A CONVERSATION WITH DAVID CONTI

Today we speak to David Conti, an Italian businessman that greatly appreciates British craftsmanship. He is known for his love of great British companies and is a brand ambassador for several well known luxury brands. 

David, can you introduce yourself and let people know a bit more about you?

My name is David Conti, I'm 30 years old and I'm originally from Pienza, a small village in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. It has two UNESCO recognitions and is located in the middle of two excellent wine territories. Montalcino, known for its Brunello. And Montepulciano, which is very famous for the Nobile. For work I stay in Milan during the week, but I'm a country man. I love hunting, fishing and horse riding, and many activities that can only be done in the open air. I believe that being able to grow within a framework is fundamental in order to appreciate beauty and be, in a certain sense, a guardian of it, knowing its intangible value.

How did you first hear about Benson & Clegg?

I discovered Benson and Clegg thanks to Prince Charles, when he was Prince of Wales, as he awarded the Royal Warrant to the brand, and uses the brand's ties a lot, which I then also saw again in The Crown, or Downton Abbey, representations which I love, and they made me totally fall in love with the brand.

What’s your favourite Benson & Clegg tie and why?

For me, the tie is the symbol of tradition and heritage par excellence. I have been in love with this accessory since I was little. And I admit that the one he wore most frequently, a real wildcard, is the Brigade of Guards Household Division Three-Fold Silk by Benson and Clegg. The colors and historical meanings of this tie speak for themselves. It can be said that the tie itself is a truly historical piece. I love its ability to adapt, from country settings to important dinners, where a tuxedo is not required. I think if I only had to own one tie, it would be this one. Truly a cornerstone of the classic men's wardrobe.

What is the one menswear accessory that you wear most often?

Cufflinks I think; They are the accesories I always use. I like their discreet yet noticeable charm. I think it really gives a different impact not only to the outfit but to the person. Also giving an air of refinement and elegance. I think it is a fundamental point to address for every self-respecting gentleman. For example, I recently got a green velvet tuxedo jacket from The House of Bruar store, and it's actually a bonus to be able to combine it with accessories from Benson and Clegg. In addition to this, for looks with Dinner Jacket, therefore Black Tie, or White tie, therefore Tailcoat, it is essential to choose a nice bow tie, to be tied strictly by hand. This gives the look a touch of real class. In the photo, I have a bow tie by Brunello Cucinelli, another milestone of Made in Italy, and as you can see, it finishes everything off beautifully.

What makes Benson & Clegg one of your favourite brands?

Two words: the tradition and the classic sophistication. Benson and Clegg represents tradition, linked to military regiments, so it is very nice to know the history behind a blazer button, a tie or a pair of cufflinks from the brand, which you wear. In addition to this, the made in England, and the general quality is exceptional, and therefore allows the product to be seen as a real investment, which can be passed down from generation to generation. So Benson and Clegg is not just tradition as an end in itself, but takes part of the families' traditions, becoming an integral part of them.

Can you offer any style tips on how to pair their cufflinks with their outfit?

For me, cufflinks are the basis of the everyday gentleman's style accessories. In particular, I usually divide between Daily Cufflinks and Special Cufflinks. So, with Tight, Tailcoat and Dinner Jacket, I recommend a pair of classic oval or round cufflinks, to be combined possibly with studs for the shirt. A perfect example is the Onyx series by Benson and Clegg. Then, for the Daily, I prefer and use cufflinks engraved with my family's coat of arms, in the city. In the countryside, however, I use a pair from my great-grandfather, which I combine with a Tattersall shirt. In them there is an English Pointer drawn, but I also appreciate those with pheasants or other animals that refer to the traditions of the country home, such as hunting, fishing, horses, etc.

Is it true you’re descended from Italian nobility?

We descend from a branch of the Conti family, a lineage that has given various popes to the church, and generals. The figure to whom I feel most attached is undoubtedly Torquato II Conti, Field Marshall during the Thirty Years' War, on behalf of the Habsburg Emperor. He is also mentioned in The Promessi Sposi book written by Alessandro Mazoni, XXX Cap., and his episode of renouncing the title of Duke is significant, which has become a very important painting made by Luigi Gentile. His level of resourcefulness and leadership, but at the same time diplomacy, is what I would very much like to be able to achieve in the future. His portrait is part of Collection that is currently at Läckö Castle in Sweden, and the CEO Mr. Jan Malmgren kindly provided me with some beautiful images. I recommend everyone to visit it.