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Meet Mr. Kyle Edwards (@k.medwards) from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Assistant Store Manager at Madewell.
Kyle, how do you define your style?
Three words came to mind: classic, modern, and utilitarian.
Often I find myself wearing workwear pieces with traditional menswear’s tailoring. A classic combination for me is tweed suiting with a denim shirt and a pair of white sneakers. Another would be a Chambray shirt, raw selvedge denim with a pair of loafers.
What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
A modern gentleman is always dressed for the occasion. Always looking for a way to elevate himself both in dress and in thinking.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
Honestly, inspiration comes from how colleagues and clients with different styles and tastes pair their pieces together. Lately, I find myself being inspired by looks I’ve seen when scrolling through Pinterest and menswear lookbooks. Pinterest has had a revival for me personally, it tends to pull images of timeless looks from years ago.
What’s your personal style signifier?
My brass cuff from Studebaker metals. Studebaker is a metal smithing workshop that hand makes metal goods. This cuff is my go to more than a watch. Balances out every look because of its unpolished work patina and the size and weight is perfect for most looks. Its never a question if it works with a look.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
You can never have too many denim or chambray shirts. They pair well with anything, while keeping you from looking overdressed. Also you have to have multiple heavyweight white T-shirts. The weight separates your T-shirts from looking like an undershirt, in my opinion. Last but not least a classic loafer, an essential in the closet and the best way to elevate a look.
I have been reaching more towards my ecru selvedge denim as of late. Creating a look around them is almost seamless, add that to the list too.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
The obvious answer would be menswear but textiles is a topic that has always peaked my interest. When investing into a new piece I tend to look into the details given by the brand, and then do my own personal research on the fabrics that are used to create the garment. A Lot of reading and research keeps me deep in the rabbit hole of endless information. As a gift I received a book called “Textilepedia”, which is exactly what you would think it is, a textile encyclopedia. Highly recommend if you’re interested in textiles.
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
A morning started with an Americano from a local coffee shop. Eggs Benedict is my go to but I also don’t mind having something simple like a Danish to start the morning. Preferably with jazz or Sinatra playing in my ear, as a catch up on reading.
Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us what’s the next destination on your bucket list.
Recently I took a trip to Dublin and London. When reflecting on this trip, the most enjoyable part is that we walked to the majority of our destinations. This gave us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the city at our own pace and not from the window of a taxi. We’ve talked about going to London again, which shows how much we enjoyed our time there.
Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.
Gin would never be missing from the cabinet. Recently discovered a small batch of aged Gin called Cayuga Gold (by Myer Farm), and Dry Rye Gin (by St. George).
If you enjoy gin I highly recommend them. Both share a similar spice you would get when enjoying a glass of rye whiskey. They also both have enough of a distinct taste that they pair well with tonic too.
What are your three favorite books?
How to Connect With Anyone by Leil Lowndes
How to Talk With Anyone by Leil Lowndes
Talk like Ted by Carmine Gallo
I try to stay in the mindset of ‘learn, grow, and repeat’. Always trying to find ways to communicate better. Working in retail, it’s key to be able to communicate with clients but also with your colleagues.
What are your three favorite movies?
Inception was a great thought-provoking film with a strong cast.
Nocturnal Animals was another movie that is an easy go. I am also a Marvel fan so adding Logan to the list is a no-brainer.
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