Like many of fashions greats this man is barely known outside of fashion world. Unless your name is above your shop door most people wont know who you are. But lets be honest that’s pretty much the rule in the world. I could no more tell you the best bankers in the world, or some top scientists than I could can-can the length of Carnaby St.

But this man you should know of.

French but born of Yugoslav parents, Milan was one of the co-founders of Collette in Paris, (totally amazing store for the wild to the sublime). He has also been Design Director of Gucci, Creative Director of Jil Sander, and editor in chief of L’Officiel Hommes. But he trumped even this when he moved to become the Creative Director of Trussardi 1911 in 2007. Milan’s passion for his work is beyond commendable and it is no easy feat to put together complete menswear and womenswear collections whilst editing and shooting for one of the top menswear style bibles. I’ll stop gushing now my fawning with only the slightest hint of jealousy isn’t productive.  Nor will it go to explain his style.

It was whilst stumbling through the Sartorialist I first saw Milan, and thought this was a simple clean style I could emulate. I’m not and never will be as polished as I’d like to be. I just don’t put the effort in, if I’m honest.

Not that I’m saying Milan is anyway like me in that regard. 

Source thesartorialist

But check out this shot, the look is clearly not just thrown together. But its relaxed, comfortable and stylish. When you have built up a uniform this becomes much easier to do. Anyone who’s seen me of late can tell from this I’ve been channelling more than a little of Milan’s look.

The deep but soft V here is great. The crisp white shirt means what may have been an excessive amount of heavage (male cleavage) is kept to a minimum. Ok ok its still quite a lot, but its tempered. Besides I’m a fan of a bit of heavage, and have been known to show more than my fair share. The straight leg jeans are relaxed with a nice faded wash. The whole look is about ease and style. Despite this were the jumper heavier, the jeans not the right wash, or the shirt a different colour the effect would be totally lost.

Now check out the shots below. Open shirts and deep v t-shirts work well as they balance out Milan’s shoulders. Also everything is fitted but not skinny. You can tell under the clothes is a good body but we don’t need to see every vein thanks. 

The accessories too are kept to a minimum, a great watch, a simple chain and maybe some shades.

Regardless of whether you are the most outrageous or the most relaxed dresser a good base uniform that works for you will help your style develop. It should assist your style not stifle it. A launch pad to make decisions from, not a rigid set of rules. 

Also it helps on those days when you’re running late and need to grab what’s to hand. You’ll know it’ll work together and you can hopefully still make the train to work without worrying you look like you dressed in the dark and from someone else’s wardrobe.