ALEX OGILVY FOR ROWING BLAZERS

We recently caught up with friend of the brand (and member of the British royal family) Alex Ogilvy on Nantucket to discuss smelly coats, bonding with transplants in NYC, and where in the world to find good, cheap beer. Shop the looks from the shoot here, and keep scrolling to read the interview. Photographs by Georgia Gray. (Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)

Rowing Blazers: What elements of other people’s outfits do you find yourself noticing?

Alex Ogilvy: What they’re hiding.

RB: What about Rowing Blazers resonates with you?

AO: That you refresh brands I know from growing up in the UK. I’m happy to have Babar the elephant back in my intrusive thoughts.

RB: You now live in New York — what are some of the biggest differences between life in the UK and the USA? Do you prefer one to the other?

AO: I miss pubs. I do love the gritty us-against-the-rats camaraderie that even the transplants get to share with strangers in New York, though.

RB: What’s one piece of clothing you can’t imagine living without?

AO: My shearling coat. It smells awful but it feels safe.

RB: What are the three words that best describe you?

AO: Fraudulent, insecure, man.

RB: What are some of your hobbies outside of work?

AO: Practicing a British accent.

RB: If you could live in any other era, what would it be?

AO: Pre-blast Pompeii.

RB: What music do you find yourself coming back to again and again?

AO: Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”.

RB: What is one of your favorite books? Why?

AO: Pour Me by A.A. Gill. It’s the funniest book I’ve ever read.

RB: You’re going to your favorite bar: what is it, and what are you drinking?

AO: Spring Lounge. Vodka, soda, close it.

RB: What’s your favorite place you’ve visited?

AO: Pyongyang. Cheap beer.

RB: What’s your dream car?

AO: A sleeper 1999 Toyota 4Runner SRS with a cheeky 2JZ engine and a modest lift kit.

RB: If you had one piece of advice for your ten year-old self, what would it be?

AO: Don’t learn about manhood from Geordie Shore.