This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Mr. James Sleater (@jamessleater) from London, the owner of Savile Row tailor Cad and the Dandy, Swedish Tailor Götrich, and The Service coffee shop.
James, what does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
I don’t use the word gentleman often, although I do hope people consider me one.
I guess I’d say a modern gentleman is a stand-up guy, someone who gets things done, keeps to his word and has good manners. Wearing a bespoke suit doesn’t make you a gentleman, but it does help you look the part.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
It’s not hard finding inspiration when you work on Savile Row. Plenty of inspiration to be found at the Burlington Arms and The Service, the best dressed pub and coffee shop in London. My frame of reference isn’t confined to the tailoring world though – I find inspiration in a lot of places, from French cinema… to the last place I ate out at.
What’s your personal style signifier?
Am I allowed to say anything other than a suit as someone who works in tailoring? Probably not. I do love a three-piece – and I do more often than not wear more earthy colors and probably too often seen in white trousers when the weather doesn’t support it. The last year I have been living in a printed Drake’s scarf which has been doubled up as my mask.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
I love a safari jacket. We’re in the process of launching Cad Ready to Wear in a new shop of Savile Row (7-8) which will focus on items you wouldn’t always have made bespoke but with also great casual pieces like the safari, but I’ve got quite a few bespoke ones. My favorite is a cloth by Piacenza made from baby camel hair in an oatmeal dogtooth. Super versatile – it pretty much goes with everything and I wear it all year round.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
I grew up with the 80s Land Rover ads and their tone always struck a chord with me. They took something heritage and made it cool. The ads were so good I’ve ended up with 3 Land Rovers and I love taking them out for road trips and getting into scrapes with them. Hopefully, each journey takes me to the coast for some boat-based fun. This summer has not really happened yet weather wise but I am hopeful its going to be a great one with more international travel opening up.
Tell us what can never miss in your liquor cabinet?
Campari, always. All good drinks require it, and most others would probably benefit from a splash of it. I am in a bit of a post Negroni stage so tend to favour a simple Campari Soda. I also never say no to a pint of Guinness.
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!