The “C” Word

L+T: What is the main objective that you are trying to achieve with the MR PORTER content? What’s the long-term goal of The Journal?
JL: The Journal is there to engage the reader and act as a sales tool. It has proved a highly popular sales driver for MR PORTER and the long term goal is to increase its frequency, expand the content and make it ever more entertaining and functional.

L+T: What are the top five items that you can’t live without? What do you never leave home without?
JL: My Blackberry, iPhone, Comme des Garçons wallet (ideally with un-maxed credit cards inside), car keys (I hate taxis or public transport) and a hot date in the diary

L+T: Are there any new brands on your radar that MR PORTER will be carrying?
JL: Yes, lots. We’re stocking over 150 brands this fall compared to the 80 we originally had for launch. The brand mix will feature classic international names like Brioni and Loro Piana as well as more edgy ones like Elder Statesmen and Hentsch man.

L+T: Can you tell me a little bit about the Jimmy Choo men’s collection?
JL: It’s a very covetable collection: from very classic pieces like the brown suede oxford, which we have exclusively on MR PORTER to the double strap monk shoes or the paisley slipper.

L+T: How do you personally differentiate style vs. fashion?
JL: Style is natural, intuitive and infinite; fashion is more frivolous and fleeting – both can be equally enjoyable

L+T: What exactly is MR PORTER’s “Stylepedia”? What is the goal of this?
JL: The idea of Stylepedia is that it’s a fashion and style resource for men. Whatever brand, term or fabric you see mentioned on MR PORTER, you should be able to look it up on Stylepedia and see it explained. We never want anyone to leave the site feeling like they didn’t understand or learn something. It’s the ultimate resource for men’s style terminology.

L+T: Is good taste and style innate? What is your biggest sartorial turn on? Turn off?
JL: Some are born with it but it can be learnt, too. After all, most kids develop and learn about style as they get older. And there’s no reason why adults shouldn’t continue that journey – as in all areas of life and knowledge. 
My biggest sartorial turn on is a perfectly cut, crisp, fitted white shirt. And turn off? Pointy shoes.

L+T: Your website features an array of cool cats from around the globe offering their advice in the section “Style Council.” Is there a hazing process to become a member?
JL: We have a committee on the Style Council that suggests people that we should approach. We like to invite people from a varied number of professions and locations so that it is useful to different people for different reasons.

L+T: What’s your guilty pleasure?
JL: I have lots of pleasures, but very little guilt. But I suppose I have a weakness for beautiful things: whether it’s a piece of furniture, writing, clothing or a person.

L+T: Any vices?
JL: Life would be very dull without them.

L+T: What are you listening to this summer? What songs are currently on heavy rotation on your iPod?
JL: Arctic Monkeys, Broken Bells, Patrick Wolf, Tyler the Creator and White Lies. (MR. PORTER)