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Mr. James Hughes

This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.


Meet Mr. James Hughes (@thebathgent), group sales manager in men’s footwear retail living in Bath, Somerset, UK.

James, how do you define your style?

Classic yet not afraid to be bold.

What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?

This has changed so much over the years although, as a traditionalist, I still believe in manners not costing a thing. Holding a door for someone or even a smile can make someone’s day.

When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?

I draw inspiration from quite a few different people in time, defined by the classics such as Sammy Davis Jr and Sean Connery. The late Duke of Edinburgh had a fabulous wardrobe and seemed to be prepared for every occasion and leaves a wonderful style legacy.

My father was never one into fashion and I really had to find my own way to draw inspiration, but I’m hoping some style tips onto my son.

My paternal grandfather was in the Royal Navy and growing up he was always very well presented with a knitted tie and his shoes were always immaculate, I guess that’s something that perhaps stuck subconsciously.

What’s your personal style signifier?

I’m lucky to have my great grandfather’s signet ring, which dates back to 1729. With that and a neck tie, which I don’t feel that a work outfit is complete without one.

What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?

As previously mentioned, a neck tie; I have about 60 ties and I am always looking to add to the collection. In the modern world, we are living in, they seem to be becoming less popular but I’m sure like most things, they’ll come back around.

A classic penny loafer, brown suede and black calf, this should be in the armory. Along with a few crisp white shirts, cutaway collar.

A navy blazer, a few pairs of flannel and some tweed for the winter months. I could go on listing my wardrobe essentials but for me , I can make a lot of outfits with that.

There is one last thing, it’s not an essential yet but soon, will be. Mike, from Territo tailoring (@territotailoring) has managed to get some of the Fox Brothers negroni fabric and I’m really looking forward to the end results.

I’m lucky that my work has dress guidelines but allows us to express them how we feel suitable, so all that I have mentioned, can often be found in a regular week.

What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?

First and foremost, my family. I am blessed to have a wonderful daughter and son (8 and 10) and a supportive Mrs. H. They give me a reason to succeed and explore. I was fortunate as a child to travel to a lot of places and see the world, this passion has stuck and my children also have the bug!

As a result of that, I love aviation and the buzz of an airport. Especially somewhere like Heathrow where the world is connected in front of you. For me, the airport and the flight are a huge part of the journey, even better if you’re in the British Airways Concorde room with a Negroni.

Food and drink play a big part in my interests and I love trying new things, again, passing this on to children and seeing them try and enjoy things for the first time.

What does your ideal Sunday look like?

An ideal Sunday would be an early start to make the most out of the day, to then visit a local National Trust house and gardens with a well-supplied picnic or heading to a hill somewhere with a daysack prepared with sweets to bribe the children to get up the last stretch with a mini stove to heat some hot dogs once we get there.

Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us and what’s the next destination on your bucket list.

On a trip to Venice a couple of years ago, I was sat with my wife having a cocktail overlooking Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute (as Harry’s bar was too busy) and the table next to us, was a lady who had bought several pairs of shoes from me for her nephew whilst he was boarding near Bath. I obviously had to speak to her and her husband with my very limited Italian and his very good English we had a wonderful chat and I found out their families were glassmakers from Murano.

Whilst on the Italian theme, the next trip booked is to Como to see my best friend and my son’s Godfather, who moved out there in 2020 and we’re really looking forward to seeing him. I love the Lake and might even squeeze a quick trip to Milan in.

Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.

Campari, Rosso Vermouth, London dry gin. It makes a great cocktail…


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