SITTING WITH JOHN CALDWELL. WE DISCUSS THE IMPORTANCE OF DRESS FOR SUCCESS AND KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE PRIZE. AS THE AGE-OLD ADAGE SAYS… DRESS FOR THE SUCCESS YOU WANT!
SO WHAT DOES JOHN HAVE TO SAY ABOUT HIS OWN STYLE
1: What influence do you feel fashion has had on your life?
As a society, we’re taught not to judge a book by its cover, yet we often do. Fashion has influenced me in this way throughout my entire life. I speak often of my experiences growing up and the challenges I faced. I came from a very poor family and often I was the only kid in school without shoes. It was rare that I would be able to have my own clothes as I usually had to dress in my older sister’s hand-me-downs. I was subjected to horrendous bullying in school and a lot of that was due to my appearance. I recall one instance where I was on a school camp. I had only one outfit for the whole trip and it was one of my older sisters t-shirts. It was miles too big for me. I remember walking across the mess hall during dinner and my shirt had become untucked at the back. I hadn’t noticed until a teacher pointed at me and said “what are you wearing? Are you wearing a dress?” with that the whole hall erupted with laughter and I was humiliated. An older student had seen what had happened in the mess hall. That night he was kind enough to lend me some of his clothes for the remainder of camp. I have never forgotten what that boy did for me. The immediate rise in confidence and self esteem was astounding. This was my first taste of what style could do for your character.
Fashion is important for many reasons, including being a form of personal identity. Fashion allows people to express their individual style and personality. I don’t think it’s until you are denied the right to do this that you can truly appreciate the role fashion and style play on your self worth and confidence. One thing I have come to appreciate is that clothes are a very intimate thing.
I wasn’t bullied because I didn’t have the latest trends I was bullied because I was poor and the clothes on my back were just a representation of that, they were not a representation of who I was. As I got older I mused on my past experiences and while I truly believe beauty comes from within I also recognise how important it can be for your appearance to reflect who you are as a person.
One of my favourite quotes is that by Miuccia Prada, “Fashion is the first step out of poverty. You have nothing and then you put something on. It is one of the first things you do to elevate yourself. … — there’s a resistance to fashion — an idea that to love fashion is to be stupid. Clothes are very intimate. When you get dressed, you are making public your idea about yourself.”
Fashion continues to influence my life daily. As a professional and the face of my company it is important that my style reflects my brand and culture. I am very comfortable in my own skin and being able to explore my style palate is something that has helped me establish myself both personally and professionally.
2: What do you feel are the must have pieces every young professional should have in their wardrobe?
Every young professional needs to invest in a custom or measured suit. Nothing says professional like a flawlessly fitting suit. It tells the world you’ve got sense and a sense of style. Most importantly, it tells your boss that you’ve got an eye for detail.
A Navy blazer. I have 10 of these. I like to think of the navy blue blazer as the male equivalent of the little black dress for women. You can dress one up or down and it can be worn just as easily in the summer as in the winter. It quite literally goes with everything.
A solid bag. Your bag speaks volumes of you, so choose wisely. You want to look and stay organised. Nothing says fresh out of school like a backpack and nothing says underprepared like a man without a bag at all. Solid leather is always a safe bet.
3: How would you describe your style?
Fashion can be two things. It can be as simple as something you put on to make yourself feel beautiful, or as dynamic as something illustrative of culture, time and its transformations. I am somewhere in the middle. I have my staples that make me feel like me but I often team them up with riskier, on trend options.
4: Who are your favourite designers?
Easily recognisable for its classic English style, my absolute favourite is Burberry. Despite having one of the most recognised trademarks with the iconic Burberry check, they have managed to maintain a high level of brand integrity. I also love its affordability. Others include Hermes, Gucci and Christian Louboutin.
5: Do you think there is truth behind the concept “Style because your personality isn’t the first thing people see.”
Absolutely, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Unfortunately it is human nature to make snap judgments about each other. When you enter a job interview you may only be in front of the interviewer for half an hour. It is impossible for every detail of your personality to be depicted in that time frame – yet it could be the most important half an hour of your life. Style is all about putting your best face forward and making sure you visually leave them with a great sense of who you are.
6: Has fashion impacted your career path?
Fashion has undoubtedly impacted on my career. Not only has my own personal journey of self expression through style helped me reach great heights but I have also made a living out of it. My company recruits for some of the country’s most respected fashion designers, brands and retailers.
7: When it comes to interviewing candidates for executive roles what is it you look for in personal presentation?
Undoubtedly I look for confidence, and then I look for alignment to the brand they will potentially be representing. It is imperative that you get to dress in a way that professionally encompasses everything that is you. I can tell straight away if someone is trying hard to look a part of a brand that is not right for them. If you are uncomfortable internally you look uncomfortable externally. The best advice I can give anyone going for a role in the fashion industry is to go for roles that are synonymous with who you are.
Another important factor is personal grooming, especially fragrance. Too much can be distracting and too little… well we all know the impression that can leave. When you enter into an interview you want to be remembered for all the right reasons. Visually stimulating the interviewer with your style is the first tick, then it’s all about making sure you are well prepared for the interview questions.
8: What is your take on having a stylist? Should all CEO’s have one?
Yes! I absolutely love the fresh ideas my stylist brings to the table. It is quite hard to expand your sense of style especially when you are time poor. Stylists are extremely creative and a good one will get to know you and what works for your personality.
9: What are a few success secrets you can share with us?
Think positive! I am a big believer in this. What you put out, you will receive in return. Feel confident, feel beautiful, and don’t sweat the small stuff.
10: Who is your celebrity style icon?
Justin Timberlake, Josh Duhamel and David Beckham have had a few moments of genius.
11: What is the one piece from your wardrobe that you can’t live without?
My orange Burberry trench. It was one of the first Burberry pieces I purchased many years ago. I don’t think I will ever part with it.
♣ Photographer – Greg Desiatov ♣
♣ Hair & Makeup – Mishel Vounatsos Bratsos ♣
