Always The Gentleman

180 November 2013 Sharpsuits.Cleverwit.P’sandQ’sin place. Simon Baker is very dapper. And this comes through not only in his choice of roles but also in the choice of brands he endorses. As the face of Givenchy Gentlemen Only, Simon Baker spoke to L’Officiel India about what it takes to be a true gentleman.

What defines a gentleman, to you? It’satimeless concept. It used to be that you were born into being a gentleman, but it is now possible to become one. For me, it’s aspirational to be one. As a child, I was brought up being taught respect, manners, courtesy, humility and that was the way you approached life, what you aspired to be. How does that tie in with fashion? Today,fashion and masculinity meld together very successfully. Now we have what I like to call the modern gentleman, someone who is aware of how they present themselves. How would a gentleman treat a woman? Always with respect, intelligence, warmth and compassion.

L’Officiel India DigitalRead L’Officiel India in the digital libraryEvery issue and every cover story, on TCG Media.Read now

Givenchy approached me and asked if I’d like to be involved with Gentlemen Only. It was an honour, a privilege and a luxury. It’sahouse with strong aristocratic French roots and a creative history that has a healthy dose of rebelliousness and audacity I relate to. To be thought of in that way,to represent a fragrance called Gentlemen Only, is flattering indeed. How was your experience of the campaign? I’ve enjoyed it creatively. I knew of Patrick Demarchelier’s work, of course, he’savery renowned photographer. Working with him was an absolute pleasure. He’s one of those visual geniuses. He’s looking at everything all at once: Like someone that can look at a scrabble board and know exactly where to put the letters. When it comes to shooting, he’s putting all the pieces together through his eye. He’s also incredibly warm and makes you feel very comfortable in front of the camera. For the 30-second TV spot, the process we went through was so specific, so detailed. The creative energy, the collaborative process, the conversations with Peter Lindbergh and Darrius Khon dj i,the creative team of Givenchy, gave a sense of family. That commitment to one idea, creatively, always bears fruit. What is your relation to perfume? I love perfume on women. Perfume on men? I believe every man has a certain essence. For me, it’s important a perfume doesn’t overpower him. Like with clothes: The man should wear the clothes, the clothes shouldn’t wear the man. Your scent should underline who you are.

What does Gentlemen Only evoke, to you? When I first tried Gentlemen Only, I found it refreshing and invigorating, very dynamic. Then, it mellows down and becomes more earthy, a sensual experience. The interesting thing about Gentlemen Only is the detail and the delicacy of the scent. It’s like a fine wine— there are top notes and there are middle notes; The way the scent sits on you when you first put it on, and the way it evolves with you. Gentlemen Only has citrusy top notes with nutmeg red peppercorns, but then has an earthy middle, so over time you get a woody scent. It’s the contrast I enjoy, and I think it certainly suits me and fits well with who I am. Where do we see you next?

The Mentalist continues. I just shot a romantic comedy, I Give It A Year, with Rafe Spall, Rose Byrne and Anna Faris, set for a spring release in Europe and the US. I’m also developing film projects to act in, direct and produce. best for the last