Client Profile: Eric Twardzik

In partnership with the fine fabrics wholesaler Huddersfield Fine Worsteds., we recently made bespoke bamboo jackets for some creative friends with an interest in men’s style. One such recipient was Eric Twardzik a freelance writer specialising in tailoring and classical men’s style. We spoke to Eric about his work and how it has shaped his own sense of style.

C&D: Where did your interest in men’s style come from?
I have been interested in clothing and style as far back as I can remember. As a young boy, that took the form of an interest in toy soldiers. I particularly loved the redcoat uniforms from The Revolutionary War. I loved getting dressed up and would refuse to get back into play clothes later. My mother recalls me insisting that I go to the playground in the seersucker suit I’d worn for my first school photos.

C&D: How did you come to write about men’s style?
My college years coincided with that “#menswear” era of Tumblr accounts and blogs like Ivy-Style and A Continuous Lean. At the same time, I was introduced to the works of Alan Flusser and Bruce Boyer, which provided something of a syllabus in classic menswear. In short, I wrote for anyone that would have me, starting with unpaid blog posts or work for brands in exchange for neckties and shoes. But all that early work gave me a platform and provided clips I could share when I was connected to editors at paying publications. Getting paid to write about my chief obsession makes me feel like the luckiest guy in the world. That being said, I’ll still write for clothing, because that’s just too much fun.

C&D: What inspires you?
I’m a history lover, so I enjoy delving into the (often disputed) origins of fabrics, types of garments, or style movements. But I’m also drawn to the human-interest side of things, too. if there’s a story behind why someone dresses the way they do or decided to establish a brand, I want to hear it.

C&D: What topics do you prefer to cover?
I suppose I’d say “classic menswear” in the broadest sense of the word. Everything from bespoke Savile Row suits to military surplus-inspired chinos. I like things with a past and a story, that have become so commonplace that we no longer think of their origins and wear them organically. And yet, I’m always kicking myself to avoid the trap of focusing too narrowly on my own comfort zone. If I did, I’d be writing about nothing but OCBDs and Barbour jackets. I try and keep an open mind so I can discover new stories, and perhaps learn something new about my own sense of style in the process.

C&D: How would you describe your own style?
Classic and casual, with a lot of texture. I love shaggy Shetlands, hearty tweeds, and wide-wale corduroy in autumn or winter; and nubby seersucker, crisp cotton and rich suede in summer. Tailoring is a passion of mine, but because my work never actually entails getting dressed up, I like to explore more casual fabrics and details.

C&D: What details did you choose for your bamboo jacket, and why?
In keeping with my love of all things Ivy I insisted on a 3/2 roll but embraced hacking pockets and a slightly roped shoulder in deference to Cad’s status as a Savile Row maker. You might call it Anglo-American, which is another good way to describe my style. But perhaps my favourite feature is the jacket’s silk lining, which features motifs drawn from the artwork of my friend Daniel Falcón.

C&D: What has been your impression of bamboo?
I didn’t know quite what to expect, but I’ve really enjoyed its silky softness and dry hand, and the way it drapes quite beautifully despite being a lightweight fabric. It’s something elegant for the summer months, though I’ve also worn in it comfortably in late autumn.

Cad & The Dandy bespoke bamboo sport jackets start at £1200 with 2 piece suits starting at £1600. For more information, email savilerow@cadandthedandy.co.uk, call +44 (0)20 7434 4344 or book a bespoke consultation online.

Photography by Rose Callahan.

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