Style Story / Brook
8 years ago by
Erik
Meet Brook, a man who wears Redwing boots and confidently keeps a pink couch in his living room. If that juxtaposition isn’t foretelling of the type of guy he is, hearing his Southern charm as he talks of ease, and being economical but making expensive things just might!
He’s traditional in the best ways, mixing vintage army greens with plaid shirts and chunky knits… Items that might go missing should a female set her sights on them! Not to mention his kind eyes and, ok, OK… yes, he is just generally a handsome fellow. Not to downplay his straightforward landscaping work — calming spaces like The Surf Lodge and gardens throughout the city that have a Richard Serra vibe, and happen to be an indication of his great eye for design.
Here are some photos from our visit last week to his inviting home in Fort Greene, Brooklyn…
Describe your style in three words.
Clean, simple, unpretentious.
What do you think men’s fashion has that women’s doesn’t?
It traditionally had less freedom than women’s, but I think the Internet and social media has shifted the young male’s perception and desire for fashion. With one click you can buy a new identity and change personas, shifting overnight. Fashion now seems wide open for men to explore new identities and consume at a rate that was once only really acceptable for women.
It’s kind of cool and kind of scary, like Japan’s population shrinking. As technology and our computer screens continue to take hold, guys will look to use fashion to set themselves apart in a flat world that used to have more dimension…
What do you look for in a woman’s style?
I want a woman to feel comfortable in her own skin and clothes. If it looks like she’s trying too hard, that’s not a good look for anyone. I prefer a woman that curates a nice wardrobe and looks like she just happens to throw on a few things on before stepping out. Something out, something new; something girly, something masculine; something sexy, something strong: just some things that play well together.
“Effortless beauty” describes the style of woman I hope to marry, even if she is indecisive and has to ask a few questions before stepping out. Having good style should never be a struggle that kills your mood and beautiful smile.
Is there one accessory that every man should have in their closet?
I’m a fan of the watch because it’s ornamental and functional. I can sneak a glance at the time without feeling rude. It helps you strategically plan an elegant well timed exit. Also, a fragrance is key.
When you’re putting together an outfit, where do you start?
Well, that’s easy enough! Boxers shorts.You probably mean outer garments, though… If that’s the case, I generally start with whatever piece I was feeling the most at that time. It could be a jacket, shirt or shoes, and build from there. Like the way I like to describe designing my gardens: Rock Paper Scissors. If you start with the predominate important move, the others kind of fall into line.
You have a landscaping business. How does your work define your style?
It’s true. My life and style kind of evolved around my career. When I was younger it was Dickie’s, Carhartt and OshKosh overalls. I have a massive boot collection, and the outdoors man in me always loved brands like North Face, Patagucci (aka Patagonia) and L.L. Bean because they offered function and durability.
Now, my days are spent more as a designer running around to meetings and talking shop, so it’s less influenced by gear but I still can’t seam to agree with overly precious items unless it’s fit for the occasion. Some early advice I received from a big creative director client: “simplify my garden so everyone in it stands out and feels chic without competing.” This still holds up today and helps when I’m choosing clothes.
Everything can’t be loud, or else nothing has value. Some things must stand silent for the right visual voices to be heard. I had a silly client tell me we needed to, “add some trees over there to fill up that space.” Look into the future. If you see design as just filling up space, you’re already choking.
Do you wish you got to dress up more often?
Yes. It’s fun and it makes you feel good, especially when you grew up blue collar like me. The tough part is not looking like someone that’s afraid to get dirty when he walks into the shop or onto a job site. I’m at a different place now in my career as a designer. It’s not in the company’s best interest for me to be a full time “doer”. It’s kind of ironic that the traditional working man’s outfit seems to be this past decade’s most sought-after fashion for the soft-handed, digital media guy…
I shaved off my beard this past year and started to dress up more. We will see how it goes — hopefully I won’t stain or rip everything I bought.
Do you have a favorite suit?
Club Monaco makes sick suits that fit my build perfectly. Give me a few years and I would love to sport some of Brunello Cucinelli suits.
What’s your favorite piece in your wardrobe and why?
Currently I think it’s my desert boots by Church’s. They are my first pair of leather sole shoes… The most expensive shoe investment to date, and have the simplest design. They make me and everything I wear look and feel more expensive. When I say that, it’s not about money, it’s about taste. Our clients feel expensive in our gardens and they don’t come cheap either.
Do you have a style muse?
Not really. You know the fashion girl who only feels safe posting pictures of Kate Moss on her Instagram account? Or how GQ can’t seem to evolve outside of old Steve McQueen images? I’m too jaded to believe the teenager that tells you “I wore Chuck Taylors before anyone else did.”
