In this customer spotlight we sat down with esteemed British actor, Gerard Horan. Growing up in Cheltenham as a music obsessive, it was an unlikely combination of girls, a forward-thinking record shop, and one very well-chosen shirt that first set him on the path to John Simons and Ivy League style. That journey was not, however, a straightforward one, and Horan is cheerfully candid about the expensive fashion detours which threatened to lead him astray along the way.
Today a much-loved figure across stage and screen, with an extensive career spanning the RSC, the National Theatre, and numerous television and film roles, he brings to his wardrobe the same quality he brings to his craft: a deep respect for things made well and built to last. A man of strong opinions, hard won good taste, and a very clear sense of what he would and wouldn't be seen dead in.
We'll let him take it from here.
CAN YOU REMEMBER THE FIRST SIGNIFICANT PIECE OF CLOTHING YOU PURCHASED? WHAT WAS IT AND WHERE WAS IT BOUGHT?
I was always primarily into music when I was a kid and spent all my teenage wages on my stereo and on records until I noticed girls. I quickly realised that the well turned out chaps seemed to stand a better chance with them so started dressing a bit better. The first thing I bought that I really loved was a black and white striped button down shirt. Classic Ivy cut though I didn’t realise it at the time. I thought I looked the nuts in that. It actually came from a record shop called Driftin’ in Cheltenham where I spent my teenage years. The proprietor Rodger had a girlfriend who started selling clothes out of the upstairs room and her gear was always interesting to me. Between the vinyl and the clothes that place got most of my cash.
WHEN WAS YOUR FIRST VISIT TO THE SHOP, AND WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?
My first memories of the shop are of Russell Street. The clothes were always well displayed and still are at Chiltern Street. They were quite unlike anything you could buy elsewhere; this eventually enticed me in. It would have been the late Eighties and I was single and earning well therefore like a lot of fellas from that era I had mistakenly embraced “Fashion”. This led to some absolute godawful and expensive horrors. John and the other chaps took me in, saw my plight and taught me the error of my ways. They were always kind and helpful with their advice and this along with the fabulous range of stock has kept me coming back ever since. My first purchase was a pair of black tasselled Weejuns, back when they were still well made, and I wore them everywhere.
WHAT ITEM OF CLOTHING COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
The Oxford Cotton Button Down. Sorry if it is an obvious choice but for me these shirts are perfect. They can be smart or casual, sharp or laid back. In other words, they sum up what I like about the whole Ivy look really. Easy to wear but always on point. I wear them with suits and a tie, with a pair of jeans or chinos. Occasionally open over a t-shirt with shorts, though my pins aren’t what they were! They are in my mind, unimprovable!
WHAT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE STYLE TIP FOR THE READERS AT HOME?
I am not sure anyone should be taking style tips from me but as someone who dresses up for a living and has therefore been lucky enough to meet and work with a few elegant souls who really do know their stuff I have observed a few things:
I. Whenever possible buy the best quality pieces you can afford and look after them. I have shoes, suits and coats that are older than my fully adult children.
II. Dress your age! What you thought looked great on you 30 years ago can look tragic today if you are not careful.
III. Style is permanent, fashion is temporary so find what works for you. You will feel more confident and poised knowing you are looking “up to the mark” as my old dad used to say.
DO YOU HAVE A SARTORIAL HERO?
I have many, from my older cousins Sean and Martin who were a huge influence as Suedeheads in the early 1970’s and impossibly cool to my young eyes, through to actors like Anton Walbrook, Cary Grant and of course Steve McQueen, but my main sartorial hero was the now sadly late, great William Wilde of Hornets, the fantastic vintage menswear shop in Kensington. A friend and mentor in all things and the person who taught me the true value of a well-cut and well-made whistle. He was the kindest, most elegant and most roguish gent. R.I.P. Wild Bill.
IF YOU COULD CHOOSE TO ATTEND A CONCERT FROM ANY ARTIST, DEAD OR ALIVE, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHAT WOULD YOU WEAR?
Not a concert but at the risk of sounding like a desperate old “actor laddie” I would give my right one and possibly yours too to be able to go back to 1599 and watch Shakespeare and the boys ripping it up in the newly opened Globe theatre.
Editorial photography by Alex Natt.
