Christopher Modoo is a well established menswear stylist that has worked with the likes of Ede & Ravenscroft, Chester Barrie and co-founded Kit Blake in 2018, (see SS23 feature here).
Christopher created Urbane Outfitter Ltd in 2017 and works with leading brands as a stylist, he is well established in the industry and has been featured on The Rake, which is the leading online platform for the world’s most prestigious classic tailoring and contemporary menswear, their Youtube channel showcases the highest quality of style a man can wear. Besides The Rake, Chris has appeared on popular Youtube channels “He Spoke Style“, “International School of Tailoring” and “Dapper Villians” among others.
It is with our pleasure to interview Chris, delving deeper into his background as we get to go in further and discuss his journey into the industry, the 5 essentials every man should have in their wardrobe and the biggest challenges he has faced in the industry and more.
Hello Christopher, it’s lovely to have you with us, could you kindly share a little about yourself and who you are?
I am a London-based menswear stylist. I started my menswear career as a shop assistant in Selfridges in the 1990s and have had various roles in menswear and retail from logistics to design.
You’re a very fashionable gentleman, what inspires your personal style?
Thank you. More than anything I like to look smart with polished shoes, pressed trousers and a well-tied tie. This to me is the most important aspect of anything I wear. Other than that I like to play around with dress codes and mix formal and informal or modern with classic.
We always like an origins story, please can you share with us how you first got into fashion styling?
Being a fitter on Savile Row is akin to being a personal stylist but I think my first proper role was when I joined Ede & Ravenscroft where I headed up their made-to-measure department. I was asked to fit the model with the clothing for the next seasonal brochure. The marketing manager obviously liked my perspective and requested that I should attend the photoshoot. I really enjoyed the experience and learning to work with photographers, models, art directors etc.
With such wisdom in the trade, you must have seen it all, what is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a fashion stylist?
Models not fitting clothes is a constant challenge. I have learnt to take the numbers on their card with a pinch of salt and insist on fittings.
How has the industry changed since you started and how do you think the industry will change in the next few years?
The two biggest changes have been digital photography, we used to come back from a photoshoot with a handful of polaroid pictures and now we share “BTS” with 1000s of followers via excellent photos on our iPhones. There has also been a significant shift to casual clothing where any outfit with a blazer is called “formal”.
It’s important to give advice to others Christopher, what are 5 essentials every man should have in their wardrobe?
Black shoes (or very dark brown) polished to perfection
Great fitting t-shirts (close at the neck)
A blue blazer
Grey flannel trousers
A signature overcoat
How have you grown your client base and what piece of advice would you give to somebody trying to pursue a career in styling?
Keep networking and accept that brands will change their stylist occasionally…do not take it too personally if they do not use you every time and they will often come back (make sure you charge them more next time…)
Be your own ambassador and dress to be the best version of yourself and if you are a menswear stylist you must know how to tie a bow tie!
What is one stand-out moment in your career?
Looking back to the days of London Collection:Men with Chester Barrie, I am very pleased with how we put on such a great show every season and how well the clothing has aged.
Who are some of your go-to designers for styling now?
Oliver Brown, Alexander Kraft Monte Carlo, Christy’s Hats, Rota trousers, Rampley & Co, Walker Slater and Edward Green are always reliable.
Who are your style icons?
My father inspires me the most and I learnt a lot from working with Edward Sexton, but I have a wide range of style icons who constantly inspire me… Walter Payton, Andre Benjamin, Richard Merkin, Duke of Windsor, Bryan Ferry, King Charles III, Tom Wolfe, Charlie Watts, Neil Roger, Ian Carmichael, Joey Ramone, David Bowie and Fred Astaire…all have/had great style.
What surprises you the most about the fashion industry?
The biggest secret in menswear styling is that all details that make a difference cost very little.
To finish with Christopher what’s next in the pipeline for you?
I am looking to work more one-to-one with real people to balance out my brand work, I am also doing more video content on YouTube and TikTok.
KEEP UP WITH
Christopher Modoo
Interview By Connor Mantle
Connor Mantle
Young entrepreneur and freelance model. Founder of the AW20 Hope & Glory Fashion show, with interests in mythology, spiritualism and astrology among many others. One can be contacted via Instagram @Connormantle