JARED ACQUARO / A POOR MAN'S MILLIONS- INTERVIEW
TO SEE MORE IMAGES OF JARED, PLEASE CLICK HERE
PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOURSELF. WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHRE DID YOU GROW UP ?
I was born in Melbourne, Australia in the eastern suburbs, I come from an Italian family. I was always curious and quick to learn but very independent too. Being hands on with work sparked my creativity and so when I couldn’t do my trades of motor mechanics and roof tiling, I needed to find something else. It took me almost five years to find a new direction but it was definitely worth it. I love menswear and styling. It’s a never ending learning platform that grows with you.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START YOUR BLOG, A POOR MAN'S MILLIONS ? PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND HOW THE BLOG HAS EVOLVED OVER TIME
At the start I was approached with the idea of starting a “what I wore” section of another blog. I was very uncomfortable in front of a camera so at first I was quite against the idea but I didn’t say no straight away. I had a long think about it and thought if I was going to do it how would I and why would I? So I came up with the idea of looking the millions without the bank, I thought this was achievable due to the feedback I got from others about the way I dressed. So myself and Kirsty Umback (Photographer) one weekend shot a few outfits, I came up with the name and started writing and then the rest just happened. It was all quite fast and now it’s quite hard due to the demand and timing, I’m always busy.
"KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING" SO YOU SAY. WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND WISDON CAN YOU SHARE WITH ME TODAY ?
I think today we live in a world of “smoke and mirrors”, we are told how something should look, what we should wear and what we all should have as essentials in our wardrobe. To find your own style, you can’t be told, you can only learn what works for you in your situation. So all the knowledge I’ve gained wasn’t from being told this is how it’s done or just from reading books, it was through practical application. I tried and tested different things, we as men should always try clothes on because unless it’s being made for you it may not fit you the way it fits others. It doesn’t stop at clothes either, cars, fitness, diets, sunglasses, hats even life itself has to be tailored to your needs and requirements.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR MEN'S STORES YOU LIKE TO SHOP IN? WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FROM ? PLEASE LIST ANY PARTICULAR PEOPLE THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE
I don’t think there is just one or two stores that cater for all my style needs, so to speak. I am always looking around for particular pieces that work in with my wardrobe. A lot of the time now there aren’t even style icons I follow either. They are friends or people I admire because of the way they put colours and patterns together. I don’t think we should have an icon then try to mimic them but rather learn from what we see them doing with clothing or accessories.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE ?
Classic base with a little flair, I really respect the classic purposeful tailoring and I love how the Italians add flair to an outfit with effortless elegance. Style should be effortless and easy, not a task.
YOU HAVE OVER 20 000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM. IT'S EASY TO SEE WHY. YOUR BLOG IS SUCH A SUCCESS AND MANY PEOPLE LOOK TO YOU FOR STYLING TIPS AND ADVICE. HOW DOES IT FEEL? IT IS SOMETIMES OVERWHELMING OR SCARY ?
I am happy and humble. I’m not looking for fast cash or fame. The progress is great. It can be overwhelming but not scary, I guess it’s just something to get use to and it’s up to you where and what you’re going to do with it. I don’t believe in half doing something, if someone asks me a question then I answer it. I’m always happy to help others.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE FOR YOUR BLOG ?
Men is the target because that’s what I can personally relate to. People wanting to learn their own styles and help build their own knowledge but in saying that I’ve had women ask me questions too, so I look at it in the same way with proportions and fit.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR STRATERGY FOR CREATING VISIBILITY TO YOURSELF AND YOUR BLOG? HAS THIS BEEN MORE OF A GRADUAL PROCESS ?
I think just staying true to myself has helped a lot, not being generic too which can get boring after a while. Getting your name out there is a big part to get noticed more and networking with people too but it always has to be the right people and knowing who you are and what you can do is an integral part. If you lie people will find out and it can really tarnish your image and name.
IF SOMEONE WAS INTERESTED IN STARTING A BLOG, WHAT ADVICE OR TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER ?
Just be yourself and do what you believe in, not what’s “cool or trending”, unless you like to have a multiple personality disorder or being fake? And that’s not saying anything in a bad way it’s more to the fact that biggest blogs have many people working for them and to further yourself it can’t just be you.
CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR TATTOOS. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU GOT YOUR FIRST? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE? WHAT SIGNIFICANCE DOES IT HAVE IN YOUR LIFE ?
