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Meet Mr. Grant Pierrus (@grantpierrus) from London, UK. He is the founder of Pierrus Agency, a consulting firm working with interior designers and design brands to grow their businesses.
Grant, how do you define your style?
I love the word style, and I’ve learned over the years that for me, simplicity is important. I like classic looks with a tiny twist, whether that be interesting shoes, a good bag, or a statement piece of jewelry.
I think that where my style really comes into its own is my approach to design. I studied interior design at Central St Martins in London, and that led me to found an interior design marketing agency where I work with some of the best interior designers in the world. This has taught me so much, but most importantly, it’s taught me how to develop my own sense of style. I appreciate minimalism, where there is a focus on the material, the skill, and the construction of the piece. This is so incredibly hard to achieve in a beautiful object when using this approach, so I appreciate the work that goes into these designs.
My home is a celebration of these beautiful objects that I’ve collected and been gifted by makers over the years. So, I suppose you could say that there is an element of appreciation for creative thinking as part of my sense of style.
What does it mean for you to be a Modern Gentleman?
To show up fully for yourself, your family, friends, team, clients, etc in whatever situation you are in. To be in the moment with them and give of yourself fully. However, a Modern Gentleman also needs to ensure that he cultivates his own time, so it’s your responsibility to ensure you strike the balance between giving of yourself and replenishing yourself. This means you need to learn to say no – skillfully. I also think that you need to take responsibility for yourself and help others where you’re able to, particularly your family.
I also think that a Modern Gentleman can elegantly go from one situation to the next with grace, whether that’s social, work, travel, etc.
When it comes to style, where do you mostly get your inspiration from?
I’m very inspired by people who create beautiful things, I love learning about their motivations, their dedication to their skill, and their craft. People who obsess about a single material and learn how to use and manipulate that material into extraordinary things. That dedication inspires me and has taught me that style is far more than just how something looks. It’s an approach to your life. From that, everything else falls into place, as I only want to be surrounded by things that echo these values.
What’s your personal style signifier?
I think it’s probably a really great pouch or interesting bag. I’m known for wearing these.
What are your favorite wardrobe essentials?
An elegant watch (My Cartier is my favourite), a suede slip-on trainer, navy chinos with a bit of stretch, great linen shirts and a well-cut blazer.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
As I mentioned earlier, I love learning about other people’s sense of style and what drives them to cultivate this for themselves. People’s stories and the way they express themselves fascinate me, particularly when that expression takes the form of beautiful objects. I travel a lot to find interesting stories and people. A lot of the time, I do talk about this on my blog, interiorstylehunter.com or my Instagram at @grantpierrus, but often, I don’t show my finds and will just enjoy the personal learnings I gain from that meeting or discovery.
What does your ideal Sunday look like?
I’m out a lot in the week at events and meetings with clients, so on the weekends, I love to spend my time recharging. This is often reading and making great food or visiting friends. I’m not often seen at restaurants or out and about at weekends.
Describe an interesting trip you have taken and tell us what’s the next destination on your bucket list.
I went to India in 2019 and completely fell in love with the place, I can’t wait to go back. The way that it looks so chaotic to the Western eye, but in fact, it just flows and works in the best way it could. I loved learning that lesson. Visiting places that don’t remind me of where I live is my favorite thing to do. I’ve just got back from Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains and loved every minute of that. I think Sri Lanka might be one of my next adventures.
Tell us what can never be missing in your liquor cabinet.
This is an interesting question. I lived in Cape Town a long time ago, and that meant that weekends were often spent at wine estates and vineyards. My cellar was always stocked with so much wine. However, as I’ve got older, I’ve moved to harder spirits and much prefer a well-mixed cocktail as opposed to wine. I always have a few types of gin and, recently, a few non-alcoholic drinks – like Seedlip.
What are your three favorite books?
I have a real problem with books. I have far too many, and between my Kindle and my library, probably have way over 200 books – probably more! My favorite books are always the books I’m currently reading, and I hardly ever re-open a book. At the moment, I’m reading The Art of Impossible by Steven Kotler, Jacques Grange (recent work) and Fewer Better Things by Glenn Adamson.
What are your three favorite movies?
A single man, Tea with Mussolini, and Casablanca.
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