Fashion Files Magazine: Who's That Blogger?

Ryan Beshel, The Bowtie Memoirs

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Published on Sunday, 13 November 2011 00:00

Written by FFMag Staff

 
FFMag's Who's That Blogger? fashion series spotlights talented and unique fashion bloggers. We love the originality of fashion’s most diverse group and decided to profile Chicago’s (and the world’s!) most noteworthy bloggers. We are exceptionally excited about this installment of the series, as it captures our very first male blogger – the ever-charming Ryan Beshel from The Bowtie Memoirs, a dapper gentleman who is also the runway director for Agency Galatea, a model management firm in Chicago. If you hop around town at various fashion industry events, there is no question that you have spotted Ryan and his signature bow tie. At 6'4' he is impossible to miss and he is usually the most impeccably dressed man in the room. Our editor, Anna Marevska, caught up with Ryan and chatted about the evolving Chicago fashion scene, what it means to be fashionable in the Windy City and why skeptics of Chitown fashion should keep quiet.

FFMag: Tell our readers a little about yourself. How did you get into blogging?
Ryan: I started blogging as a way to document what started to be an exciting journey for me as I approached graduation. While in school, I quickly learned that getting out into the scene and connecting with others would be a major factor in my success, post-graduation. I began attending industry events and I wanted to be able to look back and see what I was up to. Life seemed to spin too fast for me to be present in those moments. That’s how The Bowtie Memoirs was born.
FFMag: You are also the runway director for Agency Galatea. How did you come about this job?
R: Once I had graduated, I began working on a freelance basis with Julie Darling, one of Chicago’s top publicists. Julie was friends with Marie P. Anderson, the fashion & beauty director and owner of Agency Galatea. I was hired there as an assistant and quickly started to get into the swing of how things worked at the agency. I had always been in love with runway – throughout college, I worked backstage at every show I could dressing models for experience. One day, I called Marie and said, “I want to be the Director of Runway.” Marie spun around in her chair and simply said, “We’ll make you new cards!” Shortly after, I earned my license and have been scouting, developing and exposing the Agency Galatea runway division to Chicago and worldwide.
FFMag: You are well-known around town for your darling bow tie. What is the secret behind it?
R: I wouldn’t really call it a ‘secret’ but there is a story. A few years back, I was writing for a startup website and my boss wanted me to join him and cover the Fashion Focus events. Those shows were really some of the first Chicago fashion events I had ever been to. I wanted to make an impression and I bought my very first bow tie. I wore it proudly that night and it seemed to feel right. I remember walking past people and literally turning heads. It made me stand taller. … I vowed that I would always wear a bowtie to every event I went to, and I have ever since.

FFMag: How do you balance classic and trendy?
R: My style reflects how I feel as an individual based on a budget and a look that fits my authentic self. I am quite tall, so it is often difficult shopping for myself. I choose pieces that can be used in many different looks – such as blazers, cardigans and wovens that I can play with in a variety of different ways. The trendiest thing in my wardrobe is probably plaid. I mix it with classic pieces for a nice pop of color. I truly prefer to dress classically – and to look as Mad Men’ly as I can. I recently watched ‘A Single Man’ for the second time and I wish I could live in that era. The way men dressed impeccably every day is so intriguing and inspiring to me. Though, I also would give my right arm for an entire wardrobe by Tom Ford. [Editor’s note: If you haven’t watched A Single Man, please do. It is an impeccable, stylish and beautiful movie.]
FFMag: What are your style words to live by?
R: One of the quotes I live by is “If you dress like the CEO everyone will think you ARE the CEO.” When I go to an event I always try to dress up as much as I can. Shoot high! It never hurts to be the best-dressed guy in the room.
FFMag: How would you describe the style scene in Chicago?
R: It is changing and growing every day. There are definitely pockets of different styles all over the city – from downtown to Wicker Park to Pilsen. A morning ride on the train is very telling as to the style of our city. You can spot well-dressed businessmen, art students pushing the limits and scruffy, plaid clad creatives off to work.
FFMag: Tell us something about yourself that we might not expect.
R: I get very nervous right before an event, which many people would find to be a crazy thing about me. Another random fact: I wear a size 16 shoe, which is quite annoying, for a man who loves shoes. Try finding that size next time you’re out!
FFMag: Who are your style icons?
R: Tom Ford is a huge inspiration. He is always impeccably dressed no matter what he’s doing, and he always protects his brand. In the behind the scenes footage from ‘A Single Man’ a cast member discusses how directors usually fall apart during the course of filming. Not Mr. Ford! He always showed up pressed and prepared. Style icons to me are more than just clothes hangers – anyone can hire a stylist. To me, an icon of style is an individual who encompasses style in every area of life. Someone who is confident, successful, driven and in control of what they want.
FFMag: Who are your favorite designers?
R: Alexander McQueen was absolutely the most confident, innovative, forward-thinking genius. I love Tom Ford and the brand he has created. As far as Chicago goes my very favorite designs come from J.Cheikh. They create unique, well fitting, beautiful pieces of clothing and I have the honor of owning a few suits.
FFMag: What is your fantasy purchase?
R: Other than an amazing loft apartment and a new car? The entire current and past J.Cheikh collection, a shopping spree to Cole Haan and dinner with Tom Ford (I can buy that in fantasy world, right?)
FFMag: What is the one item that every man should have in his closet?
R: Besides a bowtie? Every man should have a suit that fits. I stress the word FITS. Nothing is worse than a baggy suit – and on the other hand – nothing sexier than a well-fitting suit.
FFMag: What piece of jewelry should every man have?
R: Great cufflinks are always a must. Tracey Mayer 950 Silver Jewelry makes some amazing pieces.
FFMag: Finish the sentence: If I was not in the fashion industry I would be…
R: In publishing.
FFMag: Are there any trends you are particularly inspired by this season?
R: I’m loving the bright colors that I have seen, be it jeans or a full suit in a really bold color. I tend to dress very black/gray/navy blue, so I enjoy seeing a burst of color here and there. I also am thrilled about cardigans, blazers and layers.

FFMag: What trend from the past would you like to make a comeback?
R: Men dressing up every day for work. I obviously love the Mad Men look and the way that fit was so important to them. If fit is a trend then please bring it back!
FFMag: What’s your secret cheapie?
R: Plaid shirts from Forever 21. (Don’t tell anyone.)
FFMag: And what do you usually splurge on?
R: Shoes, because when I find a pair that fits I have to buy them.
FFMag: What are your favorite fashion blogs? Why?
R: I love local Chicago blogs like The Midwasteland, The Style Tribe (love those girls!), and Tres Awesome. They all show the style in Chicago rather than just talking about it. It’s like a bit of proof to the rest of the world that think we all wear cargo shorts and baseball caps. Plus, I love the personalities and individuals that take the time to write, shoot and edit these sites.
FFMag: What is the key to a great party?
R: The perfect cast of characters – almost nothing else matters.
FFMag: What is your signature scent?
R: Gucci Pour Homme
FFMag: What’s your favorite… Gadget?
R: My iPhone. I would literally lose my mind without it.
FFMag: Hostess gift?
R: Something made of chocolate.
FFMag: Comfort food?
R: Chocolate milk and/or pizza.
FFMag Wine?
R: The kind that’s whiskey.
FFMag: Grooming essential?
R: Royal Crown Hair Dressing and anything American Crew