When your the son of an international model and arguably one of the greatest, not just footballers, but sportsman ever, it must be hard to live a regular life. I mean accountancy or the civil service really aren’t options open to you as possible careers advice. This is definately the case with the subject of our Textual Conversation today. Calum Best, was born in San Jose and raised in LA, so a real Californian upbringing. Over the years Best has been a model, actor, launched his own fragrances and appeared on, literally, countless reality shows, from Celebrity Big Brother and Come dine with me to Paris Hilton’s British Best Friend and Celebrity Bainisteoir which he won, all documenting different aspects of his life and personality. Having met and styled Calum on numerous occasions I have to say, the perception of this playboy, wild child, party animal on these shows is very different to the one you meet in actual reality. The Best I’ve encountered, yes is a ladies’ man and encourages this perception, but is very much three dimensional and at times can be reserved and can hold a great conversation on all matters of different areas, he doesn’t like to discuss his various charity work and like his father has battled his own demons in their differing forms.

For his latest project, he’s displays a much more debonair, stylish and mature side to his personality teaming up with British menswear retailer Burton to produce a great wearable collection. Hero items such as the navy blue three-piece suit, clean lined grey mac, tan Harrington and black bomber jacket provide the perfect starting point for any great look. Burton has created unpretentious, uncomplicated and easy style pieces.

Calum himself said, “Entering a new sense of maturity that reflects on your style is something I can really relate to.” 

If you had one day to live what would be your biggest regret ?
I have no regrets in life , even when you make mistakes you can learn from them and make them into a positive
· What would be the one piece of clothing you would rescue from your home in the event of a fire ?
One of my many leather jackets. I love them and wear them all the time, it’s an absolute classic and will always look effortlessly cool. It’s easy to wear and instantly adds cool factor to your look.
· If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life who would it be ? 
Tom Ford – menswear should be detail driven.
· Who is your style icon ? 
I’ve got a couple really. I’d say Marlon Brando and Steve McQueen. Both of them were really cool talented guys with great style. They always looked smart but never too try hard. Really effortless – they wore the clothes rather than the clothes wearing them.
· What piece of style advise do you live by ?
To make sure you’re comfortable in your own skin. I’ve become more confident as I’ve got older and my tastes have got a little more sophisticated. I’d much rather go for classic pieces and build up my wardrobe around those rather than buying pieces that will be in one year and out the next. I think your clothes reflect your personality and communicate messages about you to people so it’s about manners too. It’s respectful and polite to dress smartly for certain occasions.
· What piece of clothing should everyman have in his wardrobe ?
Every guy needs a great three-piece suit in his wardrobe, it’s not something you’re going to wear every day but you should always be prepared. It takes time to find the right suit so it’s not something you can easily rush out and buy
· Have you ever bought a piece of clothing and regretted it ?
When I was younger I was in to extra baggy trousers – combats and baggy fit jeans. I thought they were really cool at the time but looking back they aren’t one of my better looks
· Who would do you ideal diner guests ?
Bob Marley. Such a cool, talented guy and his music has the best vibe.
· What is you most memorable moment ?
My first trip to Old Trafford with my dad. The atmosphere and importance of it to him is something I will always remember
· What music are you listening to at the moment ?
Prodigy , mgmt , Rudimental , James Bay
· What are you most excited about at the moment ?
My future! I have acting in the pipeline, building my brands and my fitness projects. Life is good.

Photographer, Mother, Creative Director, Chesse lover, Actor, philanthropist, former Miss Denmark, errrr perfume bottle collector, ohhh yeah and iconic, original, Super-est Supermodel. Helena Christensen burst onto the Fashion scene and into our life’s, and hearts, back in 1989 when she was discovered by photographer Friedemann Hauss, who instinctively knew that Helena was a ‘natural’ in terms of modeling ability. She has gone on to appear in campaigns for brands as diverse as Revlon, Chanel, Victoria’s Secret, Versace, Agent Provocateur, Prada, Hermes, Valentino, and Debenhams amongst many.

Many accolades, labels and musings have been made about Ms Christensen over the years including designer, Gianni Versace who once described her as having, “the most beautiful body in the world.” And Frank DeCaro of The New York Times cited Christensen, along with Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Elle Macpherson and Claudia Schiffer as “The Magnificent Seven”. DeCaro reflected, “Known by their first names to legions of fans, they are the legends of the modern catwalk, the girl next door pretty underneath all the paint

Speaking in her inimitable and grand understated way about her famous catwalk figure, Helena claims; “I have a bit here and a bit there. Or as we say in Denmark, something to the courtyard and something to the street.”

