Wardrobe-building with Gábor Erdélyi
In the "Wardrobe Building" series, you can get a glimpse into my clients' wardrobes.
Through FP Ábel's photos, we showcase the outfits we've designed together while you can learn about Gábor's tastes and impressions through the interview.
Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.
-I’m Gábor Erdélyi, born and raised in Budapest. With the exception of a semester abroad as an exchange student and some work experience abroad, I have lived here my whole life. I’m married and a proud father of a wonderful son. As an engineer-economist, I work in my own business, primarily focusing on construction engineering consulting, especially in the field of reconstruction, along with other side activities.
What is your favorite building?
-Wow, that’s not an easy question; there are so many, and I can’t think of them all. Perhaps the Pantheon in Rome.
Who is your favorite architect?
-Le Corbusier. I’m a huge fan of modernism, and he is one of its greatest figures, or rather, pioneers.
What is your favorite architectural style?
-Bauhaus.
How would you describe your style? What memorable influences (studies, travels, culture, etc.) have shaped your taste?
-Even as a child, I loved beautiful clothes, but my parents’ financial situation and the historical context (the scarcity of the '80s and the living difficulties brought about by the changes of the '90s) made it difficult to access such things. Occasionally, gift packages would arrive from relatives living in the West, and there were a few nice pieces among the inherited items, which were always considered a treat. During my university years, I had the opportunity to shop independently, and even then, I appreciated more classic pieces (tailored trousers, shirts, blazers) over trendy items. When I got the chance to study in Paris, I was confronted with a Western metropolitan lifestyle where clothing was a natural part of various cultural aspects. In later travels, discovering the locals' style became part of my experience, from which I brought home some elements that resonated with me—initially very few, but later with more criticism. Italy, of course, has been at the forefront in this regard.
What is an essential item every man should have in his wardrobe, and why is it important?
-I have to pay attention to having too many trousers and shirts. Perhaps because these are the two pieces that can be best adjusted to my daily mood (and, not the least, the weather), and when I decide what to wear on a given day, one of these is usually the first thing I pick, and everything else follows from that.
What is your favorite made-to-measure garment, and why?
-Oh, that’s again a tough question, as I started gravitating towards made-to-measure clothing after more than a decade as a dedicated clothing lover, and I chose each piece quite consciously, making them all very dear to me. Perhaps my favorite is my summer mustard yellow/red herringbone patterned blazer: it’s both classic and special, somewhat unusual, but in a wonderfully versatile color.
What tips would you offer those who don’t yet have made-to-measure pieces in their wardrobe?
-It’s worth considering your work, lifestyle, and how formal you typically dress in your daily life. The best choice is one that you can use in everyday life and isn’t just sitting in your closet waiting for a special occasion for months or years. Of course, it's worth getting a good suit or blazer/trousers combo for your wedding (I’d encourage everyone to go for the latter), but you’ll only truly appreciate it if you don’t wear it just once. The other aspect is practicality: while a three-piece double-breasted Eszterházy check suit might seem like a great idea at first, it may be a bit excessive as a single piece. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend it for the first 10-15 orders. You can’t go wrong with classics, and they can be wonderfully enhanced with accessories.
What do your friends think of your dressing habits?
-They know that clothing is important to me, but it’s not really a topic we discuss. Sometimes they smile, and less often, they compliment a piece. There have been times when they first laughed and then adopted an element from my style. Those among them who also care about fashion are capable of getting into deeper analyses with me, but not in a large group.
Who are the five most stylish men (living or deceased)?
Paul Newman, Serge Gainsbourg, Keith Richards, Jason Jules, Adam Rogers, Yasuto Kamoshita, Michael Hill, Tommaso Capozzoli, Yukio Akamine, Oliver Dannefalk, Gianluca Migliarotti… wait, that might be too many!
Do you have other hobbies, and what do they bring to your life?
I really enjoy sports; I usually run, swim, and bike in my daily life, but I also love riding, kite surfing, skiing, and diving (mostly during travels). Of course, not everything fits into my life alongside family and work, so many of these remain “sleeping cells.” Thanks to my dear wife, I started learning to play the guitar a few years ago, which has been a completely new yet fantastic experience I’ve longed for, but if she hadn’t given me the initial push, I probably wouldn’t have mustered the courage to start.
