HIS STYLE

TALENT AND TASTE

Robert Rossi puts a vintage American twist on his tailored European style

BY MANDY HOLMES / PHOTO BY BEVERLY SHUMWAY

When Robert Rossi recently relocated his talent management agency from California to Arizona, he brought some of his Southern California style with him. Most days, Rossi walks into his office wearing a tailored button-down with a blazer and vintage loafers. His signature look is a blazer paired with G-Star pants and Gucci sneakers, but he does rely on surf culture fashion on the weekend. “You’ll usually find me wearing shirts and shorts by Billabong, Quicksilver, O’Neill and always wearing Vans slip on shoes,” he says. Over the years, Rossi’s style has become much more tailored. “I am a slender, lean guy and buying off the rack can be challenging. When I dress, it is all about the fit,” he says. “As far as colors, patterns, styles, and trends, I find it fun and adventurous to mix and layer color and patterns on top of colors and patterns.” The one thing Rossi is sure to have on hand at all times is a nice watch from his collection that he’s curated his entire life. “My earliest memory as a 5-year-old boy is asking Santa for a watch. And he delivered. A Popeye Timex! Today, I never leave the house without a watch, my favorite being a vintage Rolex,” Rossi says.

What are your most prized fashion possessions? A vintage pair of Carrera Porsche design foldable sun glasses and matching leather case I found at a vintage store in the Hudson Valley and my Tom Ford blue suede satin twill lined jacket. Both pieces are showstoppers and when I wear them, people always stop to ask who and what I am wearing.

How does travel inspire your style? Visits to Italy always influence my fashion. I am Italian and the fashion I see in Italy, especially in the Northern Tuscan area where my family is from, is something I find inspirational and familiar.

What are your favorite brands? Gucci, Richard James and Tom Ford, Theory, Rag and Bone and John Varvatos. These designers cater to men who like a more tailored and fitted look.