Shaun Gordon is the type of guy who, if you passed him in the street, would not fail to catch your eye. Even more so in these post-pandemic days where everyone imagines the suit is dead. Well, it is still alive and kicking in the Gordon household, that’s for sure. Permanently suited and immaculately booted with collar, tie and fedora, the softly-spoken gent is – much like Ignatius Joseph, who featured in this series recently – a throwback to a bygone era of dandyism, in which men took considerable pride in their appearance. Gordon divides his time between his current base in Dubai and his hometown, London.
Please tell us a little bit about your background (where you originate etc) and style influences…
I am British-born with an Afro-Caribbean background. I work as a creative consultant who specialises in men’s personal wardrobe styling, brand content production and men’s apparel design. I have worked with brands such as Turnbull & Asser, Timberland and Henri Lloyd in both design and styling capacities. My style influence emanates from my grandfather, Alvin Gordon, who emigrated to the UK from Jamaica during the late 1950s. He believed that dressing well was important at all times as, in his words, ‘You never know who you are going to meet’. I have channelled this mindset into my own personal style.
Where is your dream destination?
I have travelled a fair bit to places like France, Italy, Greece, Malta, Egypt, New York, Thailand and Singapore to name a few, which were all beautiful in their own right. My dream destination though is Langkawi in Malaysia because I discovered an ethereal peace there. I would love to return there again.
What’s your secret tip for anyone who has to travel for work constantly?
Have a pre-packed dedicated suitcase with the purpose to travel light. Everything inside must be accountable or have reason to be there. In my case, this is a constant challenge, which does change depending on the destination, travel frequency and reason for travel. However, if you pack the staple pieces, which always live in that suitcase, you will be good to go at a moment’s notice.
For Dubai (hot)
What are your go-to pieces?
- Lightweight Sea Island cotton or linen shirts
- Linen-cotton blend or linen trousers or a chino style
- Leather sandals or loafers
- A light-coloured, medium-brimmed Panama hat
For London (cold)
What are your go-to pieces?
- A fine merino and medium-weight long-sleeve polo
- A single-breasted wool overcoat or/and rain mac
- A navy flannel medium-weight wool single-breasted suit and a grey Prince of Wales check double-breasted suit
- Medium-weight wool high-waisted trousers
- Brogues
- A navy blue rabbit wool/fur fedora
What is your one travel luxury?
A good Quai d’Orsay no.54 cigar from Davidoff, when I get a quiet moment to myself.
Name the most stylish destination you have been to?
The menswear tradeshow Pitti Uomo, which takes place bi-annually in Florence.
What suitcase do you always travel with?
In terms of hand luggage, I travel with my Cambridge Satchel Co briefcase and a lightweight suitcase by iT Luggage at the moment – my Samsonite recently retired from service. I like to travel as light as possible within reason. When travelling to the UK, I always travel with a mac, umbrella, fedora or beanie, shirts and of course, a suit. When going back to Dubai, I always make sure I have sunglasses, Panama hat, shirt, blazer and trousers, and penny loafers or leather sandals that can be dressed up or down.
Do you like to work out, run, cycle or ski? If so, what items of clothing do you wear?
I like to work out doing mainly callisthenics, combined with weight training. I enjoy the occasional HIIT workout class when time allows, to shake up the routine. I wear a simple breathable tech T-shirt and shorts from Uniqlo, and Adidas cross-trainers. I have a preference for black, though I do have other colours.
What items, in particular, can you not travel without?
My MacBook, Kindle and iPhone
Do you wear a watch? If so which one(s)?
As a father of one energetic five-year-old son, I wear my robust vintage Casio chronograph (silver), which has sentimental value because it was the first watch my mother bought for me to ensure that I got home on time or else! I wear my vintage 1957 Omega Seamaster for all other occasions.
What grooming products do you use?
I use Kiehl’s Rare Earth deep pore daily cleanser and Facial Fuel daily energizing moisture treatment SPF 19 for my face. In terms of shaving, I prefer to use gels these days, such as Bump Patrol shaving gel or Gillette Fusion ProGlide gel to ensure a smooth glide over my skin. I have enjoyed using the DE razor; however, time no longer permits me to use it as much, so I am currently using a Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 blade, which does the trick. Burt’s Bees lip balm for lip restoration, particularly the original formula as the tingling sensation makes you feel like something is working!
Any other items you like to put in your bag when you travel in winter?
Scarf and gloves, which tend to be packed in my hand luggage for easy access when I have just arrived in the UK.
Follow Shaun’s style journey @shaungordonstyle
