"I have no right to call myself one who knows. I was one who seeks, and I still am"
Jeyhun Ali is a renowned multilingual master of ceremonies, event presenter, and television host. During 15 years he present international forums, conferences and gala ceremonies.
When did the Italian community become acquainted with the name Jeyhun Ali and accept you as one of their own? How did you manage that?
Probably because I was Italian in my previous life (laughs). I have been in love with Italy since childhood. Even as a student at the Art Gymnasium in Baku (Azerbaijan), I was taught film history, and the chapter on Italian cinema left an indelible impression. Since childhood, I have loved experiencing and observing what I read and watched so vividly that I remained under the influence of a book or a movie for days. It so happened that I got acquainted with the film by Giuseppe Tornatore. Well, you probably remember the plot of the film, where Salvatore Di Vita, a famous director, learns late at night from his girlfriend that his mother called and reported the death of someone named Alfredo. Salvatore returns to his past, to his childhood and youth.
The events of the film begin immediately after the SecondWorld War in the provincial town of Giancaldo, in Sicily. Six-year-old Salvatore grows up in a fatherless family, as his father having died at the front. The boy loves watching films and makes friends with Alfredo, a projectionist who works at the Paradiso cinema. The diminutive name of the boy is Toto, just like his idol, the famous Italian actor. Salvatore becomes Alfredo’s apprentice and learns all the intricacies of the projectionist’s craft, helping him to run the screenings. As fate would have it, I also lost my father when I was six. And my mentor and idol was a well-known TV presenter in my country, Rafig Huseynov, who opened the world of hosting to me. He always taught me to find myself, to seek everything within me – love and energy. In short, people similar to us accept us. We create our surroundings according to our inner state. I like this state and can call it a school of life where I learn.
We are already talking about sprezzatura
In my opinion, it’s a fantastic word and exists not only in Italian. In English, it is referred to as “nonchalance.” That is, if we are talking about elegant carelessness, I believe that whatever a man “touches” in his life, it should have a foundation and meaning. To continue his character, to fulfil the requirements of his “moral hygiene” and life principles.
You are from Azerbaijan; how did you come to Italian tailoring, and how did you create and shape your personal style today?
Searches and observations. Since childhood, clothes have been sewn for me. In my city, the history of tailoring was very developed in the 1950-70s. Baku, as a city, remembers its tailors. I remember how my mother ordered a jacket and trousers made of fine sky-coloured wool from a local tailor in our neighbourhood. And I remembered that master when I was already a student. I started ordering jackets from him. Since style is first and foremost about the climate, these were mainly linen jackets in the summer and wool jackets in the winter. When I started working on television and appearing on air, the question of creating an image and style arose. At first, I was very uncomfortable in factory-made suits on air and on stage, and I began to seek more convenience and comfort even in tailor-made suits. These searches led me to Italian, specifically Neapolitan, tailoring. I realized that this is a whole world. A world in which you study yourself from the inside: your inner posture—structure, your emotions, and energy.
You are considered one of the main inspirers of style in the world of all time and classic men’s clothing. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I got into this as a hobby, I will not hide it. But after I met my tailor, and I believe that each of us should have a personal tailor who knows your character, I suggested that he study the history of Neapolitan tailoring.
How did he perceive it? Did he succeed?
We study the history together to this day. (Laughs)
What is your earliest memory associated with men’s clothing and style?
As I already mentioned, I was in the third grade. A sky-coloured fine wool jacket. And I still keep the first suit in which I wore on the stage as a presenter.
Symbolic
I think so too.
What do you think , distinguishes your style from others in your profession and field?
For me, it is important that the external style reflects the inner state. And if someone likes it and approaches me for advice, I am very pleased to share my experience.
Your style demonstrates a good balance between classic and modernity. What are your main tips for men seeking to dress more elegantly in an era when more and more are scared to follow the traditional ideal of men’s style?
You noted well, “afraid to follow the traditional ideal.” I believe this is a question for oneself. And the question is very important: “Who am I?” “What do I represent as a gentleman?” When a person reaches a state of balance within themselves, they find answers to many questions. But at the same time, they understand that the path is long, and the goal is to seek, to be in search.
What would you recommend to someone who has ordered custom-made clothing for the first time? A suit or a jacket?
A handmade shirt – to feel the quality of the fabric and all the charms of the handmade culture. After that – trousers. And only then try a handmade jacket in fine wool.
What fabric is ideal for a spring jacket/suit for the American/European/Asian climate?
As I said, the climate is one of the first important factors in shaping the style of different cultures. Spring or winter in southern cities is different from the same seasons in northern cities. For moderate weather, I prefer wool. In the summer, I enjoy wearing a combination of wool-linen-silk or linen-silk. And for visit to northern cities, necessarily dense wool, but preferably light wool.
What jacket is ideal for the upcoming autumn season?
A suede jacket is what I would prefer.
What important wardrobe item do you always take with you on a trip?
If we are talking about business trips, then shirts, ties, at least one suit, and at least two jackets, two or three pairs of shoes. By the way, considering that I love airports very much, my wardrobe includes a separate set of jackets and trousers for flights. And if the trip is in the summer, then necessarily shirts and trousers made of linen, T-shirts, and loafers.
How would you describe the men’s fashion scene in Azerbaijan, and what do you think you influencinge or trying to influence?
I am glad that men in my country are dressing stylishly and more gentlemen are turning to the services of handmade tailors. I really wish that the tailoring craft in my city would experience its BOOM again.
If you had to name one person who has most influenced your style the most, who would it be?
I can’t name just one person. The first for me is Maestro Cesare Attolini, and then Maestro Antonio Panico —fortunately, we know each other, and I had the honour of interviewing him. Incidentally, when we last meet, he looked at my suit and asked: “Naples?” I replied: “Baku.” He smiled and nodded positively. Every time I visit Naples, I never miss the opportunity to visit Signore Panico. Just as Ennio Morricone is in the world of music, Antonio Panico is the maestro of Italian style and tailoring art. I told him that. Fortunately, I have interviewed both maestros.
Your motto for today.
I have several. I have been writing down aphorisms since childhood. One of my favourite quotes is by Hermann Hesse: ” I have no right to call myself one who knows. I was one who seeks, and I still am.”
