Meet Mr. Johnny Sands (@mrjohnnysands) – a Musician, Photographer and Content Creator based in Liverpool.
Johnny, what does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
A modern Gentleman must be kind, honest and generous. Oh, and well dressed!
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
My style comes from my life and love of clothes. I always instinctively know if I love an item of clothing instantly. I’m drawn to it and feel like I must have it. I’ve always loved the way clothes can make you feel. They can transport you to another place or person you want to be.
I’m a big fan of classic cinema. In my teens I hunted down obscure foreign films and classic Hollywood films. I’ve always loved Bond, often dressing up like him as a child; Steve Mcqueen, Paul Newman and James Dean have always provided inspiration too.
In more recent times Instagram has been a great source of influence: from classic menswear pictures to modern guys that I would call under the radar icons.
Many summers spent in Italy have shaped my style too. I love Italian tailoring mixed with 60’s rock and roll. I also work with a wonderful local tailor Sarto, they make all my made-to-measure suits, blazers and trousers.
What’s your personal style signifier?
Suits & White T-shirts. Perfectly tailored cropped trousers worn with white pumps or loafers. Vintage Leather Jackets and vintage Oliver peoples frames.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
My main passions are music, fashion and photography. I also love classic cars, motorbikes and vintage watches. I spent 2020 restoring a 1973 Mercedes W115, I found it online and took one look at the color and had to buy it.
Back in 2010 I restored a Nissan Figaro. I’m a collector, I collect everything from classic James Bond books, vintage chess sets, 80’s analog drum machines and Omega watches. I have many passions, a keen sportsman in my youth I’ve always loved football (Juventus), athletics and more recently tennis.
I love chess but I get obsessed; I have to detox every so often to give myself a break. I love F1 too. I take pictures of everything and try to capture the world as I see it. I see Instagram as the modern diary, I just edit out the bad days.
Tell us what can never miss in your liquor cabinet?
Champagne, a good Whiskey & some Italian lager.
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!