In this Customer Spotlight, we introduce Adam Soffe. Based in London, his life revolves around music, family, sport and style. He’s a father of two young boys and, by day, heads up the Creative Sync team at Universal Music, where he’s responsible for getting music into film, TV, advertising and video games.
Working across the company’s sizeable artist roster from The Rolling Stones to The Beatles, Blue Note Records to The Chemical Brothers, Adam regularly collaborates with film directors and producers, helping shape the musical palette of each project. His love of music is wide ranging, but guitar driven sounds on the heavier end of the spectrum hold a particular allure. He still plays guitar in an angular post hardcore band to this day and regularly performs live shows.
CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU PURCHASED? WHAT WAS IT AND WHERE WAS IT BOUGHT?
The first piece I can remember loving was a vintage army field jacket when I was 15. It was an M65, though I did not know that name at the time. I just liked its versatility and the fact I could carry around all the things a 15 year old boy carries. I still like to blend Ivy League style with some military leaning pieces, so that purchase has clearly had a lasting influence. I bought it from an army surplus store in Camberley, where I grew up. I remember watching Taxi Driver around then too, and no doubt thought I was a young De Niro strutting about the sedate Home Counties.
WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THE SHOP, AND WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
My first visit would have been around 2016. It felt like walking into a shop unlike any other and I could tell there was some serious history involved. It felt timeless and I was hooked almost instantly. I then did my research and understood how it has stayed incredibly relevant for the last 70 years. I also remember enjoying the conversational style of Paul and Sean in the shop, which made you want to know what you were talking about on the clothes front. I picked up a white OBCD shirt on that first visit and started obsessing over the details from there.
WHAT ITEM OF CLOTHING COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I have several, but the item I reach for the most is my Vetra blue workwear jacket. I can wear it most of the year, either with layers underneath or just a T shirt in the summer. It is nicely worn in now and just feels ready to throw on. I also love desert boots as they are very versatile and can be worn with almost anything. My particular favourites are a pair from Astorflex, beaten up just the right amount.
WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE STYLE TIP FOR THE READERS AT HOME?
I am not sure your readers need a tip from me, but I have always tried to find a style I like and roughly stick to it. It is certainly fine to experiment, but ultimately I want to feel confident in what I wear and know it all loosely works together. That is what drew me to Ivy style, there are rules, but you can push them in various ways.
DO YOU HAVE A SARTORIAL HERO?
Paul Weller, especially during The Jam and Style Council eras, and Steve McQueen in all of his looks are obvious choices, but you really cannot go wrong if you pay close attention to their clothes. Leon Cerrone and Jason Jules always look effortlessly cool too, and I can always find inspiration in the Black Ivy book.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO ATTEND A CONCERT FROM ANY ARTIST, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU WEAR?
I am going to say the legendary 90s alternative band Fugazi. I would wear some tough wearing gear that could withstand a bit of being pushed around. Black Paraboot Michaels, vintage made in USA Levis 501s, a heavyweight pocket T shirt, and my Vetra workwear jacket. Hopefully they reform so I can put that outfit to the test.
Photography by Thomas Pratt.
