Corneliani Travel Jacket: Teo van den Broeke by Peter Howarth
Each month we ask a photographer to picture a Corneliani Travel Jacket - the iconic overshirt- somewhere in the world. These shots were taken in Rome by London and New York-based writer and photographer Peter Howarth of author, podcaster and journalist @teovandenbroeke, who is also global editorial director at Soho House.
Where did you take these pictures?
Peter Howarth: «These pictures were taken in Rome, an amazing location for photography as everywhere you look is so full of history and life».
Who’s wearing the Travel shirt-jacket?
Peter Howarth: «Teo van den Broeke, an old friend, who as well as the Travel Jacket wears many hats: he’s an author, award-winning journalist and podcaster who combines being contributing editor to British GQ and contributor to the Financial Times with the role of global editorial director at Soho House. His memoir, The Closet, is a great read and I strongly recommend it».
What was the mood you were trying to convey?
Peter Howarth: «I wanted to capture a sense of the light and materiality of Rome. When the sun shines, it animates the colours of the stone buildings, the wood, the statues, the terracotta walls, the greenery and fountains that punctuate the city. It’s a sensory treat; you can’t help but be delighted by the rich, ancient, beautiful metropolis around you. Every alleyway, every doorway, every vista carries a type of charge. It’s a historical city for sure but it’s an exciting, living one».
What do you like about the location?
Peter Howarth: «I shot Teo in the centre of town by a church and an old wooden doorway, not far from the Trevi Fountain. I didn’t want the place to become the subject matter, which would have been easy to do here where there are so many incredible locations. Instead, I just tried to catch him relaxed, a traveller in the Eternal City. And that city is referenced by the character of the background he is pictured against. You don’t need to see the Trevi Fountain or the Spanish Steps or the Colosseum to get a sense of Rome. Just a column or an old door in a gentle, warm light».
What do you like about travelling?
Peter Howarth: «You need creative input to keep ideas coming, and travel by its very nature provides that. A change of location, engaging with a new culture, meeting new people, navigating a foreign place… it makes you think and stimulates the imagination».
What are the key things you always pack?
Teo van den Broeke: «I always travel with a light, navy blue cashmere scarf. Much chicer than a neck pillow and great for staying warm in icy aircraft cabins».
What’s the one piece of advice you’d give to fellow travellers?
Teo van den Broeke: «Build a travel uniform. There's nothing worse than packing a load of stuff you'll never wear, so find a palette, stick to one brand you love and find a fit – then build a capsule travel wardrobe around those elements. For me, it's all about shades of navy. A few pairs of trousers, a few T-shirts, one sweater, a smart jacket and a casual one. You know everything will work when worn together and you can throw in jazzy bits you buy in local markets when you arrive, should the mood take you».
Do you have a packing tip?
Teo van den Broeke: «Less is more. You'll always wear fewer garments than you think you will. The one exception? Underpants. You can never pack too many underpants».
Hand luggage or check-in?
Teo van den Broeke: «Hand luggage, where possible – though I'm not entirely averse to the hold if the trip is long enough to warrant it. Just be sure to invest in an AirTag or two if you are going for the latter option. You never know where your luggage might end up otherwise».
How did the Corneliani Travel jacket do – what’s your review of it?
Teo van den Broeke: «It's light, it works perfectly with my wardrobe of understated blues, and it can be dressed up with tailored garments just as easily as it can be worn down with denim and overpriced Japanese loungewear ».
TEO VAN DEN BROEKE
Teo van den Broeke is an author, award-winning journalist and podcaster who combines being contributing editor to British GQ and contributor to the Financial Times with the role of global editorial director at Soho House. He has also written a memoir, The Closet, which explores fashion as a vehicle for self-discovery.
