Deep in the dark streets of Metropolis an epidemic has spread in the form of skinny jeans and over exposed crotches. In a city near you more and more men are paying a fortune to wear ill-fitting trousers. Who will save us from this pant-dominium? One man: Brian Spaly, One name: Bonobos, One mission: to stop the epidemic of bad pants, and become baseball's Tim Gunn (okay that's two). Domestically manufactured, high quality materials, and a large selection under $200; no villain is exempt from righting his fashion wrong.

In one of the best Questionnaires I have read yet, Spaly gives a thoughtful look into men's fashion with some pretty great historical references...

Who is the most stylish person in the world?

This might sound surprising, but the most stylish group of guys I know is the Minneapolis Badminton Club.  It's a small private club in Minnesota and i've never seen a more well-dressed group of guys in their 20s and early 30s.  Adam Wright, a Board Member, and Johnny Whitaker, the current Club Champion, are probably the two best dressed guys in the group.  I'd put them up against the 400 brazilians I partied with over New Years in Florianopolis - and I think you'd agree the Minnesota men have the edge.  Who knew?

Who is the least stylish person in the world?

I think it's Jerry Seinfeld on the set of the famous show.  The tapered mom-jeans and white tennis shoe look is horrendous.  All he needs is a black leather jacket, a fanny pack and a visit to Pier 23 in San Francisco to complete that "worst tourist outfit ever" look.

Who is the most stylish person you've met?


I was lucky enough to meet the author Tom Wolfe a few months ago at a party he and Ralph Lauren were throwing around the holidays - that guy has A TON of style.

Who is the most stylish person in history?

That might be Teddy Roosevelt.  He invented rustic/hunter chic. I look at all the amazing collections that designers are making today at places like RRL, those classic hunter green and leather Orvis bags, and the entire Gorsuch catalog (which, by the way, features the hottest women in the world) and I think of Teddy.  Nothing cooler than leather elbow patches, a bear skin rug, and a blunderbuss.

Who is the least stylish person in history?
Probably me in 8th grade. I used to peg my pants and I had all these really blousy, size XL polo shirts. What was I thinking?

In which period of history do you think people dressed the best?


During the rule of Genghis Khan - he is a legend and I think his team had some pretty sharp looks while blazing around on their wild horses on the Steppes of Mongolia.  Since there were no pictures it is more of a hunch. As for more recent times, probably the roaring 1920s - the Gatsby aesthetic.

In which period of history do you think people dressed the worst?

Definitely early 90s America - the MC Hammer pants and Z Cavaricci/Skidz/Zubaz/Girbaud/Generra era stands out as a singular misstep of the fashion community. It's why you never hear of people throwing 90s theme parties. I credit Tommy Hilfiger for getting us out of that jam and moving things in the right direction again.

Is there one item that is in style that you wish would go out?


That's easy - skinny jeans.  Their time too shall pass.

What are you wearing right now?

Bonobos Clean Slates (it's our bestseller and I love 'em just like everyone else, available at bonobos.com) and a Ralph Lauren custom fit oxford button down.

What do you wish you were wearing right now?

You know I've always wanted a race car driver suit with some massive corporation logo theme in primary colors. I'm thinking a Nascar-style ensemble with Tide or Skoal or Fructis (love that bright lime green!)  You know, smokeless tobacco has some really sexy aesthetics.  Does Copenhagen have a racing team?  I bet the Brazilian drivers in Formula One have even cooler outfits than Nascar.  Normally I would say that's not possible, but the Brazilians are so stylish.

Are you afraid of Anna Wintour?

Absolutely not. A friend of the devil is a friend of mine.

Story by Mei-Li Thomas.

MORE QUESTIONNAIRE.