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Meet Mr. Christopher Berry (@cberii), a consultant living in Tokyo.
Christopher, how do you define your style?
New York with an Italian slant.
What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
Don’t rest your fate all on one outcome. I remember my Godfather telling me to be like Fabio Massimo, il Temporeggiatore. Play the long game, not only with work and life, but also with people. Following that strategy generally produces better decision making, I find.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
Renzo Baldaccini, my Godfather. A native Florentine who was an architect (in Italy and America), painter (much in the style of his idol, De Chirico), published historian, artillery officer, and antique book dealer. Some of my best memories with him are being served fried zucchini flowers or meringues after school in his kitchen, and asking questions about his various little collections of art and objects.
I could sometimes hear him ordering shoes and clothes from Italy on the phone, and I remember vividly his closet full of muted striped shirts, thick silk paisley ties, scarves and heavy tweeds. He always painted in denim work shirts from Bloomingdales and the first thing he did when he arrived back in Florence was buy filo di Scozia socks with the seam running down the back (an insistence of his).
He survived fascism (which he personally detested) and the horrors of WWII, eventually making a successful art dealership and restoration business when he moved to New York in the 60’s. I remember him most days.
What’s your personal style signifier?
My choice of glasses and belt. People always seem to ask about those.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
A long-tailed, comfortable shirt with a plain collar and cuffs.
Alden’s black and color 8 full strap loafers in shell cordovan. The black ones can be worn with absolutely anything, anywhere.
High-waisted pants, with a generous leg, cuffs and pleats.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
Since the world opened up again, I’ve really enjoyed playing tennis and squash once a week. I always make sure to have a court booked as they’re an excellent workout and an even better way to meet people.
Vintage of all sorts is also an interest, whether it’s vinyl, watches or clothing. I’m a bit spoiled for that here in Tokyo and there are simply too many good places to see them all. Jinbocho and Koenji are favorite neighborhoods to indulge and get lost in.
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
A long, quiet run in the morning. Playing my favorite records while sifting through the FT over three fried eggs, brown rice, spinach with 4 or 5 cups of coffee. A movie if I’m feeling adventurous, but most of the day just devoted to reading and getting a leg up on the coming week.
Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us and what’s the next destination on your bucket list.
Most recently I visited Okinawa to observe the 50 year anniversary of it’s reversion to Japan. From Naha to American Village, the degree to which life there was moulded into a modern American ideal is jarring to the senses. It was surreal to experience culture shock for the first time since I moved to Japan years ago. In many parts there is a minority of Japanese and American dollars are still a widely accepted form of currency. The cultural splendour of the old Ruyukyuu Kingdom is there if you go looking, and some of that is still reflected in the overwhelmingly positive and welcoming spirit that Okinawans have to this day.
I can’t say where for sure, but I definitely need to explore some neighboring countries here in East Asia soon.
Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.
I really don’t drink at home unless I’m having guests. I am pretty boring!
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