Mr Neil Wenman

Fast Facts

  • Restaurant: NOPI
  • Bar: Hix
  • Hotel: Krafft Basel
  • Gadget: Global kitchen knives
  • Book: In Praise of Shadows
  • Car: Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster
  • City: Shanghai
  • Style icon: Steve McQueen

Biography

Mr Wenman is the London director of contemporary art gallery Hauser & Wirth, with galleries in London, Zurich and New York. He has a doctorate in architectural theory applied to conceptual art practice. He is on the committee of the South London Gallery and the Electra commissioning board in London and has regularly contributed to magazines such as the Financial Times magazine, Architect’s Journal and Art Review. www.hauserwirth.com

Mr Wenman's Recommendations

FAVOURITE RESTAURANT AND DISH

“For lunch it’s mackerel carpaccio at NOPI, in London and for dinner it’s dried aged côte de boeuf to share with friends at Minetta Tavern, New York. I am still waiting to experience Noma in Copenhagen.”

BEST BAR

“I love the informal feel of Mark’s Bar at Hix, London and the Mesh bar at The Opposite House, in Beijing.”

VACATION CHOICE

“My family’s country house in Norfolk, England for weekends or hiding away in Provençe for the summer.”

TOP CITY

“Shanghai has an infectious energy, which I love. It's where the future pulsates! It makes me feel alive.”

FAVOURITE HOTEL

“I always love the relaxed attitude of Krafft Basel, Switzerland, especially during the chaos of Art Basel every June.”
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TYPE OF BAG

“Prada iPad case.”
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FAVOURED BRAND

“I totally admire what Miuccia has done at Prada and love the ethos and the rigour. Each season the collection is a surprise and a new take on a forgotten classic. I also like Hankjobenhavn, and wear their sunglasses as they have no visible branding.”
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ESSENTIAL WARDROBE ITEM

“My JANE CARR HOMME oversized cashmere scarf is super lightweight and very warm. I have it in four different colours as it's great for flying.”
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MOST BEAUTIFUL WOMAN

“My girlfriend.”

STYLE ICON

“Steve McQueen ”
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STYLE TIP

“Be true to yourself...”
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TAILOR

“My local dry cleaners in Primrose Hill, London.”

BEST SHIRT BRAND

“I wear a lot of Gieves & Hawkes shirts, always plain white.”

FAVOURITE SUIT

“I have my bespoke suits made at Kilgour, Savile Row. The construction of their jackets suits my body shape perfectly.”

CUT OF TROUSERS

“Simple, straight cut by Kilgour.”

JEANS BRAND

“I am wearing Levi's Vintage Clothing 501's raw jeans 1947 at the moment.”

UNDERWEAR CHOICE

“ Calvin Klein Underwear boxers… it’s a classic.”
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PREFERRED JACKET STYLE

“Single breasted, single button, black velvet Prada blazer.”

SHOE MAKER

“ Lanvin patent-toe trainers. I wear them with a suit for dinner and have 12 different colours. I also wear plain black Gibson lace ups from Church's for formal occasions.”

FAVOURITE GROOMING PRODUCT

“I wear the Monocle Scent, Number 1: Hinoki. It’s a fresh blast of young cedar that is intoxicating.”

DREAM CAR

“Mercedes-Benz 280 SL Roadster, dating back to 1963.”

WATCH BRAND

“I wear a Hermés Cape Cod watch with double-tour black leather strap designed by Maison Martin Margiela .”
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ESSENTIAL GADGET

“My set of Global kitchen knives by Yoshikin in Niigata, Japan – I love cooking and enjoy nothing more than a sharp knife.”

BEST BOOK

“In Praise of Shadows, by Junichiro Tanizaki – it’s all in the detail.”

Brands Favoured by Mr Wenman