You may recognize him, and his hair, from the hit show “Queer Eye.” Since the show’s success, the entrepreneur and stylist has become a pop culture icon, and so we picked the brain beneath that coiffed hair to learn about style from a master.
Since you happen to be a successful stylist, what makes a stylist great?
A great stylist is someone who can really connect with a client and figure out what they need. It’s not about the stylist; it’s what the client really wants. You have to disconnect from what you want and help the client first.
Why is it important for you to help men find their style?
Helping men find their style is important because we no longer live in a time where it’s only important for women to dress up and take care of themselves. Men need to understand their style can be a vehicle for success.
Over your career, how has your style been a vehicle for success?
My style gives me confidence that allows me to own a space and communicate to a client what’s right.
Does your personal style differ from your style on the show?
My style is definitely different. In real life I’m not as dressed up. I don’t wear the crazy prints and colors as often. I still love a crazy print or color, but I tone it down.
How do you prefer your custom suit to fit?
I like my suit to be very well-fitted. I want my shoulders squared off, my sleeve at my wrist, and usually the hem of my pant hemmed. I like to show my ankle.
And your favorite suit color?
I love a gray pinstripe right now. I also love a navy with a white pinstripe. Actually, I love a navy every day of the week. But I gravitate toward gray. It’s making a comeback.
What’s your favorite suit accessory?
I love a tie bar. I will always wear a tie bar if I’m wearing a tie. Normally, I wear a single gold tie bar. It’s very simple, but it just adds a last bit of finesse to my outfits.
Any parting words?
The navy suit. If you can only have one suit, go with a navy. It allows you to go to a wedding, party or any other event. You can even dress it down with a t-shirt.
One last thing, how did your hair become such a part of your persona?
Like improving my wardrobe, it just happened. I get my haircut every week. I love a high and tight fade. I style it by blow drying it. It takes about four minutes and then I run a pomade through it, and that’s it.
Looking for pieces to help you stand out? Shop our assortment of Paisley & Gray offerings.
Learn more about how to find confidence with a custom suit from Jesse Palmer.