Oh, oh, oh! Just thought of one, well, kind of… The Punk Band Ho99o9 New Jersey. The first time I saw them they were wearing white wedding dresses with brown bags over there heads! Could I do that? Most likely not, but it felt like a breath of fresh air to see that style still has room to breathe under that bag. That art and image doesn’t have to sound the same. Just be comfortable and every now and then, if you get bored, just make yourself uncomfortable again.
Look 1: Jeans, Levi’s; Sweatshirt, J.Crew; Sneakers, Vans; Watch, Belova Acutron / Look 2: Plaid shirt, Polo Ralph Lauren; Jeans, Levi’s; Boots, Red Wing / Look 3: Jeans, J Brand; Sweater, Reiss; Moccasin, L.L. Bean; Shirt, Wallace & Barns; Hat, Alfonso D’Este / Look 4: Jeans, APC; Shoes, Church’s; Jacket, Wrangler; Hat, Worth & Worth; Coat, Acne.
Tea Tree Therapy cinnamon toothpicks.
p.s. Here’s a playlist from the shoot!
Hangover Days, Jason Collett
Defense, Sarah Jaffe
Itotiani, Chicano Batman
Two weeks, Grizzly Bear
Like a ship, Pastor TL Barrett and The Youth For Christ Choir
Your lips, Olu Dara
It’s time to wake up, La Femme
Love his style! Great inspiration for my husband!
It’s always interesting to know what men can think about us!
Xxx
Julie, Petite and So What?
the cover pic with the pink couch is perfection! :)
http://littleaesthete.com/
He is absolutely the coolest man I have seen in a long time.
“Having good style should never be a struggle” What a great quote. He is right, it is more unattractive to get yourself worked up over what to wear than anything. This is one of the reasons I made a work uniform for myself.
One question I have for him is what kind of bag does he use throughout his day, that looks professional but casual enough? There is a glimpse of an image but I can’t tell.
That couch is gorgeous!
And Brook has a really great style.
https://sofaundermapletree.wordpress.com
More Style Story with men please! So inspiring.
These pictures are incredibly inspirational for all the men! Absolutely love his style-it exudes such an addictive effortless-chic vibe!
http://fashion-soup.com
Well he’s attractive. I wonder if he’s single (and straight)?
Jen, apparently he is :) He’s talking about his future wife at some point in the article.
Thanks, Madeleine! I swear I read the article; I must have missed it since I was staring at the pictures!
He is a model !! with a major J.Crew campaign under his belt….so what do you expect girls???
all this beautiful images are for us …It’s great that he developed another career as a creative director for Landscapes…
how wonderful i checked his web and he has some really nice work…the one at Montauk is famous for nothing(one of those fashion places that are famous and every magazine had written something…my worst vacation ever ….The F** Lodge Hotel)…but the other ones are really interesting…Bravo
http://brooklandscape.com
xoxo
Yael Guetta
http://www.ftwwl.com
http://www.ftwwl.com
Be kind and “school” us after the post has been here a day or two (or never). Some of us like the dream.
Wow wow wow, c’est du lourd comme on dit.
A la Aidan dans Sex&the city.
Charmant.
This is the best style story I’ve read in ages. Now how do I subtley share this with the boyfriend?
“Ton style en 3 mots : propre, simple et sans pretention”……La devise de mon mari !
Bravo a la team Brie/Erik (les photos !!!) pour l’interview de cet artiste.
Merci Sevan! … ce n’était pas trop difficile avec Brook ;)
Tout me plaît dans cet homme, son style, son charisme et ses mots. Cet homme ne peut pas être célibataire ! ;) (si ?)
PS. j’adore l’idée des boîtes de conserves sur les pieds de la table.
Ha ouais, vavavoum…bonk. Je suis tombée de ma chaise, tellement il est craquant, j’adore cette attitude légèrement “mauvais garçon à qui on la fait pas”.
Par contre, il va pas être content, mais je trouve qu’il est justement un peu dans la lignée de Steve McQueen ! :D
Entièrement d’accord avec toi !
Excellent interview ! And a man who treasures his rugged outdoor boots – cheers to that thought.
Brook, If you are reading, You have fantastic personal style.
Love this profile! The male perceptive is so often discounted in the blogosphere. It’s refreshing to see a man (gorgeous might I add) discuss style/fashion intentionally. Brava!