We caught up with the timeless, AGELESS beauty, where I managed to hold it together long enough to get her to answer the following questions.

Best piece of advise you’ve ever been given and by whom?

Anything Piet Hein, the Danish philosopher has written in his little books of wisdom is the best advice ever.

What track would always get you on the dance floor ?

Anything by Depeche Mode

What are you most excited about at the moment ?

The ocean up in the north of Denmark, where little sand islands form in the water late afternoon and I go out there and lay on a towel and look up in the sky and ponder.

Helena and a couple of gal-pals including Alek Wek and Miranda Kerr

What music are you listening to at the moment ?

Right now Chet Baker, but also really digging the Weeknd, Future Island, Stina Nordenstam, Oh Land and still come out songs by Banks and Steelz.

If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be ?

Tsumori Chisato, because ther are no limits to the fantastical prints, colours and designs in her collections and this is where most other brands get scared.

Helena in the iconic Agent Provocateur campaign

If you could live anywhere where would it be ?

I love living in NYC and I love spending time in my birth town of Copenhagen, but I would love to try to live half a year in the following places: Sydney, New Orleans, Venice, Reykjavik, Tokyo…

Favourite hotel in the world ?

Colombe d’Or in Saint Paul des Vences.

A girl gang, most of us would like to join

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

Appreciate all you have at any given moment and be excited for all that is yet to come.

Favourite photographer you’ve worked with ?

I have enjoyed working with so many amazing and inspiring photographers but I had a very special friendship with Herb Ritts and Peter Lindbergh and Irving Penn justblew my mind away.

Who would do you ideal diner guests ?

JF Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, Francoise Sagan, Leonardo da Vinci, Piet Hein, Hilma af Klint, Picasso, Chagall, Charles Darwen, my boyfriend Paul and my son Mingus. This would be a very very very cool ensemble for an interesting dinner. Maybe throw in a wonderful chef as well…

What piece of clothing should everyman have in his wardrobe ?

A big soft wool sweater and a pair of long woolen socks.

What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101?

On some days my phone and computer… it would be utterly wonderful to exist without. But on most days probably not, so let go with slugs and mosquitos and every dictator that has ever existed. Slimy irritating and pure evil.

To put it mildly Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff is a busy man, not only is the phenomenally popular Sports panel Show ‘A League of their Own’, he shares with James Corden, Jamie Redknapp and Jack Whitehall back for season 10 early next year. While his new BBC series, ‘Special Forces-Ultimate Hell Week’, clue is in the name there, sees  29 of the UK’s fittest men and women pushed beyond their mental and physical limits by battle-hardened veterans from the world’s toughest special forces in the ultimate endurance challenge. Plus, we’re gonna see him team up with National Treasure Davina McCall for a new 21st Century take on a darts-based game show on Sky 1, called ‘One Hundred and Eighty’. Phew, and if that wasn’t enough, after being crowded King of the Jungle last year on the Australian version of ‘I’m a Celebrity get me out of here’, he has numerous TV commitments over there.

Yep there is no questioning that Freddie is no Idle man. If all that wasn’t time consuming enough, he also manages to design a range for Bricks and Clicks Menwear Retailer Jacamo. Now entering its 8th season, Flintoff is hoping that his collection performs as well as the Spring/Summer range which saw sales for it, up 15% on the year before, impressive.

As Freddie’s style has evolving over the years, the latest collection is a true reflection of his own wardrobe, incorporating wool and tweed blazers as well as a selection of chunky and fine knitwear.

Staying true to his simple approach to fashion, it also includes wardrobe favourites such as polo shirts, slim cut jeans and a versatile military inspired jacket.

The most stand-out piece is the 007 inspired slim cut classic black tuxedo, just in time for the October release of Spectre.

Freddie explained when we caught up with him, “Working on this range with Jacamo I’ve really realised how much of a positive impact dressing well can have on confidence. I’ve always liked to play it safe with fashion, but I think I got in the habit of sticking to what I know without being open to try out new things…even if it’s just a different colour.

“As much as I love dressing casual, there’s certain times in every man’s life when you should smarten up.” Good advice Mr Flintoff, we couldn’t have put it better ourselves.

If you could’ve invented anything, what would it be?

Anything? The wheel, the telephone, I’d like to invent time travel. So I could go back in time

Where would you go?

I’d go to prehistoric times, before people

What is your biggest regret?

