An Interview With James Andrew Of 'What Is James Wearing?'

James Andrew is the face and creator of What Is James Wearing, a blog which documents James' style as he works his way through New York, his interior design work, his love of museums and galleries, his friends and his travel itinerary. It is one of the most interesting and unique male fashion blogs in the world today and I was privileged to have James answer a few questions about his blog and his sense of style.

James, how did it all start with What Is James Wearing?

It was all rather reluctantly - the cat calls I’d receive at the gym for my usual (slightly over the top?) outfits – I’d come in with my citron yellow jeans or a dusty rose suede safari jacket and there’d always be a “Hey Jimmy – whatcha got on today?” Of course I’d be tickled by the response I was getting, but I didn’t really see the opportunity I had until I started fitness training with the amazing Ngo Okafor. It was in fact Okafor who, with huge foresight, suggested I make a blog based on my fashion sense. It did take some friendly insistence from him over the next month or so, but I eventually called on Alex Scott to help create what we now know as What is James Wearing?!

Are you a born and bred New Yorker?

I consider myself a "New Yorker" although I am from Providence , Rhode Island, anyone,like myself, who has lived in New York City for more than 20 years can be considered a true "New Yorker"

When it comes to your own personal style, you seem to be very loyal to your brands. In your repertoire are Tom Ford, Charvet, Turnbull & Asser, Creed (as a fragrance), Gucci – what other brands do you love which we don’t see appear on your site?  And, do you indulge in ‘made to measure’ and ‘bespoke? If you do, are you willing share with us who your favourite tailor is?

I have been very inclusive of all the diverse brands and designers that I am fond of , from Tom Ford to Levi's. 

I am planning an expedition to London's  Savile Row and look forward to having several pieces made, Huntsman has a terrific pink tweed that I am wild about, Poole - a smoking jacket in midnight velvet , shoes from Cleverly "The de Rede" tasseled loafer is a must have, hats from Lock and umbrellas from Swaine Adney Brigg

Tell us about your shoe collection? What sort of shoes will we find in your wardrobe? What sort of finish do you look for in leather?

My favorite shoes are by Tom Ford , I love the narrow waist and the height of the heel makes me feel several inches taller.

The greatest pocket square I own is?

I have masses and masses of pocket squares, it would be a challenge to pick a favorite, the vintage patterns from Charvet, Tom Ford and a lovely pale pink cotton voile from Ralph Lauren


If I could offer one tip of advice for a young man trying to develop his own personal style it would be....

Be true to oneself, don't look outside of oneself for acceptance and approval, don't be afraid to make a mistake and continue to evolve.


What is the greatest faux pas you can make when working with a colourful palette in your wardrobe?

There has to be the right amount of balance and juxtaposition or one can end up looking like a parrot on crack

If you were forced to make one last blog post and to wear your favourite clothes, could you describe to us what you might like to wear?


I would think that my last blog post would have to be most celebratory so a fantastic suit or black tie ensemble.