You Should Be Following Mr Essentialist

New York-based New Zealander Alexander Atkins has been on the radar of online lifestyle magazine Opumo for sometime now as the fashion and grooming blogger, who operates under the pseudonym of Mr Essentialist, continues to make waves across Instagram for his sharp, minimalistic style.

The British magazine says Atkins is not just one of a number of menswear blogs that operates aesthetically; he actually gets into the core of menswear, grooming and accessories to offer a little bit more insight than most. Opumo finds out about Mr Essentialist’s distinguishable aesthetic and what brands we should be checking out this summer.

Opumo asks Atkins, who is originally from Nelson, what were his earliest memories of menswear.

“My father’s collection of Hermes and Zegna ties. Growing-up he would call me into his wardrobe each night to choose the tie he would wear the next day. This ritual continued well into high school,” Atkins says.

“[My earliest influencers were] Miuccia Prada and Lapo Elkann – I’ve always been drawn to Italian design. I once sat near them at Mr Chow in Beverly Hills. It made my day.

“[I think menswear should be] refined, masculine and elegant … [and the one item I wear more than any other is] a hoodie. I keep one handy most of the time.”

Atkins started Mr Essentialist in 2012.

Original article by Opumo, May 2, 2018.