STYLE FILE: Leo Verde
NAME: Leo Verde
AGE: 48
OCCUPATION: General manager of Sullivan’s Steakhouse
Tell us about what you’re wearing.
“A Hugo Boss three-button, split-vent blue suit with gray pinstripes. I wear three-button suits a lot, and I like Hugo Boss because they have an athletic cut that fits me well. My shoes are Too Boot, and my tie is a Harold Powell from Harold’s, which is no longer here.”
What’s the best fashion advice you’ve ever gotten?
“That would be from my dad, who used to always tell me ‘Clothes don’t make the man, the man makes the clothes,’ and to always dress properly. You can get or lose a job by the way you’re dressed.”
What’s your favorite trend right now?
“I think it would have to be the mixing of patterns. I have a pinstripe suit I wear with a brown check shirt and brown polka dot tie, and it works.”
Finish this sentence. I splurge on...
“Lately it’s been running shoes; I’ve run in four marathons this year. But seriously, shoes because in this business I’m on my feet all day.”
I skimp on...
“Jeans, I only have one pair. I’m not a jeans-wearing kind of guy.”
You’ve said you express your personality through your ties; how many do you have?
“Well, they change with the season — about 450? I have 50 suits and for every suit I buy four ties, and I have it written down which ties go with what suit. I also have about 40 of my dad’s old ties, the big wide ones, and they’re coming back in style.”
Name a celebrity whose closet you’d like to raid.
“David Beckham, he has the most beautiful clothing and always looks so stylish for an athlete.”
What was your worst fashion mistake?
“Ooh, the ’80s were bad, but the worst would have to be my 1982 senior portrait. We all (the guys) had to wear these crushed velvet maroon tuxes with the velvet maroon bow tie and ruffle shirt.”
Your house is on fire and you can grab only one thing out of your closet; what would it be?
“My dad’s watch and photos of my kids … things you can’t replace.”
Pam
Bordelon
Advocate staff writer