This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Mr. Baptiste Rosset (@rstbaptiste) from London, Marketing & Business Development Manager at The Rake.
Baptiste, what does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
Something we should all strive for. Being respectful of other people, and polite. Listening, and being there for friends and family when they need you. A Modern Gentleman also knows when to say no, and isn’t afraid to do so. Most importantly, being a Modern Gentleman does not proclaim himself as such, especially not on social media.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
Ralph Lauren and Drake’s are my two biggest sources of inspiration for everything related to fashion and style. Ralph has managed to combine Western, Workwear, with high-end tailoring, and in my opinion, no one is doing it better than RL. They just show that one doesn’t have to be limited to one style of clothing. I’m also a big fan of the lifestyle both brands have created.
My friends are also a big source of inspiration for me. Most of them work in the fashion industry, from various brands such as Drake’s or Savile Row tailors, they are all passionate but seeing how people working on the same street, in the same industry, have such various styles is extremely interesting and has a big impact on how I dress. When they wear an outfit that I like, I try to replicate it and mix it with other pieces they wouldn’t necessarily wear themselves. But this leads to wearing the same outfits as them on the same occasion, which can be a funny moment…
What’s your personal style signifier?
I have a vintage Seiko that I found in Portobello Market, it’s a two tones and is a tribute to the Rolex Datejust. Since buying it, I wear it most days and for all occasions, and it has effectively replaced all other watches in my collection. Rings are also a big part of my style. I have 3 of them that I never take off. They bring a rugged aspect to outfits, which I like.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
Grey flannel trousers are a game-changer. They go with pretty much everything, from denim jackets to double-breasted blazers, and from Red Wings to brogues. A Rampley & Co pocket square is also an essential part of my wardrobe. I do have a pretty good collection of their pocket squares, and I’ve just stopped buying any from other brands, they’re just not worth it.
Suede loafers are my go-to shoes for pretty much any occasion. They may not be the most practical shoes, but they’re too good for me to mind.
I also adore white trousers. Many people are scared of them as they get dirty very quickly, and you should avoid wearing them under the rain, but they are such a classic and a piece that can be worn with your entire wardrobe. To everybody who is afraid of them, don’t hesitate, just get a pair and you will fall in love with them sooner than you realise. Yes, you will have to wash them a lot, but believe me, they’re worth the struggle.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
Music has always been a part of my life. I have a few guitars in France, including a Gibson Les Paul Studio in a Wine Red colour, but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to bring them home to London just yet. It’s truly one of my main passions but unfortunately, I haven’t been able to cultivate it as much as I want to, recently.
Clothes and style are also a big part of my life. I love reading about it, learning about it, and buying new outfits. My girlfriend probably wants to leave me when I bring a new tie home every week, but she is slowly getting used to it…
Tell us what can never miss in your liquor cabinet.
It may be cliche, but I love a good old Negroni with Punt E Mes and Monkey 47. Not any of that Martini Rosso non-sense, which only ruins a beautiful drink. My girlfriend being Irish, we always have a bottle of Jameson available that we sometimes use for Old-fashioned, but the best bottle we need to have at all times is Chartreuse, which makes sense as I am from Grenoble, where Charteuse is being made. It’s made by monks and the recipe has been kept secret for centuries. Pour it in a hot chocolate after a long skiing day, and thank me later!
