This week’s style diary guest is Christopher Calapai. Proclaimed as the “The Stem Cell Guru” by the New York Daily News, Dr. Calapai is a leader in the field of stem cell therapy in the United States. He has consulted numerous high-profile individuals including Mike Tyson, Mickey Rourke, Steven Seagal, and Fox series Gotham’s, Donal Logue and worked as a medical consultant for the New York Rangers hockey team as well as various modeling agencies, and is also known on the society scene between New York and the Hamptons.
Sibylle Eschapasse: Describe your style?
Christopher Calapai: My style is typically classical with a hint of adventurous.
Ms. Eschapasse: If a close friend were to describe your personality in three words, what would they be?
Mr. Calapai: Adventurous, direct, and compassionate.
Ms. Eschapasse: How has your style evolved since you were a teenager?
Mr. Calapai: My style has evolved with the times. I am slightly on the conservative side.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is the wildest thing you have ever worn?
Mr. Calapai: The wildest thing I’ve ever worn is a Chewbacca costume for Halloween.
Ms. Eschapasse: How do you dress on workdays versus weekends?
Mr. Calapai: On workdays, I typically wear a dress shirt and slacks. On the weekend, I wear jeans and polo shirts.
Ms. Eschapasse: What are three accessories you can’t live without, and what’s one item that makes you instantly more confident?
Mr. Calapai: The accessories I cannot live without include a watch and the art of shaving kit. My cologne instantly makes me feel more confident.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who have been your greatest fashion influences?
Mr. Calapai: My greatest fashion influences are Ferragamo, Brioni, Armani, and Berluti.
Ms. Eschapasse: Who is your style icon?
Mr. Calapai: My icons are Cary Grant, Sean Connery, and Tom Selleck.
Ms. Eschapasse: What does having style mean to you? In other words, please define style.
Mr. Calapai: Style to me is a way of life, the way a man carries himself and presents himself to the world.
Ms. Eschapasse: What is one purchase you’re most proud of?
Mr. Calapai: My proudest purchase is Elvis Presley’s Lionhead gold ring, cufflinks, and his karate uniform.
Ms. Eschapasse: When you go on the red carpet, how do you want your outfit to make you feel? Which designers can achieve that?
Mr. Calapai: When I go on the red carpet, I'd like my outfit to make me feel confident and suave.
I believe the designers that can achieve this are Brioni, Ferragamo. and Berluti.
Ms. Eschapasse: What do you think of how others dress and what’s your advice to people who would like to develop their personal style?
Mr. Calapai: I think people should take the time to learn how to dress. My advice for people who want to develop their personal style is to read a book or magazine.
Christopher’s Favorites
Favorite color: My favorite colors for suits are black, charcoal gray, blue; and pinstripe or chalk stripe or a paisley jacket tux.
Favorite perfume: My favorite cologne is Clive Christian #1 and Creed.
Favorite restaurant in NY: Il Postino and Daniel.
Favorite drink: Tignanello (Super Tuscan).
Favorite movie: “The Godfather,” “Casablanca,” and “To Catch a Thief.”
Favorite quote: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”---John Lennon
Sibylle’s “Style Diary” is a column that explores style from the perspective of choices, and what that means for different people, with personal advice from some of the most stylish people in New York.
Sibylle Eschapasse is originally from Paris and now lives in New York. She contributes to various publications in addition to be working for the United Nations. Sibylle is also the author of a children’s book, “Argy Boy, A New York Dog Tale.”She may be reached at [email protected]
