[the visionary]

Stefano Giuliani  
36, Italian. CEO and founder of La Villa

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What’s your favourite wardrobe item?
I’d say a nice Neapolitan tailored jacket is unbeatable in terms of comfort, style and versatility. You can throw it on over just about anything. Dress it up with formal trousers, or dress it down with a pair of jeans

How would you describe your style?
In a word, adaptable. As CEO of La Villa, my days are quite unpredictable. You might be in a business meeting one second and the next be on the way to some evening party on a boat. My style needs to reflect that. Generally, I would go for a layered look. I’ll throw on an impeccable jacket for meetings as well as some fancy accessories that I can eventually add or remove when necessary.

What does your style say about you?
I believe in perseverance and making things happen. My style can’t dictate my day. It’s usually the other way around. So I dress for versatility. Always start with a lovely shirt, and then build and remove layers as you get through the day.

What style advice can you give our readers?
I’d say stay away from trends, they come and go. Invest in quality pieces that will last and look good all the time. Always have a great shirt and an excellent jacket on standby.

What’s the best style advice you’ve ever been given? Who was it from?
It was from Enrico Manzo, my Neapolitan tailor. From day to day he dresses heads of state and royalty in the most immaculate suits. He told me, “Don’t wear what others tell you to wear. Create your own style”.

How has your style changed as you’ve got older?
I’ve stopped caring about brands, and with that trends pass me by. I have also come to understand the value of real, genuine, handmade quality.

Does your style change when you travel?
Not massively. Travel for me is usually business-orientated and involves bringing new ideas, concepts and brands to La Villa. I might be going from a train to a plane to a boardroom and then back again, just like in Dubai. I might add an extra few layers if I’m heading to Europe for the winter.

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