The services of the MR PORTER Style Council – populated by the world’s best-connected men imparting insider style and travel tips – have, understandably, not been called on as much of late. So we thought we would launch a new monthly series where we showcase interviews with our new members to get to know them a little better (and indulge in a bit of vicarious travelling in the process).

This month, we are pleased to welcome Mr Mohammed Al Turki to the fold. Born in Saudi Arabia, Mr Al Turki is a film producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist who made his name in Hollywood with the award-winning film The Imperialists Are Still Alive! (2010). He has gone on to work on titles such as Arbitrage, starring Mr Richard Gere. Away from the silver screen, Mr Al Turki is known for his charitable work boosting Saudi Arabia’s film and arts scene. He has also collaborated with Dior, Salvatore Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton, and, when circumstances allow, he frequents fashion shows across the globe. Describing himself as a bit of a traveller, Mr Al Turki has lived in London and Los Angeles, and is currently spending time in Bahrain.

How are you adapting to our new normal?

I’ve adapted quite well, I must say. I enjoy quietness. Beneath all that darkness, there is a silver lining. The quality time I have spent at home with my family, especially my nieces and nephews, made me realise how time flies and I’ve already missed many milestones. I won’t let that happen again. I’ve also taken the time to focus on some new creative projects. 

What are you listening to at the moment?

I am currently listening to Eela Craig, Sibylle Baier, Karen Dalton, LCD Soundsystem, Jeff Buckley. I also love jazz, and anything Chet Baker. And let’s not forget the classics like Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. 

What is your dream holiday destination?

Being on a boat or on the water in Italy and France anytime between May and September. I love the south of France – Antibes, St Tropez and this small town called Villefranche – as well as Italy. I love Portofino, Capri, Sardinia, Sorrento, Tuscany, Florence, Sicily, Puglia, Rome and Venice.

Who makes your suits?

You can’t go wrong with Giorgio Armani, TOM FORD, Dunhill, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior in the eveningwear department. Giorgio Armani dressed me for the 2019 British Fashion Awards in a velvet tux and I appeared on the best-dressed list for Esquire UK and British GQ. I also wore a red velvet Dunhill tux jacket for the world premiere of Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood at the Cannes film festival.

What are your favourite films?

One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest, As Good As It Gets, Y Tu Mamá También, The Talented Mr Ripley, Eyes Wide Shut, American Psycho, Amores Perros, The Shawshank Redemption. The list goes on…

Who is your style icon?

My father and my late uncle Abdulrahman used to dress in three-piece, elegant Brioni suits. When I saw them, I always felt like I had walked onto the set of The Godfather. My siblings and I used to nickname them The Dons. Richard Gere is a style icon, as well. I love everything he wears from the early days of American Gigolo to his portrayal of Edward in Pretty Woman and to more recent years when we worked together. All his outfits in Arbitrage were by Brioni. I also love Tom Ford’s personal style – it’s effortlessly chic. Oh, and how can I not mention Michael Caine in Alfie?

What is your current wellbeing routine?

I try to find an hour every day to meditate. It’s very important for me to have that connection. I’m a swimmer so I love doing daily laps.

What is your greatest achievement to date?

Surviving my twenties and being content with myself. Finding my inner peace and valuing the importance of self-love. This to me is way more important than any milestones or awards in the work department.