The Somm Journal

Dec 2015-Jan 2016

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{ SOMMjournal.com }  77 really more "a lifestyle. It's a culture— even if it's 90 degrees, I'm wearing a jacket." His first piece of advice as the newly crowned BDS? "The better you dress, the more you can get away with." Ridington will receive coverage in GQ and a private styling session with Fahlgren. Chef Samuelsson, who is married to super-model Maya Haile and is as known for his sartorial style as much as his kitchen cred, said, "The com- petition was fierce this year! I loved being a judge and seeing the wildly different tastes of these talented sommeliers." Noting that sommeliers are "noto- rious for their attention to detail and nuance," Samuelsson added, "It makes total sense that their personal sense is an extension of that sen- sibility. Wine and style go together naturally." In conclusion, Fahlgren noted "The somms who impressed us the most were original, had great attention to detail, and were just really nice Kyle Ridington, in his first official act as Best Dressed Somm, pours a glass of Penfolds Grange as Brett Fahlgren looks on. The "Grange Room" in the Penfolds House at Stephan Weiss Studio, Greenwich Village, NYC. Q: How would you describe your style and did you amp that up for the competition? I am obsessed with the way a garment holds to one's body. Aesthetically, I sport large lapels, a slim silhouette accompanied by cuffed and hemmed trousers. Loafers, always and socks, never. I ramped up my style for the competition with a dark olive dotted scarf and some knockout loafers from Velasca in Milan. Q: Were you tracking what others did on Instagram to see what they were doing and how presenting? Once I was sent the confirma- tion email for the top five, I scanned the competition. I didn't know anyone previous to the event, so I wasn't sure what surprises they had in their wardrobes. Q: Who are your style influences and who are some of your favorite designers or fashion sources? Lapo Elkann, majority owner of Fiat, founder of Italia Independent and steadfast to draping himself with the infamous bespoke Napoli tailor, Rubinacci. I shop at the bespoke tailor Manolo Costa New York for most of my menswear needs. Manolo makes beautiful clothing. Q: What does "effortless style" mean to you? Fit. Clothes should move with you not against you. Q: Any styling tips to share? Don't be afraid. Q: What's your style in the off hours? In my apartment, I wear long johns and a sleeveless bubble vest. Kyle Ridington's Winning Style Secrets

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