This year we're declaring 2017 the #yearofthegentleman (check our Instagram for more of this). That means a lot more The Gentleman Diaries, our post where we interview gents from Instagram to give you their very best style & grooming advice, with an all important question at the end about the true meaning of being a gentleman!

If you haven't seen The Gentleman Diaries before, then catch up with our Q&A's with Oliver Proudlock, Lasse Matberg & Gallucks.

For the 4th edition we caught up with Ben Heath aka Twenty First Century Gent. So without further or do, here's what Ben had to say when we caught up with him!

 

Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent

 

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Ben Heath and I am a 27-year old influencer from London. I'm not originally from the big smoke and actually lived in Australia for a year, but everyone seems to gravitate towards the Capital so I found myself here too! My "corporate" background was in sales and recruitment with a bit of PR thrown in, but I have now been blogging at Twenty First Century Gent full time since my wedding last June.

 

 Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent

 

2. Where do you get your style inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from anywhere and everywhere. Naturally I will look towards Savile Row for classic cuts and tailored finishes but I also draw some inspiration from street style and shows such as London Fashion Week Men's. I am always very careful not to pigeon-hole myself into one "style" and feel like every individual around me has something to offer in terms of inspiration.

 

Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent 

 

3. Which trends are you hitting hard right now?

I really think that Parisian tailoring or Cuban cuts/print are going to be huge come Spring/Summer. We saw it on the catwalks last year at the shows and some of the high street retailers are also taking notice. Parisian styling is timeless so will definitely be welcomed with open arms. As for those Cuban themes; I love it, but it will be interesting so see if/how this works in British fashion.

 

Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent 

 

4. What is your number one style tip?

You can never be too overdressed. Honestly, being underdressed can be an absolute catastrophe in any situation (I've learned that myself the hard way), but you can never dress too well. That doesn't necessarily mean wearing fine suits the whole time; just put some effort into what you wear if you're going to a specific event.

 

Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent 

 

5. Who is your style/grooming icon?

David Gandy is definitely a modern day icon; not only what he wears but also how he wears it. The air of confidence often carries an outfit and he has that in bucketloads.

 

 

6. What is your gents style pet hate?

Ill-fitted suits. It's the twenty-first century and suits are available in all shapes and sizes so there is no excuse. If it's a little small you can sometimes get away with it, but a suit that is too big and misshapen is a cardinal sin!

 

 Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent

 

7. What is your favourite hairstyle right now?

Classic side-parting. I try it on my own hair (not always achievable) but I feel that it is a timeless classic that looks good with any style of outfit.

 

8. What is one grooming product that you cannot live without?

My hairdryer. Honestly, as I'm growing older my hair is beginning to lose it's thickness and weight so getting volume is only possible with a hairdryer! That and any thickening products with a decent hold. Non-hair it would be an eye roller that reduces the puffiness in my eyes; it's one of the first parts of the face that people will look at.

 

 Photo - Instagram @twentyfirstcenturygent

 

9. And finally, what do you think it means to be a gentleman?

Manners and a sense of style. Manners are ubiquitous and there is no excuse for being impolite. As for style; that is subjective, but I feel like once you know what that style is, you have to wear it with conviction. I guess confidence is the final piece of the puzzle there too then...

 

If you want to see more from Ben then follow @twentyfirstcenturygent on Instagram!!

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