Kent Wang

BBG:  Why did you start making pocket squares?

KW:  I decided I wanted some pocket squares for myself and didn’t want to pay retail, so I bought some fabric and had them made. But the minimum purchase for fabric is a yard which can make nine squares, so I tried to sell the rest and they sold like hot cakes.

BBG:  Is the Kent Wang accessories store your full time gig and how did you wind up in Austin, TX?

KW:  Yes, it is full time now, which is pretty cool because when people ask what I do for a living I can tell them I’m a fashion designer.

How did I wind up here? I went to college at the University of Texas – Austin and just stayed here after I graduated. It’s a nice town with an active music and cultural scene.

BBG:  What things or people inspire your personal style?

KW:  Classic style, from City of London bankers to New England prep. Looks that never go out of style. I look at illustrations from Apparel Arts from the turn of the 20^th century and see a lot of what I would wear even today.

BBG:  What or who introduced you to style? What prompted to you seek it out?

KW:  I’m a perfectionist and once I started buying clothes for an office job I couldn’t help but try to learn as much as possible about what to wear and where to buy it.

BBG:  Is how you look important to you? Why?

KW:  Of course. I judge people on how they look and I expect them to do the same. I don’t consider appearances exclusive of personality and character, but there’s no question how important it is. I think a lot of people are afraid to admit this and, in turn, use that excuse to not mind their own appearances.

BBG:  Do clothes make the man or do manners make the man?

KW:  Manners, especially the manners you need when you don’t have any clothes on.

BBG:  What sort of behavior do you see too much of and what would say to young men about it?

KW:  Being impolite, lack of common courtesy. Failure to hold doors open for others, giving up seats on the bus. My biggest peeve is saying “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome” or – my preference – “my pleasure”. More “pleases” and “thank yous” would be nice, too.

BBG:  What unique tip(s) can you give a guy to help make him a Better Guy?

KW:  Learn to cook. It’s the most useful skill you can ever learn and every guy needs to eat – every day! Plus, girls are impressed with a guy that knows his way around the kitchen.

BBG:  You’re having someone special over, what would you make for dinner?

KW:  Crab cakes for appetizer. My version is a Japanese take on it with panko bread crumbs, wakame seaweed and large portions of crab. No fillers, as much crab as possible. Followed by pasta (I like De Cecco conchigliette) with seared bay scallops and alfredo sauce. Of course, paired with wine and maybe an aperitif and a digestif or two.

BBG:  What’s your favorite room in your place? Why?

KW:  Kitchen, if you can’t tell.

BBG:  What do you do/where do you go for fun?

KW:  Live music. Funk and soul are the best to dance to.

BBG:  Who's your favorite band?

KW:  Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings.

BBG:  Monica Belluci or Gong Li?

KW:  I would shame my ancestors if I did not say Gong Li.