This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Mr. Benedict Browne (@benedict_browne) from west London, floating between being a freelance menswear stylist, journalist and brand consultant. He’s also part of a content agency called Studio Graft, where he supports a wide range of clients, mostly in menswear, in a digital capacity – from copywriting to product development.
Benedict, what does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
For me, a gentleman is someone who’s a positive influence on his society and, more intimately, his social group. It’s about being a role model (not in the paternal or idol sense of the word) and encouraging others to be kind, selfless, giving and openly emotional (which many men struggle with), whilst also being welcoming of new ways of thinking. Style and interests are secondary – just because you wear a suit and smoke a cigar does not make you a gentleman. In fact, some of the least gentlemanly people I’ve known have been those sorts of characters.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
My style inspirations come from a mixture of sources and not necessarily style periods. It comes from people who had innate style and swagger in abundance. From Sugar Ray Robinson to old-school R&B album covers.
What’s your personal style signifier?
Two things I’m never seen without are my Rolex DateJust and simple silver chain from Links of London, which was a gift from my mother and I’ve taken off three times in the last eight or nine years.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
A charcoal flannel double-breasted suit, white denim jeans, loop-wheeled tracksuits, and battered white canvas sneakers.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
Outside of clothing, my main passion is boxing. I’m obsessed with top-level fighters’ stories and how they perfect their craft through obsession. I also love to fight competitively (I’m unbeaten in three fights with my next one taking place next year). Without sounding like a cliche, nothing has ever come close to making me feel ‘alive’ than being in a ring with someone going toe to toe with hundreds watching.
Tell us what can never miss in your liquor cabinet.
In all honesty, I’m not too bothered about spirits and curating a liquor cabinet. I much prefer going to the pub with my mates than shaking a cocktail at home. Pint of Guinness over a Negroni every day for me (bar summer days, of course).
Never miss a story – subscribe now to the Gents Cafe Newsletter, a bite-sized read about men’s lifestyle to enjoy over a coffee or a nice cocktail.