On my wrist
I love wearing a watch. My general style is quite relaxed, so my watch is one of the few ways I dress up an outfit. I have a couple of nice pieces from Uniform Wares. I also have a really cool piece from Slow-Watch that my fiancée gave to me. It has a single hand that rotates once a day on a 24-hour face – I like to wear it during time off and strangely, it makes the day seem that little bit longer.
In my wardrobe
I have a pair of (now battered) boots from All Saints that I simply cannot stop wearing. They’ve become a natural extension of my legs. The more I wear them the more they mean to me. They have a story all of their own and they’re so easy to wear – with laces as well as a zip on the inside, for ease. They go with most of my jeans and chinos. I’ve had them about three years and they’ve become as comfortable as a pair of socks. Something I never expected from boots. The only problem is that now most outfits tend to begin from the ground up. As well as my boots I have an obsession with plain white T-shirts. I have so many it’s a bit of a joke. They go with everything, all seasons and are perfect for layering too. And when one fits well there’s nothing better.
On my radar
Here’s one for the everyday man – there is a cracking new website I have recently come across, thread.com, which is a personalised stylist site for mere mortals who don’t have the luxury of time or a personal expert stylist. You sign up and answer a questionnaire detailing your style (for various occasions), your price range, favourite brands, items that you already own and how adventurous you are willing to be. You are then assigned a stylist who will suggest a range of different looks for you using the items you already have and items you may need. You buy direct from them and they will do the shopping, pack all your purchases together and send them to you. They offer constant fashion hints and tips, and also suggest various versions of specific items you may be searching for. It really broadens your options and helps you think outside your usual box without traipsing the high street.
On my drive
My Freelander 2. I love it. It is so comfortable, amazing on the motorway and brilliant when taking the dogs anywhere. I rarely drive it alone – it’s almost always full of mates, family, pets or luggage. I’m genuinely getting a bit emotional just thinking about it.
In my sights
Wedding suits and wedding bands are on the top of the list just now for our big day this summer. The bands will be from a wonderful independent bespoke jewellers in Chiswick called Marmalade – it’s as funky as they come, dealing in contemporary as well as classic design. I bought the engagement ring there, and thanks to owners Simon Johnson and Nadine Meegan (who are husband and wife) the shopping experience is really personal. I would be hard pushed to buy jewellery from anywhere else now. The suits will be by RoomTen who have previously put together a couple of great made-to-measure looks for me [as seen in the photograph above and on the previous page]. With personalised buttons and embroidery, there’s nothing that quite beats wearing something that’s been made just for you, and I’m looking forward to affording my three best men the same treatment.
On my travels
My headphones – they are my life. I have a pair of Bowers & Wilkins P5 on-ears. They are smart and classy and even go well with smarter looks. I don’t do clunky over-ears, just as a matter of preference. I also have the in-ear version for when I’m only taking my wallet and phone with me. I also always pack a cologne – I try not to switch around too much so my go-tos for evening are Oud & Bergamot by Joe Malone and Tobacco Oud by Tom Ford. An affordable everyday option I can’t refuse is still Boss Bottled by Hugo Boss.
In my dreams
I’d buy a farm – look after and take in as many animals as possible. Especially dogs. There’s something about being around animals that makes everything seem so simple. They require the most basic things to be happy and it always gives me great perspective in a world where we all strive for so much. We volunteered at an Animal Sanctuary in Namibia in 2014, looking after orphaned animals. I lived in the most basic way I’ve ever lived and felt the best I’d ever felt. That was a very special time. Balance is everything.
In my past
I’m a bit obsessed with organisation – I like to know where everything is and I absolutely hate losing anything. I used to have an oversized khaki-green beanie that was my go-to comfort blanket – chilling, pre-gym, post-gym, hangovers, you name it. I lost it somehow and have never managed to find one like it. I’m still gutted about it.
On my agenda
I’m currently writing a pilot for a series concept, so I’d love to get that down. I’m also really keen to catch more live music this year. Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats smashed Citadel Festival last summer and Michael Kiwanuka was a highlight of last year for me as well, so I’d like to see them both again. Rag‘n’Bone Man is killing it just now too, so I can’t wait to see him live either. I had a great time at BST Hyde Park last year and some of headliners this year are very strong. Green Day will definitely be getting a visit, as will Nathaniel Rateliffe. See you on the grass!
Follow Danny Mac on Instagram: @dannymaconline
