What Style Expert, Simon Goldman, Loves About Mizzen+Main
We partnered with Simon Goldman, New York-based menswear designer, brand consultant, and content creator to explore the history of a few classic styles and explain how Mizzen+Main has taken inspiration from the past and designed styles that are ready for the future.
As someone known for his extensive knowledge of luxury heritage, traditional tailoring, and craftsmanship, Simon is the perfect person to tell you a few things you may not know about men’s fashion (as well as a few reasons for why your next clothing purchase should be from Mizzen+Main).
Below is our conversation with Simon along with some of our favorite videos with him.
What is a piece in your closet you gravitate to no matter the time of year?
I always tend to gravitate towards any odd jackets or unstructured tailoring. I love the simplicity of wearing a jacket with minimal padding or structure to the shoulder, as it wears more like a chore coat, but still delivers the sophistication of wearing lapels. My almost daily uniform is a tailored jacket, tee or button-down and tie, and a worn-in pair of vintage jeans. Arguably, one of the most versatile outfits that can be interpreted in many ways and feel super personal. And, of course, the jacket is what pulls it together and creates the statement.
Can you describe your style in one word?
Well-worn.
Do you have any creative outlets that you reach for when you need inspiration for your content?
I read! Whether that is old fashion magazines, books, articles, or blogs, you can truly never be too educated or learn enough when it comes to menswear history and men's fashion! I also look towards a lot of art and vintage photography to see how people used to dress, not for fashion but for function.
To you, what’s the importance of a wardrobe that moves with you?
I think the idea of a wardrobe that moves with me is something I go about slightly differently, as I don't approach fashion always in the lane of comfort first, more through the lens of what are the fewest best pieces I could wear regularly that just work with my lifestyle. I choose pieces extremely intentionally and wear pieces that last for ages and break in and become yours. That has always been something different about my approach, as my background in sewing and garment construction makes me look at clothing through a different lens, but I totally do understand the need and desire for clothing that moves with you, as comfort and accessibility is number one for the vast majority of people. I think that is where I see the appeal of Mizzen+Main in particular: taking the things I value in a well made wardrobe and applying them to pieces that are designed to keep up with the way people actually live today.
In terms of design, what do you pay attention to when choosing quality pieces, whether it’s the material blend, stitch-work?
There are a few things I always look out for when either buying or referring specific garments. Of course, fabric is key, but construction might even be more important for myself. As someone who has trained in pattern making and garment construction, I really notice everything from types of seam finishes, handwork, as well as other stylistic details, from pockets to how everything lines up. Especially if I am shopping for myself, I need to be able to know I will wear a piece quite regularly for me to add it to my wardrobe, especially living in NYC with minimal closet space!
Mizzen+Main is rooted in reengineering men's classics; how do you think the Mizzen+Main product embodies this mantra?
I think there are lots of brands that try to innovate past the point of actually making classic garments work for the modern age, but Mizzen+Main's approach isn't trying to reinvent the wheel of classic menswear. It is about stripping the garments down to what made them work historically and then utilizing modern cloth, finishes, and contemporary cuts that feel approachable for the modern man, elevated, but still rooted in the history of the garment. I really appreciate their approach to reengineering men's classics in a way that still puts craftsmanship first, whether that's utilizing cloth from Italian mills, campaigns surrounding showing the behind-the-scenes of production, sourcing, and making from around the world, to offering silhouettes and cuts that really work for so many body types. It's a refreshing take that doesn't try and stray too far from what made these classics stand the test of time. It just offers a unique enough spin to hopefully usher in a younger generation of people that want to dress well!
What is a classic menswear style that deserves more attention?
The tab collar dress shirt, as well as neckties in general! I think there is something great about a tab collar shirt and how beautifully it lays and holds a tie, especially if the shirt collar has a bit of a point to it! Also, neckties are a great way to make any outfit feel more personal and stylized, and I think men need to realize just because you are wearing a tie doesn’t mean your outfit has to be super formal! I wear a tie almost daily with a button-down and vintage jeans, and it is just another accessory to showcase my style!
What’s been a pinch-me moment?
There have been truly so many pinch-me moments that I am incredibly grateful for. One major standout has to be getting the opportunity to work with some of the most historic and incredible tailors around the world to get custom bespoke commissions made for myself!
Jonny Wills is the Creative Director for Mizzen+Main where he leads creative strategy while still doing his first (and favorite) job—writing copy. And for the record, he put that em dash there all by himself.
