Meet Mr. Luke Hodges from Bethnal Green, East London – a Streetstyle Photographer an the Owner of pre-owned luxury menswear and vintage watch store Archer & Woods.
Luke, what does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
The classic idea of a gentleman is maybe a little outdated for modern times, but the fundamentals are still the same. Treat others with respect and decency. Show your best self – not for instagram likes or attention, but instead as a sign of respect. And don’t take it all so seriously – we can all get caught up in nice suits, restaurants and cocktails but these are meant to enhance the important things in life, not become them.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
I’ve been shooting streetstyle at Fashion Week for about the last 10 years and a lot of my inspiration comes from guys I see there. You get people from all over the world visit the shows so there’s always an eclectic mix of styles to steal from. Currently my obsessions are Yasuto Kamoshita, Jislian Duval and Hiroki Nakamura. I also binge Mr Porter’s youtube every now and again.
Oh…and Cary Grant.
What’s your personal style signifier?
I like to have a Hi-Lo mix when putting together an outfit and try to keep everything I wear pre-owned (pants excluded). Currently I’m wearing a Drake’s chore jacket, vintage Levi’s I picked up at a car-boot sale, some old Weejuns and a vintage DateJust.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
I’ve tended to make my main passions of photography and menswear into work, so it’s important I try to find other things to take my mind off them. I’m currently studying psychotherapy and during lockdown I had the great idea of trying (and failing) to teach myself Italian and Japanese simultaneously. Unfortunately my other passions of whisky and wine are hindering those pursuits.
Tell us what can never miss in your liquor cabinet?
1 good scotch – preferably Lagavulin 16yr, 1 decent Bourbon – Wild Turkey 101 does the job there, 1 standard vodka in the freezer – just a stolly will do.
Originally posted as part of the Gents Cafe Newsletter, a bite-sized read about men’s lifestyle to enjoy over a coffee or a nice cocktail. Join now!