I was 17 when I got my first, I won’t say by whom or where though. The only thing I can really say about my tattoos is that they are all for me and every single one has significance in my life or signifies what I believe in. Some people read a bible or write a journal/diary, I just used my skin so it’s always there in front of me. Yes, some hurt and others didn’t but no I don’t know how many I have nor do I have a favourite but just for my mother I would say my “Mum” tattoo.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY ?
Probably the first time I scored playing basketball, it was a crazy feeling. I was only 7 or 8 at the time and I scored a 3 point shot. I went on to become the MVP of the year.
IF YOU COULD KEEP 5 POSSESSIONS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE ?
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU REALLY HAPPY ?
The beach, always makes me happy because it’s when I’m at my most relaxed.
WHAT IS A SKILL YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN AND WHY ?
I would still love to finish learning how to become a bespoke tailor, I would happily die with that knowledge and making myself an outfit. Shoe making would be amazing too!
I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...PLEASE FILL IN THE BLANKS
I cannot live without sunglasses or Tom Ford perfume, it’s either a OCD thing or an addiction. I do have sensitive eyes though which gives reason to the sunglasses but the Tom Ford perfume is just an addiction…I guess.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG OF ALL TIME? WOULD YOU SING THIS IN A KARAOKE BAR OR JUST IN THE SHOWER ?
Could never answer this one ever, I love music and have lived and breathed it for most of my life, playing drums, being in bands, tour managing, merch, roadie etc.. Every day I listen to music or I don’t function normal. It helps with my creativity and my multi-tasking.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME TO ANY YEAR OR TIME PERIOD, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY ?
I think I would say 1950/60s, where the peak of bespoke suiting was around. The times where every-man wore one and there were many amazing tailors around. If I was to be even more specific and point to Italy I could say take me back almost 100 years as most tailoring houses are close to that age.
SPECIALITY DISH YOU CAN COOK.
Sweet potato gnocchi is my speciality, I haven’t had anyone not love it although there have only been a few that have tried it.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE ? WHAT'S NEXT
I want to expand my knowledge worldwide, Every culture can bring something different to the plate, so travelling and learning about unknown and new brands, working on collaborations with brands too.... I want to create and learn, which is the base of what my blog is about.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JARED
November 2015
I was born in Melbourne, Australia in the eastern suburbs, I come from an Italian family. I was always curious and quick to learn but very independent too. Being hands on with work sparked my creativity and so when I couldn’t do my trades of motor mechanics and roof tiling, I needed to find something else. It took me almost five years to find a new direction but it was definitely worth it. I love menswear and styling. It’s a never ending learning platform that grows with you.
WHEN DID YOU FIRST START YOUR BLOG, A POOR MAN'S MILLIONS ? PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR HUMBLE BEGINNINGS AND HOW THE BLOG HAS EVOLVED OVER TIME
At the start I was approached with the idea of starting a “what I wore” section of another blog. I was very uncomfortable in front of a camera so at first I was quite against the idea but I didn’t say no straight away. I had a long think about it and thought if I was going to do it how would I and why would I? So I came up with the idea of looking the millions without the bank, I thought this was achievable due to the feedback I got from others about the way I dressed. So myself and Kirsty Umback (Photographer) one weekend shot a few outfits, I came up with the name and started writing and then the rest just happened. It was all quite fast and now it’s quite hard due to the demand and timing, I’m always busy.
"KNOWLEDGE IS EVERYTHING" SO YOU SAY. WHAT KNOWLEDGE AND WISDON CAN YOU SHARE WITH ME TODAY ?
I think today we live in a world of “smoke and mirrors”, we are told how something should look, what we should wear and what we all should have as essentials in our wardrobe. To find your own style, you can’t be told, you can only learn what works for you in your situation. So all the knowledge I’ve gained wasn’t from being told this is how it’s done or just from reading books, it was through practical application. I tried and tested different things, we as men should always try clothes on because unless it’s being made for you it may not fit you the way it fits others. It doesn’t stop at clothes either, cars, fitness, diets, sunglasses, hats even life itself has to be tailored to your needs and requirements.
ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR MEN'S STORES YOU LIKE TO SHOP IN? WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FROM ? PLEASE LIST ANY PARTICULAR PEOPLE THAT HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR STYLE
I don’t think there is just one or two stores that cater for all my style needs, so to speak. I am always looking around for particular pieces that work in with my wardrobe. A lot of the time now there aren’t even style icons I follow either. They are friends or people I admire because of the way they put colours and patterns together. I don’t think we should have an icon then try to mimic them but rather learn from what we see them doing with clothing or accessories.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR OWN PERSONAL STYLE ?
