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Mr. Carlo Van den Broeck

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


Meet Carlo Van den Broeck (@carlo_vdbroeck) from Belgium, Leather Artisan and Founder of Atelier de Corium (@atelierdecorium).

Carlo, how do you define your style?

I would like to think of my style as a culmination of all the places I have lived and my life/travel experiences.

Some examples:

  • Akubra hats from the time I was living in Australia
  • Waxed jackets and heavy overcoats from the time I was living in London
  • Soft Italian tailoring from when I was studying in Italy

When traveling I also try to keep my souvenirs in line with what a country or region is known for. I picked up a made in Scotland blackwatch scarf during a visit to Scotland.

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

For me being a Modern Gentleman is about being honest to yourself and others. It’s about being presentable to others not because you want to upstage them but because you value their time. It shows you respect their time and go through the effort of making yourself as presentable as possible.

Given the current climate, being a Modern Gentleman is also about being aware of your purchases and how it affects the environment. I am not opposed to second-hand classic menswear. Most of the time second-hand menswear is made during a time when there were higher levels of quality control and more appreciation for the art of tailoring and the details involved.

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

I honestly get my inspiration from everywhere. I like being inspired by vintage hand-drawn menswear advertising, classic movies, magazines, Instagram and even nature.

What’s your personal style signifier?

I would like to think that my style signifier is my ability to wear colours. Generally, when people think menswear, they think navy and grey. I always like to bring some colour to my outfits. I also like to wear hats.

What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?

The Menswear uniform: Navy hopsack jacket, white shirt, and grey flannel or fresco trousers. It’s a classic for a reason.

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

Menswear, coffee and creating things with my hands. I trained to be a leather artisan in Florence, Italy. I have also learned to alter some of my clothing myself and I am currently learning knitting.

There is an immense feeling of satisfaction and achievement in creating something from almost nothing. My father is a studio potter so I am sure that has had an influence on me as well.

What does your ideal Sunday look like?

I’m an introvert so an ideal Sunday for me is a lazy day on the couch watching movies or playing single player story-driven video games.

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

I recently had the opportunity to visit Scotland with my wife. Despite it raining most of the time during our stay, Scotland has really made an impression on us. It brought up a lot of old memories from our time living in London.

The Scottish Highlands were beautiful and so moody given the rain. I really hope to be able to go back with more camera equipment since this time I only packed light. Budget and time permitting, we would love to drive around Scotland to really take in the scenery.

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

A good Single Malt Highland Whiskey.
What definitely needs to be with me, regardless if I’m at home or travelling, is good coffee. I have traveled in the past with a bag of ground-up coffee and my AeroPress. I even had an extra AeroPress at work.

What are your three favorite books?

I am not really a book person, may I propose 3 favourite video games instead? In no particular order: Witcher 3Red Dead Redemption and Half Life 2.

What are your three favorite movies?

Indiana Jones – The Last Crusade
Terminator 2 – Judgement Day
I Soliti Ignoti

The Last Crusade will always be my favorite movie, the next 2 can change depending on the current mood I am in.


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