Interior designer Greg Natale on his collection of archival Versace

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, interior designer Greg Natale.

“I once bought a pair of cool new shoes, got a blister, wore them anyway and ended up in hospital. I’ve learnt that I have to be comfortable.”Credit: Anson Smart

How would you describe your style? Tailored with an edge. I wear a lot of black.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? I keep everything. I have a collection of early ’90s Versace; the oldest thing is probably a shirt from Gianni Versace’s “Miami” collection I wore to my 21st birthday party.

And the most recent addition? In New York I bought a black Givenchy double-breasted blazer with beautiful padlock hardware. I love what [Givenchy creative director] Matthew Williams is doing there.

What would you wear …
… on a first date? I like to keep it relaxed but add a bit of spice: black J Brand stretch jeans, a black Saint Laurent jacquard silk shirt and, to add a bit of rock’n’roll, Saint Laurent “Harness” boots.

“Lost Cherry” is one of four Tom Ford scents favoured by Greg, and a daytime favourite.

… on a plane? Black Ksubi stretch jeans, Uniqlo tee and a super-comfortable Versace bomber jacket with black YSL trainers. I change into a Versace tracksuit on the plane – the only time I wear a tracksuit.

… on the red carpet? For my last book launch I wore matching Versace silk shirt, blazer and pants inspired by Migos’ 2018 Met Gala look.

What’s your favourite fashion era? Definitely the ’90s; the era of Tom Ford, Gianni Versace and Morrissey Edmiston. The clothes were clean, sexy, they had a bit of disco. It was my coming-of-age years.

Do you have a favourite designer? There are a few. Gianni Versace was a genius; I love the way he mixed black and pattern with a touch of bondage to make it sexy. I love Hedi Slimane’s form-fitting clothes and rock’n’roll aesthetic. And Halston – he changed fashion and I’m obsessed with his New York City townhouse.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear Tom Ford. For day, it’s “Lost Cherry” or “Jasmin Rouge”; at night, “Tuscan Leather” or “Tobacco Vanille”.

What are three essential items in your wardrobe? Black jeans, bomber jackets and Saint Laurent Chelsea boots.

Any go-to jewellery? A new gold Gucci link chain necklace I bought on the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, my mother had one in the ’70s that I was obsessed with. And I love a Rolex watch.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? For my Holy Communion my mother tried to dress me in navy-blue pants and a vest. Instead I picked out a cream three-piece suit, white silk shirt and chocolate-brown bow tie.

And your worst fashion mistake? I bought a pair of cool new shoes, got a blister, wore them anyway and ended up in hospital. I’ve learnt that I have to be comfortable.

What was your first fashion moment? It was 1984, my sister’s 21st and I wore blue Levi’s 501s, a Culture Club T-shirt and moccasins. I thought I was so cool and new wave.

What’s at the top of your wish list? Balenciaga white “Phantom” sneakers.

Is there something you would never wear? Wide-legged jeans.

Is there a current trend you like? Bold-patterned shirts.

Greg loves the Elvis look – black leather, bomber jacket – and even has a pair of blue suede shoes.Credit: Getty Images

What shoes do you wear most often? Right now, Givenchy “4G Monogram” trainers. I’m a sucker for a logo and I have a thing for the letter “G”.

What do you sleep in? A pair of Versace pyjamas.

Who’s your favourite fashion icon? Elvis Presley – the black leather, the Cuban-collared shirts, the bomber jackets. I love it; I’ve even got a pair of YSL blue suede shoes.

What do you wear on a typical working day? Black jeans, tee, blazer and trainers.

What’s your favourite casual Sunday look? Black jeans and tee with white trainers. I just bought a pair of Gucci trainers only available in LA, subtle with the right amount of chunk. They have “Gs” all over them, of course.

The Layered Interior (Rizzoli) by Greg Natale is out October 12.

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