With a swagger all his own, singer/musician/entertainer Matt Goss has taken Las Vegas by storm with his stellar voice, dashing good looks and impeccable sense of style. Since British-born Goss made his debut nearly six years ago headlining Caesars Palace Las Vegas, his sharp style and flawless taste in clothes seems to have influenced Vegas fashion. As the city has luxe-ified itself, so have its visitors, ready to shop ‘til they drop at high-end retail destination The Forum Shops to prepare for a swanky “dinner and a show” night out just like when The Rat Pack ruled the old Vegas showroom.
But his show isn’t an over-the-top production spectacle. Goss is the only act of his kind in Vegas, crooning on the mic with instruments he plays (in a tux, no less) along with his band and dancers (burlesque vixens The Dirty Virgins) for two hours plus a post-show meet and greet. And with a showroom called The Gossy Room, located near Nobu Hotel and Restaurant and Gordon Ramsay Pub, this corner of Caesars Palace has become quite the hot spot.
His style influences—Frank Sinatra, David Bowie, The Rolling Stones—are nothing less than famously fashionable, known for their imitable style as much as their iconic music. Goss has quite the closet, preferring the classics, like his amazing Pal Zileri suits, Smythson wallet and David Beckham for H&M pieces, mixing in edgier pieces or shopping the men’s shoe collections from Jimmy Choo and Christian Louboutin. Goss toured The Forum Shops with me and shared his favorite fashion picks and how he would “Goss-ify” a bad dresser.
Do you shop at John Varvatos a lot? At least once a month. A lot of people don’t realize he makes really good formal wear, like the single button tuxedo I have of his, as well you can actually get tailored here in the store. That’s what I do, I come here and it’s almost like a bespoke approach. I always shorten my jackets. I love his boots, I love all his distressed stuff. I’m more into his cashmeres, his really good battered T-shirts and his boots and suits. He does standard crew neck cashmere that I have like six colors, with a little elbow patch.
You picked Christian Louboutin. What are your favorites here? For casual shoes I like John Varvatos, but for formal wear I like the Daddy Flat, which I wear with my black tux. The Orleans is also a great shoe. If you have a really classic tuxedo, then the detail comes from the shoes here.
What are some great places for accessories at The Forum Shops? Chrome Hearts, the amazing scarves at Burberry and cufflinks at David Yurman. Alfred Dunhill does great accessories, such as beautiful finished cufflinks, I own quite a few pairs. For me I would go there for a couple of fine, small details.
At Tourneau, it’s obvious you’re a big watch collector. I like the Patek Philippe watches at Tourneau, like the 5980 Nautilus, which I want. I’ve worn bigger watches, but over the years now I think watches are heading to a smaller place. When I play guitar I can’t play with a really heavy watch, and it ruins the line of a suit or cuff.
During the holidays, do you change your style at all? I like to dress up. There’s a deep, deep burgundy velvet jacket we saw at Pal Zileri? I would wear that to a holiday party.
What do you think is the biggest mistake men make in fashion? What do you see over and over again that annoys you? The whole mannequin I want that outfit, head to toe. Sometimes when they are dressed they do an outfit real justice, but you can be pretty sure four other guys have done the same that day. It’s not always about how much it costs, or if it’s the season, for me it’s stepping out of your comfort zone. I wear Christian Dior jeans for casual but I like that there is not a lot of branding on those jeans. I’m not big on labels on the front of T-shirts.
What if you are shopping and want too many items. How do you decide? If you are not sure, and if you’re not going to wear it within a month and if you don’t absolutely love it, then don’t buy it.
If you met a guy that had a good look but no style, what advice would you give him for a makeover? We call it “Gossy-fying.” I would start with a good suit, a single vent or double vent. A double vent allows you to move and it gives you that tapered look. If you are short in the legs you don’t want a really long jacket. Find one color you do with your suit, with a tie, a pocket square, then something to match the socks, even if they are black socks, and have a fleck of burgundy. Pindot socks are good to wear, not polka dot.
Stick to the more classic designers for white shirts with a French cuff by Pal Zileri, or even John Varvatos. You can always put that with a more funky suit.
Matt Goss’ Fashion Rules:
Don’t be a follower. “Try your best not to follow fashion. I couldn’t tell you what the color of the season is.”
Shop vintage. Goss encourages men to hit vintage boutiques for unique finds with old school craftsmanship and attention to detail rarely found these days. “Find vintage cufflinks, tie, like my Christian Dior one but I know the probability of somebody else wearing this tie is very slim because it’s from the ‘50s or ‘60s.”
Accessories are key. Goss notes that accessories are what really puts together the looks he gets so many compliments are. Pocket squares, ties, hats, cufflinks, socks in a variety of materials and colors give a noticeable pop to any sharp suit. Goss even dresses up his suits with pins, such as one of his favorites: a 1940’s diamond art deco.
Think outside the box. “Be inspired by movies and history.”
Experiment with color. Goss says subtly intertwining colors and adding bright touches here and there spices up a boring ensemble. “It’s an easy option. Mixing patterns in fashion is important. Wear a polka dot with a stripe.”
Know some of the basic rules. “There is a rule that your bowtie should be as wide as your jawline—it shouldn’t be wider. That’s a good tip to keep in mind.”
Don’t neglect the rest. Goss often hops over to Color—A Salon by Michael Boychuck at Caesars for a little beautifying, making sure the rest of him is as perfectly tailored as his clothes. “There’s a great barber in there for men, and I get a manicure there. I don’t think you should feel weird. You’re still a guy’s guy, you can still be one of the boys.”
Study up on the rules… “There is a rule that your bowtie should be as wide as your jawline—it shouldn’t be wider.”
…but break a few of them, too. “Don’t be afraid to look at the women’s scarves, or accessories that aren’t strictly in the men’s section, such as belts. They can often fit your suit better.”
Comments