🦋 The following interview with Darius was published in The Glasgow Evening Times in January 2011.
❤️ You can also see some photos from the article below:
What’s your favourite outfit at the moment and why?
I'm rocking kilts from 21st Century Kilts, (Sauchiehall Street). The owner, Howie Nicholsby, has got some good stuff and I've got my eye on a few for the new year - for performing and casual wear.
I've got a green wool one which is great right now. That kilt goes with the jacket of this Hugo Boss suit.
My wardrobe is very much about mixing and matching. My other favourite outfit is my Diesel jeans, a Marks & Spencer v-neck T-shirt, a Hugo Boss 1950s-style jacket and Christian Dior boots.
Describe your style?
Simple, essential, Ratpack. I love the Hugo Boss range of 1950s-inspired skinny suits.
I've got eight. I wear the jackets with jeans, and when I travel I've never got less than two in my suitcase.
Where do you shop in Glasgow?
Frasers - the great thing is the range - and Rox in the Argyll Arcade. My wardrobe is never complete without a great watch.
What's your favourite shop in the world?
It's a close call between Rock and Republic in LA or the Hugo Boss flagship store there. They have stuff you can't get anywhere else.
What's the most expensive item in your wardrobe?
One of the bespoke Hugo Boss one-off suits.They are about $10,000. The fabrics are amazing. I only have one. Because I get my suits tailored it makes things pricier - but worth it.
The thing with fashion is it's got to represent who you are, your style and how you feel. That doesn't work if it doesn't fit your body.
And an Omega watch. A limited edition James Bond anniversary one. It's worth about £10,000 and was a gift - but I can't say who from.
What's your biggest bargain?
Two pairs of army-style boots from Topman. I got a brown and a black pair for £30 each instead of £90. They go with slim jeans. Their range of jeans and boots is great.
Whose style do you admire?
Jon Hamm who plays Don Draper in Mad Men. He's got a great sense of style. I love the retro throwback, when men could be gentlemen and women could be ladies. That little bit of Hollywood glamour has made a huge comeback on the red carpet in the States.
Any fashion disasters?
The ponytail. As a student who couldn't afford a haircut I should have got a pair of clippers and shaved it off. I look back smile at that period of my life. We've all been there. Also, I was about 19 and fell in love with a pair of brown corduroy trousers - with flares.
If you had to save one item from your wardrobe what would it be?
A white cashmere jumper my aunt knitted for me. It's simple and warm.
What was your last purchase?
A skinny black Christian Dior tie from their shop in London.
What's on your shopping list for winter?
I don't wear belts anymore, I have fallen in love with the range of braces Christian Dior do. They're an imitation of the ones they wore in the 1920s. They attach to any pair of trousers under your suit and keep the line really clean and you don't have to wear a belt. It feels really cool and they look great. I think they're about £150.
And I really need to go to Marks & Spencer. On my last trip to the States I had a bag stolen and it had a lot of basics in. My favourite range of v-neck T-shirts and underwear is all Marks & Spencer. They do the best quality.
What would you most like to have in your wardrobe?
I'm really lucky. I've got the wardrobe I always wanted.
Share a fashion secret?
Don't try too hard, and a little of the best is much better.
How would you describe Glasgow style?
Eclectic, bohemian, elegant and everything in between. A lot of the time we go for practicality, but if Glasgow had LA's weather I think the stars would be lining up to live here.
How many pairs of shoes do you have and where are they from?
Six. They're all designer Christian Dior, D&G, Armani, Hugo Boss - except mu Nike trainers and my Topman boots.
What about man bags?
I don't believe in them. A man should be a man.
Is it difficult having your clothes spread between Glasgow, London and LA?
I've got one set of everything everywhere so I travel light. At the moment I'm staying at Malmaison in Glasgow, which is a home from home. When I do travel my essential thing is my Gibson guitar, which I keep in my wardrobe. It's amazing and it's a part of my music and part of my style. I'm using it to write a new record which will be out this year.