Bonjour,
J’adore le style et le charisme une vraie inspiration.
l’idée des boîtes de conserves est pas mal :)
Anthony : http://anthonysegond-amata.com/
Brook’s style story is more inspiring than anyone else’s I’ve read. Very refreshing.
O. My God. This guy is absolutely my kind of guy. GORGEOUS. Style, attitude and talent.Mmmmmmmmm
Salut Garance,
Could per chance Brook let us know the make of his sofa? it is PERFECT.
Comme tu l’as écrit au début de l’article, c’est un style simple et classique, pas forcement ce que j’aime pour moi, mais cela lui va très bien! La deuxième tenue est très jolie, j’aime beaucoup!
xx, http://Rckmntchic.blogspot.com
you had me a Pink Couch!
I don’t know what I love more, that man or that couch! Please share who makes that pink number so I can put it on my wish list immediately.
SWOON. So well spoken. Great post!
xx Janelle
http://www.beingskindeep.com
I love your interviews with men talking about women! And his style is sublime. He is on my wish list!
Ahhh…I am swooning! What a handsome, strong, simple (in the best way) man.
You are one smooth dude,my man! No doubt!
C’est génial! J’adore quand il y a des hommes sur ce blog! ça fait du bien!
Très belle et surprenante manière de parler de style. Il sait choisir ses mots et sa sensibilité passe hyper bien à la traduction. Post top!
Thank you Garance! This has perked up my day. Just had a look at his website and his gardens are very stylish too.
Great interview! Man of depth but gosh…distractingly handsome.
I do love a good looking, well spoken man!!!
I really love his style; a little bit rugged/manly but polished. Not trying hard to be anything but who he is and it shows that he is very clear on what that is. He doesn’t seem to take himself too serious either. He seems to be the kind of man that would be at home in the mountain as well as in the ballroom. Would have loved to see a picture of him in a tailored tux! Btw- how are his dancing abilities? just to complete the fantasy lol
This guy needs a pot of leather dressing for those boots. Style is looking after what you have.
He’s a landscaper! Those boots aren’t just for waking around town. Would you polish the shoes you wear when grubbing around in the garden?
Leather that gets wet needs to be dressed to protect it and waterproof it.Just like tools need to be cleaned and maintained.
Yes, I am a gardener and my work boots are regularly waterproofed with leather dressing.
This is a very inspiring person :) And I loved the mug and the old looking satchel, it just feel so personal !
https://stylishwishes.wordpress.com/
THAT IS ONE GOOD LOOKING MAN!!
I like his outfits & pink sofa lol :)
Hugs from Athens!
Je crois que je suis tombe amoureuse. Quel style!
Nice guy with a great style. I would love to read more stories like this.
Please, can you let us know who makes that pink sofa?? I’m in love!!!
Qu’il est beau…
Sure sure, we can date, I guess. After all that is a very good pink couch. And, well, who doesn’t like a dude who loves his black beans? lol! x Dana (indreamsittouches.tumblr.com)
And where is the couch from? Love love it, and I don’t like couches, generally. Furnishing an antique home and it looks like it might fit the bill…
J’aime beaucoup son style et encore plus son canapé ROSE ! Il a bon goût, simple sans être modeux et c’est beau.
Cute. LOVE the couch, and his job is very interesting.
But why does he have his table legs in black bean tins? Does he have an ant infestation?
More of these please. Also can I have his phone number :)?
Bonjour Brook ! Je suis une beauté au naturel, tu veux bien m’épouser ? :)
Ah ah pardon, c’était tentant.
En tout cas, Brook est très classe, très beau (au naturel), très élégant et à beaucoup de goût.
Beau shooting,
Manon
Ok, who’s not in love in the assistance ?
No one ? Anyone ?
!
L’homme de mes rêves existe… (et je ne le rencontrerai jamais *sigh*)
C’est tellement réconfortant de lire ton site Garance, il ne me manque qu’un thé chaud et des cookies… On s’y sent chez soit et bien au chaud. Merci d’être là !
Is this the perfect guy? Oh yes, he is!!!! He even talks about marrying … I’m in love <3 And I bet the beard did suit him very well. Also the blush couch is incredible.
wow, great style!
Passa a trovarmi VeryFP
Tantalizing pictures… Loooove the pink couch, the toothpicks, including a playlist, everything. And yes, the guy. He is handsome from all corners (looks, style, speech, trade…) Great piece, more of this please! Garance, your blog has suddenly become a matchmaking platform.
beautiful couch, lovely mug, handsome man
http://www.magboutique.it
C’est quoi son nom de famille????
The man is handsome, but please, please, can we see a little more his home? It seems so warm and natural!