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When a life-size poster (featuring both front and back views) of hunky Ben Pamies clad only in bright white Commonwealth Utilities briefs arrived on my desk in a very large shipping tube, I knew something was up. A few months earlier, a photograph of Richard Christiansen (the brand’s co-founder) in his marble bathtub at the Bowery Hotel (surrounded by bubbles, magazines and Post-Its) had appeared in New York Magazine. By the time I received my invite to their show during New York Fashion Week last September, it was confirmed—Commonwealth Utilities was a brand worth watching.
And watch we did—over 350 fashion followers with our mouths agape—as 20 of the hottest guys from Major Model Management (including Chad White, Kerry Degman, and Ellis McCreadie—see images below) walked the “runway” between haircutting stations at Astor Place Hair (in the heart Greenwich Village) for the Spring/Summer 2010 show. A show which featured some of the best pieces of the season, including seersucker blazers, color-blocked tanks and heavy jersey shorts (like sweatpants, but shorter—and so much cooler!).
Working alongside Richard at Commonwealth Utilities is Anthony Keegan, the brand’s Creative Director. With a resume that boasts such recognizable names as Giorgio Armani, Gianni Versace, Kenneth Cole and DKNY, I just knew that I had to sit down with him for “The Style Guyde Interview”—keep reading for Anthony’s astute and charming answers.
What is your favorite piece from your Spring/Summer 2010 collection?
Well, I seem to be wearing shorts with everything. So, all the suits with shorts. Then pull it off with monster high tops.
What do you love most about designing men’s wear?
I get to restock my wardrobe every season! Men’s wear is less obvious—it's about details and fabrics. The men’s wear industry is so much more composed and considerate as opposed to women’s wear. The less drama the better!
Please describe “the Commonwealth Utilities” man.
It’s a New York-living, but European-thinking vibe. We want to dress-up a dress-down culture. So, think hip downtown kid gets a cool job at an ad agency.
What are the five items every man should own?
1) A two-button slim-fitting black suit. Preferably handmade—call me and I’ll send you to my tailor.
2) A high-quality black cashmere crewneck sweater. Be warned, there’s lots of bad cashmere out there. Invest in a good one and it’ll be with you for life.
3) APC plain dark denim jeans, preferably with selvage-edge finish. They will age with you, and they will fit like a second skin.
4) A decent pair of pajamas.
5) A good trench coat. It really makes the difference between being a boy and being a man.
What is the biggest mistake men make when getting dressed?
Remember at least 3-4 looks that work on you, no matter what. Creating your style is easy—just be consistent. If you keep trying to reinvent your style every day, you are bound to look like Punky Brewster on a bad day.
Who are your style icons?
Pee Wee Herman
Bryan Ferry
Any character in a John Hughes film
David Bowie
The Beatles
Who or what has been your biggest influence?
My grade 12 teacher in Canada, Mr. McQueen, told me to not go to college right away. He said “take a year off, have some fun, travel the world. Don’t kill yourself trying to figure out what you want to do with your life”. So, I bought a one-way ticket to London and packed a vintage suitcase with my cassette player and about a thousand dollars. The rest just fell into place. Article continues below... 
If you weren’t a fashion designer, what would you be?
I always wanted to design roller coasters. Five years ago, I actually met someone who did and it sounded like the worst job ever! After that, I wanted to direct music videos.
Let’s talk favorites:
Movie? Pretty In Pink & Breakfast Club (it’s a tie). The whole teen-angst-strife thing, the misfits, the hair. What’s not to love?
Book? Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger—timeless!
Vacation spot? I used to go to my friend Kames Sherwood’s villa in Menorca when I was in my younger days. It was miles from everyone.
What’s the one extravagance you can’t live without?
Mariage Frères Lapsang Souchong tea. You can find it at Dean & Deluca.
What’s on your current playlist?
The soundtrack from Glee
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Lady Gaga
What astrological sign are you?
Gemini—no comment! I’m the nice Gemini type, not the crazy type!
What’s next for you and Commonwealth Utilities?
Paris! Actually the Fall 2010 show is about to hit me like a tidal wave, although I’m in denial.
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