John Bartletts masculine, minimal, sly, and sexy clothing made a big splash in the 1990s. Now the handsome designer has relaunched in a big way, opening his first flagship store in New York Citys West Village, where he now also lives. The store will carry Bartletts signature sportswear, made-to-measure clothing, and furnishings.
We pushed him to pin down his opinions on what's sexy now...
Jeans: Boot cut or straight leg. Not too tight unless you are under 18. Wear them a bit loose, gives better package!
Shoes: I wear old brown lace-up oxfords at work. Sneakers are only for the treadmill.
Fragrance: Only in the form of incense or candles. My favorite is John Bartlett Fireplace scented candles.
Underwear: Wool/silk longjohns in winter and knitted jersey boxers in summer.
Cocktail: Super dirty martini, lots of olives, Ketel One
Restaurant or cuisine trend: My favorites in New York are Odeon, Caf Luxembourg, and Florent. They havent changed since I moved here 20 years ago, and I can still get a table any night of the week. I love it.
Watch or jewelry: I never wear a watch. My only jewelry is my black onyx Harvard class of 85 ring and my wedding band from Ted Meuhling.
Indulgence: Acupuncture and cupping from my favorite bodyworker-healer Irina.
Gadget: iPhone
Guilty pleasure TV show: I Love New York.
Book on your nightstand: The Grand Surprise: The Journals of Leo Lerman edited by Steven Pascal and The Worlds of Lincoln Kirstein by Martin Duberman
Musician: Joy Division and Eddie Vedder
Describe your personal style in three words: Ohio worker bee
Major influence: After Dark magazine from the 70s and Joseph Beuys
Beauty regimen: Standing on my head.
Tan? No Tan? Fake Tan? Fake-n-bake spray on, but maybe once a year.
