Wardrobe Wire was recently connected to Dr. Matthew Vasey MD through a mutual friend. She said: He’s hot, he’s a doctor, has his own website talking about style and medicine, and he’s uber stylish. We said: (wiping drool from face) Sign us up! Dr. Vasey was kind enough to answer questions about his entrepreneurial ventures, men's fashion, women's fashion, and just the world of fashion and travel in general. You can visit his website, The New York Journal of Style and Medicine, at www.nyjsm.com. Check out our interview below!
1. So you’re an ER Doctor with a fashion and style website? Please explain.
Yes, I know it's somewhat of an unusual combination. So before I lose your readers, The New York Journal of Style and Medicine on nyjsm.com is designed to educate young twenty, and thirty-somethings about health and medicine with audience appropriate articles.
In order to captivate an audience, there are featured musicians, photographers, models, fashion designers and artists. There are interviews with professional athletes about injuries and rehabilitation. There is support from pop culture/celebrity figures as it relates to various foundations/causes/products to which they are involved.
Bardini, The Highest Fashion exists to indirectly market the concept and is the official clothing brand of the New York Journal of Style and Medicine.
2. What made you decide to merge style and medicine of all things?
I lived in New York City, London and Miami for sometime throughout medical school and residency training. I discovered the ability of the fashion and entertainment or “Style” industry to be paramount in its ability to set trends. Our worlds crossed when I had the time to indulge in the vibrant nightlife, if I was able to get in whatever spot was trendsetting at the time. I’m trying to start a trend towards health and education, otherwise Preventive Medicine and have a good time doing it.
3. How do you find the time to manage both? Any time management tips you can share with our readers?
That can be a challenge. My medical training and obligations have always taken priority. The business, while a close second, is second. Working an 80 hour week in the hospital just delays tackling the business “To Do” list but I am fortunate to eventually accomplish what I set out to, sometimes very patiently. The concept will be five years old this November.
Good time management involves staying focused and motivated. Without a passion to achieve your goals it’s easy to waste time.
4. Who do you think had the best show at NYFW in September?
Among the shows I was invited to attend, I have to give credit to Custo Barcelona. Aside from getting to chat with Kimora Lee and Miss USA, Rima Fakih backstage, Custo Barcelona puts on a 1st class show. After a couple seasons as press, I realized a fashion show is more than just clothes; it’s in essence a performing art. There is so much involved that goes unnoticed. There’s a tailored energy, an intangible vibe that some shows have and some shows don’t. While I don’t own a single item of Custo Barcelona clothing because a high-lighter green suit might tip my nauseous patients over the edge, I know the show is going to be great.
5. Men can’t get as creative as women with their dress. What tips can you give our men on how to dress up their usual uniform?
We are pretty lucky. You can almost never go wrong with jeans and a button-down shirt. Jacket, belt and shoes are where it’s at. You can go casual, hipster or classic. Be careful crossing styles. If you are concerned about your combination ask someone you trust. Otherwise, refer to Wardrobe Wire for all your style tips.
6. What are your favorite trends for men for Fall and Winter 2010?
Men and trends are dangerous. I like variations on time-tested styles. I’m apprehensive to jump out on the town in something that’s never been rocked before, unless it’s Bardini, The Highest Fashion.
7. Are there any emerging designers that you must inform our readers about?
Mark my words, Yellow Fever Clothing and Boy Meets Girl will be household names in the very near future. I’ve been fortunate to meet and be inspired by the people behind the brand. Their creative marketing strategies set them apart. Unless you’re talking true high fashion, it’s all marketing.
8. Being the world traveler that you are, what packing tips can you share with our men that are maybe not as savvy?
When traveling, I keep it light and simple. It’s about compromise. I bring one pair of shoes that are both comfortable enough for sightseeing, and proper for hitting the nightlife. Not my most comfortable pair of Nike’s, and not my sharpest dress shoes. I pack one pair of jeans, shorts if summer, and swimsuit if appropriate. Otherwise, an amount of solid t-shirts, boxers, socks consistent with my travel stay or desire to hang out in a foreign laundromat. I bring one jacket, one long sleeve layer, and one button-down. I carry a light rain suit and umbrella, always. Along with other toiletries and logistical items, everything fits in a backpack, and school bag, front and back. Lastly, bring a camera. Long after your trip, you’ll look back at photos and remind yourself what you saw. You’ll be amazed at what you forgot.
9. Of all the destinations in the world you have traveled to… what place has the most sense of style in your eyes?
Of about forty foreign destinations, the women in Moscow kill it. The women in Paris are classic. I don’t remember what the women in Reykjavik were wearing. It didn’t matter, they have the most beautiful eyes in the world. Each country has a style.
10. What current fashion trend can you not stand on women?
Animal print, I can’t imagine that it is a current fashion trend but whether it is or is not, I’ve got no room in my heart for animal print on women, outer or underwear.
11. What current fashion trend do you LOVE on women?
I love a current polished look, it’s very aristocratic. On a more casual note, form fitting jeans and heels on the right girl always catches my eye on the subway.
12. Any last comments you want to leave with our readers on personal style or just fashion in general?
No matter what, personal style is part of the first impression. Your style should reflect the impression you hope to leave. Dress within your means, stylistically and financially. I never gave much attention to attitude until I heard a hundred or so digital SLR Cameras go into a snapping frenzy when a woman walked into a room.
