What’s in my closet: Shyam Savani

You hear of a new designer in Dubai as often as a fancy new mega tower coming up. So when Shyam Savani, who recently launched a pocket square collection called SSquare, came under our radar, we were a bit apprehensive. Walking into his apartment in Dubai Marina however, Savani’s individuality is impressive — from the quirky paintings around the house or his collection of lapel pins.

The business development manager for the Apparel Group opened his doors to The Directory.

“It’s so difficult to play favourites, but if I must,” he says. Here’s what we found in his closet:

Black vintage bowtie:

My father bought this when he was 18 in Italy and had it with him for some 40 years before passing it down to me. It is very special to me because of the sentimental value.

Pocket squares:

I am very passionate about pocket squares and that’s why I got into designing them as well. I used to always be on the look out for crazy, eccentric ones and never found them and that’s when I decided to create my own. It’s my way of standing out.

Limited edition Dunhill watch:

It was a graduation gift from my family and so, has a very special place in my wardrobe.

Bespoke chinos:

I always get compliments for these. I got it custom made with an alligator leather (faux of course!) belt and red velvet piping and everyone’s taken to them.

Black snakeskin and patent leather formal shoes:

The shoes are Italian from a brand called Gauche — I love them because they go with pretty much everything. They aren’t too showy and can be dressed up or down.

“Accessories bring out the quirk in me.”

They add variation to a look — most of my outfits tend to be similar but it’s the way that I accessorise that sets them apart. And I always look for eccentric options like the light bulb cufflinks I picked up from a street market in Paris and the clock ones from London. I also love lapel pins and have some really unusual ones. What better way to dress up a boring corporate outfit without coming off as flashy or obtrusive than with a touch of personality in a cufflink or lapel pin.

“I have no favourite place to shop.”

I can pick up items I like from a market in Nairobi, Kenya or Etro, from a high end designer store or one of the souqs and mix and match to pull off a look. I travel extensively so I have the chance to shop in many places. It’s all about how you wear something rather than what you wear.

“I prefer getting my clothes custom made or tailored.”

This way I can ensure a better fit and also I can experiment with fabrics and styles that really catch my eye.

“Don’t have a style icon, be one.”

Most people say that their style icon is David Beckham or Kanye West — this is so cliched. You should be your own style inspiration, do not try to emulate others. Style is something personal so be sure to express yours.

“Dubai is a stylish city.”

We live in such a cosmopolitan city and what makes it so great is the fact that it’s home to so many nationalities. In the midst of this diversity it is important to stand out and that’s what I hope I am doing with my eccentric, wacky sense of style.