been at least five years since we last hung out in person but I’ve loved watching his adventures from afar via Instagram. He’s one of the most stylish people I know and I thought he’d be the perfect person to launch this new blog series called Style Profiles.
Matthew and I caught up this week over FaceTime to talk all things quarantine, fashion and life changes…
Describe your style and its evolution.
There has been a certain evolution between who I was ten years ago and who I am today. I think I started my connection with fashion by looking at young designers and modern/futuristic design. Slowly I started familiarizing myself with tailoring due to my professional career as a lecturer. It forced me to develop a new uniform which was a suit. I felt right wearing that. I went very classic for a period of time and very sharp. I was very strict with what I was wearing.
Now I’m in the phase of trying to mix the two eras. There is still a sophistication and attention to detail but there is also some modernization and freshness from young/new designers.
Favorite designers.
Every season it changes. I don’t think there is any brand out there that has not fallen into following certain trends or adapting to the market. I always get my white shirts from Brooke Brothers. Stripey shirts from Eton. American cut double breasted from Ralph Lauren. Tuxedo from Tom Ford. Jeans from Levis. I think there are certain brands and designers that have excelled in a certain product. If you feel comfortable in that white t-shirt make sure that white t-shirt is sustainable, 100% cotton and ethically made. Continue to buy that from the same brand if you trust that brand.
Most prized possession.
If you asked me that 10 years ago it would be a fashion item but from fashion I jumped into the art scene a bit. I have some beautiful paintings I bought from Brazil from Oscar Niemeyer. Now I think after owning an apartment for the first time in my most valued possessions are becoming furniture.
Collaboration you are most proud of.
Being a watch ambassador for Breitling. Two years ago, the first launch project that we did together used aero acrobatics to announce my role. I had the opportunity to fly with a pilot in plane with just two seats. I got to experience the different G’s in a way that is similar to what astronauts experience.
What do you think the secret is to great style?
Experience. Just like any other job you need to familiarize yourself with what’s available and test it. See how you feel and look in different things and check with others. If you wear a certain color and people compliment you more then maybe it’s a good color for you. I think it’s about familiarizing yourself with what’s out there and developing taste slowly.
Three items everyone should have in their wardrobe.
White shirt. Navy double breasted suit. Good pair of English brogues.
Describe your quarantine style.
I try to at least dress up once a day. Whether it’s to go to the supermarket, to meet with my guest speaker for Couch Sessions or just to go out on the roof terrace and have a drink by myself. I do stay in a t-shirt and shorts during the day for a longer period of time than before but I still try to use my wardrobe. It’s like eating for me. It’s one of thing that still feel normal.
Favorite meal to cook at home.
Tuna cake. My mom used to make it and now i’m doing it too. It’s a cold tuna cake with avocado, Philadelphia cheese and biscuits. It’s one of my favorites.
Thing you are most looking forward to when this is all over.
How our time our reflection will become action and if it will become action. A lot of us experience a lot of reflective processes. We all want to change certain things. Become more sustainable. Joing the gym more. Learn how to cook. Whatever that is… can we maintain that afterwards. Can those become learning lessons that we will continue.
Currently watching.
Just finished Unorthodox which was really interesting.
Coffee or tea.
Coffee.
Biggest fashion mistake in your youth.
I would never judge anything as a mistake. I think we all have a lot of embarrassing pictures but for that moment it was something that felt right. We learn and continue and grow.
Fashion is for everyone. What does that mean to you?
Yes, fashion is for everyone. I think we have reached a point where many, if not all of us, have access to the basics and the have the ability to dress up in someway. We have enough to cover the needs of the whole population and we need to reduce consumption. But fashion continues to be for everyone. People need to have the ability to dress up. Even if it’s in a casual way. I think anywhere you are on the planet you can find the basics you need. It’s important to be able to dress up.
All photos via Matthew’s Instagram. Follow him here.
Hayley Menzies
Simplicity and order are where my heart lies. I like routine. I don't like feeling confused in the morning when I'm getting dressed. I think that's why I have come to rely so heavily on pieces that work hard and that I know I can count on. I'm all about an elevated essential. Timeless pieces that are understated enough to work season-after-season and don't scream a particular designer's name.
But, that's not always the case.
If it were, I never would have bought this Issey Miyake Pleats Please skirt or worn this Natar Georgiou multi-color rainbow knit dress to fashion week. Yes, I like a good basic but I love a bright bold off-the-wall unexpected piece that makes a grand statement. The reason? Sometimes it's nice (and important) to inject a little carefree fun into our lives. An easy way to do that is with our clothing.
The desire for a relaxed freedom is exactly why Hayley Menzie's AW17 collection caught my eye.
It's young. It's bold. It's colorful. It doesn't take itself too seriously. It's a bit kooky. It has a slight throwback seventies vibe. But it's elevated and something you'd still want to wear next season (or even in five years time). It represents exactly what I want to be wearing. The pieces are luxurious and refined but with a dose of something you'd never expect.
Read on to get to know Hayley a bit better and be sure to check out her new fall knitwear collection. I'm particularly taken by the charcoal arm warmers.
Hayley Menzies
Bold. Luxurious. Accessible.
Tell me a secret.
My next collection - SS18 is my favourite thing I’ve ever done. Blushing as I say this ;-)
Favorite thing about autumn?
Wrapping up in my Portobello Blanket… and not having to think about wearing a bikini for a few months so indulging in naughties!!
iPhone X. Hot or not?
I've not even caught up with hype yet...
Coffee or tea.
Thankfully not a caffeine addict, much more inclined to whiz up a smoothie.
Biggest fashion mistake in your youth.
I went through serious grunge stage and dyed my blonde hair red and wore patchwork trousers with DM boots. But i love all the different styles I experimented with in my youth and look back at them in fondness rather than horror!
Biggest fashion mistake recently.
I honestly don't make them anymore. My taste and style is established and Im considerate when making a purchase.
Fashion is for everyone. What does that mean to you?
Go forth and experiment and express yourself!