Classic base with a little flair, I really respect the classic purposeful tailoring and I love how the Italians add flair to an outfit with effortless elegance. Style should be effortless and easy, not a task.
YOU HAVE OVER 20 000 FOLLOWERS ON INSTAGRAM. IT'S EASY TO SEE WHY. YOUR BLOG IS SUCH A SUCCESS AND MANY PEOPLE LOOK TO YOU FOR STYLING TIPS AND ADVICE. HOW DOES IT FEEL? IT IS SOMETIMES OVERWHELMING OR SCARY ?
I am happy and humble. I’m not looking for fast cash or fame. The progress is great. It can be overwhelming but not scary, I guess it’s just something to get use to and it’s up to you where and what you’re going to do with it. I don’t believe in half doing something, if someone asks me a question then I answer it. I’m always happy to help others.
WHAT IS YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE FOR YOUR BLOG ?
Men is the target because that’s what I can personally relate to. People wanting to learn their own styles and help build their own knowledge but in saying that I’ve had women ask me questions too, so I look at it in the same way with proportions and fit.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR STRATERGY FOR CREATING VISIBILITY TO YOURSELF AND YOUR BLOG? HAS THIS BEEN MORE OF A GRADUAL PROCESS ?
I think just staying true to myself has helped a lot, not being generic too which can get boring after a while. Getting your name out there is a big part to get noticed more and networking with people too but it always has to be the right people and knowing who you are and what you can do is an integral part. If you lie people will find out and it can really tarnish your image and name.
IF SOMEONE WAS INTERESTED IN STARTING A BLOG, WHAT ADVICE OR TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER ?
Just be yourself and do what you believe in, not what’s “cool or trending”, unless you like to have a multiple personality disorder or being fake? And that’s not saying anything in a bad way it’s more to the fact that biggest blogs have many people working for them and to further yourself it can’t just be you.
CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME MORE ABOUT YOUR TATTOOS. HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU GOT YOUR FIRST? WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE? WHAT SIGNIFICANCE DOES IT HAVE IN YOUR LIFE ?
I was 17 when I got my first, I won’t say by whom or where though. The only thing I can really say about my tattoos is that they are all for me and every single one has significance in my life or signifies what I believe in. Some people read a bible or write a journal/diary, I just used my skin so it’s always there in front of me. Yes, some hurt and others didn’t but no I don’t know how many I have nor do I have a favourite but just for my mother I would say my “Mum” tattoo.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY ?
Probably the first time I scored playing basketball, it was a crazy feeling. I was only 7 or 8 at the time and I scored a 3 point shot. I went on to become the MVP of the year.
IF YOU COULD KEEP 5 POSSESSIONS, WHAT WOULD THEY BE ?
- Vintage Omega Geneve watch
- Dormeuil Platinum M2M Suit
- Bespoke Biagio Santo Ties
- Double Monks by Churches
- Luciano Barbera Shirts
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU REALLY HAPPY ?
The beach, always makes me happy because it’s when I’m at my most relaxed.
WHAT IS A SKILL YOU WOULD LIKE TO LEARN AND WHY ?
I would still love to finish learning how to become a bespoke tailor, I would happily die with that knowledge and making myself an outfit. Shoe making would be amazing too!
I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT...PLEASE FILL IN THE BLANKS
I cannot live without sunglasses or Tom Ford perfume, it’s either a OCD thing or an addiction. I do have sensitive eyes though which gives reason to the sunglasses but the Tom Ford perfume is just an addiction…I guess.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SONG OF ALL TIME? WOULD YOU SING THIS IN A KARAOKE BAR OR JUST IN THE SHOWER ?
Could never answer this one ever, I love music and have lived and breathed it for most of my life, playing drums, being in bands, tour managing, merch, roadie etc.. Every day I listen to music or I don’t function normal. It helps with my creativity and my multi-tasking.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME TO ANY YEAR OR TIME PERIOD, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND WHY ?
I think I would say 1950/60s, where the peak of bespoke suiting was around. The times where every-man wore one and there were many amazing tailors around. If I was to be even more specific and point to Italy I could say take me back almost 100 years as most tailoring houses are close to that age.
SPECIALITY DISH YOU CAN COOK.
Sweet potato gnocchi is my speciality, I haven’t had anyone not love it although there have only been a few that have tried it.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACHIEVE IN THE NEAR FUTURE ? WHAT'S NEXT
I want to expand my knowledge worldwide, Every culture can bring something different to the plate, so travelling and learning about unknown and new brands, working on collaborations with brands too.... I want to create and learn, which is the base of what my blog is about.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME JARED
November 2015
