Mr James Gardner

Fast Facts

Biography

An Englishman living in New York City and a Wall Street refugee formerly of Goldman Sachs and Merrill Lynch, Mr Gardner founded CREATETHE GROUP in March 2004 at a time when luxury brands were still wary of the internet. He went on to pioneer "digital luxury" for many of the world’s most desirable and successful fashion and retail brands. CREATETHE GROUP delivers Emotional Innovation in digital, mobile, social media and emerging technology platforms. With 150 employees in NY and London, the company partners with forward thinking global brands including Burberry, dunhill, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Alexander Wang, Louis Vuitton, NOWNESS and David Yurman. www.CREATETHEGROUP.com

Mr Gardner's Recommendations

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT AND DISH

“Le Mathi's, Paris. Filet de boeuf au poivre avec Gardenias: Belvedere, Perrier, Splash Cranberry, Lime. Divine.”

BEST BAR

“The Mercer Hotel lobby, Soho NYC. The Bar Hemingway, Ritz Paris.”

VACATION CHOICE

“Tulum, Mexico - it's like heaven. Florianopolis, Brazil is a potent St Barts meets Tulum meets Ibiza cocktail.”

TOP CITY

“NYC is everything…and everything is Paris and London.”

FAVOURITE HOTEL

“Hôtel de Crillon, Paris. Claridge's, London. Home away from home.”

TYPE OF BAG

“Black Prada man bag.”

FAVOURED BRAND

“ Maison Martin Margiela . Still smart, innovative, fun.”

ESSENTIAL WARDROBE ITEM

“A tough Maison Martin Margiela boot with the perfect heel and Hermes double wrap bondage bracelet. Can’t leave home without.”

MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

“Grace Jones and Tilda Swinton”

STYLE ICON

“James Bond + Catherine Baba + David Bowie + Alister Mackie = Subversive Glamour!”
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STYLE TIP

“When in doubt go black.”
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TAILOR

“Grand Street Tailor, Soho NYC.”
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BEST SHIRT BRAND

“Thom Browne for Brooks Brothers shirts - great fit and quality. Emotionally Unavailable T-Shirts are cool.”

FAVOURITE SUIT

“ Burberry Prorsum . Prada.”
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CUT OF TROUSERS

“I’m a jeans man but feel trouser moments are returning starting with a Maison Martin Margiela biker chino for Spring.”

JEANS BRAND

“ Acne , slim fit, black.”

UNDERWEAR CHOICE

“ J.Crew classic boxer in the country, Sunspel low waist boxer brief in the city.”
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PREFERRED JACKET STYLE

“ Burberry Prorsum trench, Prada double breasted blazer and Raf Simons Eyewear “R” (for Russell) varsity crest blazer.”

SHOE MAKER

“ Alfred Dunhill olive brogue with mother of pearl inset heel. So comfortable and chic.”
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FAVOURITE GROOMING PRODUCT

“Jurlique Rose Water spray followed by Jack Black Blue Algae Extract & Sea Parsley moisturiser. Light, refreshing.”

DREAM CAR

“The Batmobile.”
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WATCH BRAND

“Rolex Daytona, Cartier Santos, David Yurman Classic.”

ESSENTIAL GADGET

“iPad 2, plus BlackBerry. Addicted.”
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BEST BOOK

“Resident Alien, Quentin Crisp. The adventures of my once East Village neighbor & fellow Englishman in New York.”

FAVOURITE ALBUM

“Grace Jones, Island Life. The ultimate Subversive Glamour Icon.”

Brands Favoured by Mr Gardner