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Meet Mr. Paul Edmunds (@edmunds_07) from · Winchester, UK, Director in the Digital Product Management team at Burberry.
Paul, how do you define your style?
Quite laid back, with workwear influences and plenty of layering. These days I try to keep it simple and timeless.
What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
It’s about being humble, open to others and respectful. Having empathy and treating people well. Have a passion for your hobbies, interests, and preferences, but without judgment.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
Some films and books, but like many people, I do spend time on Instagram. I love the old J.Crew catalogs that @lostjcrew posts and @aaronplevine has a style that looks so effortless and comfortable, but is also fun and interesting.
I like Drakes – everything they publish is great. Ahead of a recent trip to Italy, I had fun re-watching The Talented Mr Ripley to get some travel wardrobe inspiration.
What’s your personal style signifier?
A mechanical watch. My IWC Mark XV is the watch I wear more than any other. It’s robust, the perfect size and I like the simplicity of the black and white dial. It has a utilitarian quality that I love and that is probably why it’s the watch I reach for most. It has all the qualities of something more popular like a Rolex Explorer, but flies under the radar and is more understated.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
1. A chore jacket
2. Overshirts (both light and heavy weight fabric)
3. White cotton button-down Oxford shirt
4. Grey crew neck sweatshirt
5. Straight leg, selvedge denim blue jeans
6. A car coat
7. Smart and casual navy trousers
8. White linen shirt
9. A pair of Converse
10. A pair of black Birkenstock sandals
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
Food, watches and time outdoors. Since I moved to a village, the latter got much simpler with easy access to the South Downs and river walks along the beautiful chalk streams in the area. Perhaps my favourite place is my garden, where I can comfortably spend all day in the warmer months, usually finishing the day cooking family dinner outside on the grill.
My interest in watches started about 11 years ago when I stumbled on Hondikee.com and it’s still the site I spend the most time on. However, the best thing is to spend time talking about watches in person with other enthusiasts. I try to find an excuse to visit my local independent watch shop at least every few weeks, talk watches and try on the latest vintage piece they have.
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
A walk in the countryside followed by a relaxed evening listening to a podcast while cooking something nice (usually Italian), but in no rush and with a glass of wine.
Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us what’s the next destination on your bucket list.
I recently visited the English city of Bath for the first time in fifteen years and I loved it. I guess it has changed a lot in recent years or maybe I had simply forgotten, but the food scene was great, and I wished I had more time there. It’s a beautiful setting with all its Georgian architecture and very easy to walk around.
In my early twenties I spent some time in Japan, but mainly in the cities. I’m ready to go back now, but this time I want to spend time in the mountains and discover the rural towns and villages of Japan. I have heard from friends about beautiful walking trails.
Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.
A bottle of Laphroaig Whisky and I always try to have everything you need for a Gin Martini, Negroni, Margarita and a Hemingway Daiquiri.
What are your three favorite books?
I must confess I’m not the biggest reader, but I love history and recently finished Empire of the Summer Moon which charts the history of the Comanche Tribe.
What are your three favorite movies?
Good Will Hunting, There Will Be Blood, and Top Gun.
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