This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here.
Meet Marco Paez (@mr.marcopaez), the Director of Fahey/Klein Gallery in Los Angeles.
What are your main passions and how do you cultivate them?
My passions lie in fine art photography, collecting art books, men’s style, and cinema, each of which offer me avenues for exploration and growth. The nature of my work allows me to cultivate this passion. I view exhibitions, attend lectures, search for artists related to photography, and immerse myself in the work of photographers I admire.
I am fascinated by the various ways artists provide windows into their processes, style, and historical context.
How did you first develop an appreciation for style?
Through my father. He was a young man in the late 50’s and early 60’s. Seeing photographs of him then with this elevated masculinity – clean lines, sleek but structured suits, I learned how to appreciate men’s style, and realized that style isn’t just what you wear, but how you carry yourself. My brothers and I were fortunate that my father saved some of his ties, sweaters, and suits that we inherited. In addition, I was a ferocious reader of “Details and Interview” magazine. The early issues would feature the bands, gallery openings, and clubs of the time. I was always fascinated to see who was being photographed and what they were wearing.
What does “being well-dressed” mean to you?
In essence, being well-dressed means building a wardrobe that reflects one’s own personal style that allows for versatility, all of which contributes and engages in one’s own environment.
What does your “daily” uniform’ look like?
I am an admirer of quality fabrics, tailoring, simple patterns/color schemes. For the most part, it’s minimal, built around black/blue, grey/white tones. For work, it’s often white oxford shirts, black or blue trousers; although, shorts are a part of my wardrobe (it is Southern California after all).
Is there a particular item in your wardrobe or accessory that holds special meaning for you?
My father’s silver cufflinks. I don’t get to wear them often; however, when I do, it’s a way for me to keep him close, to honor him, and to bring a part of him into my own journey.
How do you find inspiration in your work?
By being observant and seeing with curiosity, care, and depth. The work that I do is in service to the artists I represent. I am in a unique position of building meaningful relationships with very creative people whose work allows me to explore themes and subjects that are important to me. I believe photography is a medium that is a bit more approachable to the broader audience. This allows me to engage with art lovers from all walks of life who are looking to learn, explore and collect fine art photography.
If you could mentor someone in your field, what’s the first lesson you would teach?
Being self-aware, not just self-confident, is a superpower. Never shake hands with someone while sitting down. Always stand up. Having a sense of humor really helps too.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Read more – in general. Have faith in yourself and take more chances.
What’s an artwork that profoundly impacted your life, and how did it change your perspective?
The portrait “Man with a Glove” by Titian (Tiziano). I have always been captivated by the Renaissance, particularly portraits of this period in history. Portraits in general, have an ability to transport the viewer back in time and one compelling example is “Man with a Glove.” It’s intimate and elegant. The more one observes it, the more you realize the sitter has a great sense of personal style and understands how to present himself. But specifically, it allowed me to have an observant perspective- approaching the world with heightened awareness, attentiveness to detail, and a sensitivity to the nuances that others might overlook. It’s not just about seeing it, it’s about noticing, interpreting, and reflecting. This has been quite effective in the work that I do.
How do you find time to unwind and slow down?
I keep a weekly routine of allowing myself to go for a hike or long bike rides by myself. I find these particular activities work best to relieve stress. They also provide opportunities to fully explore my surrounding community.
What’s a personal ritual that keeps you grounded?
I volunteer whenever possible – especially with organizations that mentor kids in the arts. The experience for me is deeply meaningful because it combines creativity with community impact. I believe in the power of the arts to inspire confidence, self-expression, and critical thinking in young people, especially those who might not otherwise have access to these opportunities. Giving my time to support and uplift these kids isn’t just about teaching skills, it’s about opening doors, showing them what’s possible, and helping them find their voice through art.
What podcast are you currently listening to, and what do you enjoy about?
99% Invisible. It is about design in the things we use and move through every day, many of which go unseen unless you look closely with an observant perspective.
What has been your most memorable or adventurous trip, and what made it so special?
Traveling to Thailand with my family. We were quite a big group that included siblings, spouses, cousins, and all the children. Traveling with family, especially with the kids, added a whole new layer of joy to the experience. Watching my nieces and nephews taste new foods for the first time and connect with people from a completely different culture reminded me of the magic of travel – not just in seeing new places, but in sharing them with the family you love. It was truly a bonding experience.
What’s a hidden gem in your city that more people should know about?
The Los Angeles River. The Los Angeles River has carved out a distinctive role in Hollywood cinema, becoming an iconic backdrop that filmmakers return to time and again for its gritty, urban aesthetic and symbolic resonance. LA was founded on a riverbank; however, as the city and population grew, more of the water was depleted and eventually, due to flooding, the river was encased in concrete to contain it. Most people don’t know it is an actual river that meets the sea. It encompasses 52 miles through Los Angeles and it goes through some of the most interesting neighborhoods that you don’t get to see if you are just driving in your car.
The riverbank has great biking/walking trails. The north end is “soft bottomed” and looks like a traditional river with trees, birds and fish. So do the last few miles near the Beach. Recently, certain neighborhoods adjacent to the river are starting to revitalize the riverbank with coffee houses, small restaurants and specialty stores. The bike paths along the river are great routes one can use to connect to other neighborhoods by avoiding street traffic.
What are your three favorite books?
This was difficult to narrow down, so I’ll name the first three favorites that come to mind.
The essays in Dandies: Fashion and Finesse in Art and Culture
A History of The World in 100 Objects
Wagstaff: Before and After Mapplethorpe
What are your three favorite movies?
I thought the book question was hard! I am a self-diagnosed cinephile so here it goes:
China Town – quintessential movie about Los Angeles in the 1930s and the culture of the city.
Blue Velvet – fascinating characters and unusually interesting.
In the Mood for Love – visually stunning, stylish, and compelling.