The one thing I should have done, was I should have given my mum and dad two tickets to Buckingham Palace to see me get my MBE. But I only used one ticket. I just took my wife. I was a bit embarrassed by all of it.

What would be the one piece of clothing you would rescue from your home in the event of a fire?

Underpants. Otherwise I’d be naked outside waiting for the fire brigade! But I like jeans; I’d get some jeans.

But you only have one choice; don’t you have one favourite piece of clothing?

Well, you know what I’d probably rescue my England cap. Even though it’s not something you would wear but I’d rescue my England cap.

Who is your style icon? 

I don’t really have a style icon. I look at people and think, “you’re smartly dressed”. But I quite like the way Will.I.Am dresses. Cause he wears what he wants, I think there’s a lot of sense in that. You dress to satisfy yourself.

Tell us something no one else knows about you ?

I like bacon, I also like Victoria Sponge. classic, cream and strawberries.

Can you tie a bowtie?

F: No, I don’t think I’ve ever worn a bowtie. Even if I go to a black-tie event I’d just wear a black tie. I’ve never really worn a bowtie.

What piece of style advice do you live by?

For me, it’s about feeling comfy in what you wear. Both as a fit and also when you’re going out, there’s nothing worse than going out thinking “I’m not sure about this outfit”

What piece of clothing should every man have in his wardrobe?

A blue jumper, a blue V-neck jumper. I like them. I like blue. It’s my favourite colour to wear. So blue V-neck jumper.

Have you ever bought a piece of clothing and regretted it? 

I bought an Armani jacket. It was a fortune was well, it was shiny. My mate said it was nice. And I went out and he just ridiculed me all night. Never wore it again.

What are going to do after this conversation?

I’m going to jump in a car, to film ‘ A League of Their Own’

What do you wish you were doing after this conversation?

I wish I could go home. Just going home and spend the day with the family.

What piece of clothing best describes you?

My slippers. The old comfy, relaxed, lived in slippers.

Who would your ideal dinner guests be? 

Elvis, I love Elvis. My mate Paddy, cause he’s my mate. Many people from music, Sinatra. Sachin Tendulkar as well.

It isn’t often that you can say this about your interviewee, that they changed the modern landscape of Fashion, but in Stuart Trevor‘s case, this is very much the fact. After spending seven years as Head of Menswear at, high Strett retailer, Reiss, Trevor founded All Saints in October 1994. Followed by his wife, Kait Bolongaro joining him in 1996. They developed their vision of a totally new genre of fashion and design, creating a cool, indie label with a grungy, distressed Rock DNA. It became super popular changed the way guys dressed and became much copied, sorry source of inspiration, for many brands from high street to high end.

The duo sold off the company in 2005 and after a period of holidaying and twiddling their thumbs they launched Bolongaro Trevor in 2006. This was a natural progression for them as designers – slightly mature in its outlook, more sophisticated and a real emphasis on quality. Bolongaro Trevor collections have a cleaner edge, blending British Victorian with vintage military and contemporary British street style and iconic subcultures– taking inspiration every season from musical genres such as Teddy boys, Mods, Skins, Punk, & New Wave. The collections are unique yet remain totally wearable and through this, the brand has successfully built up a major following with British actors, models, designers and bands, including Paul Weller, the Who, The Kings of Leon, Gwen Stefani, Liam Gallagher and Daisy Lowe.

The brand currently has four standalone stores in the UK with an imminent opening in Westfield Stratford with plans to open further stores across Britain and internationally in the next five years. Bolongaro Trevor has also been stocked in Selfridges, as well as internationally in cities such as Tokyo, Paris, Stockholm and New York.

If you could have invented anything what would it be ?

As a child, I was obsessed with the idea of inventing a source of energy that was perpetual, a Dynamo that could generate energy that magnified through transformers could produce more energy than was needed for the Dynamo to produce more energy. I am convinced that solar energy can transform the worlds energy problems today and I am pretty sure that there will be advances in science that will revolutionise the worlds problems within our lifetime – something that Elon Musk is working on today 

Best piece of advise you’ve ever been given and by whom?

I once was offered the role of Head Designer at Club Monaco the day I was offered the chance to launch All Saints. The CEO Joe Mimran told me to go for it as he once started CM and if it didn’t work out I could always get back to him. I bumped into him again years later and thanked him of course

What track would always get you on the dance floor ?

She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult. I could design a whole collection based on the lyrics “The sparkle in her eyes, keeps me alive! And the fire in her eyes, keeps me alive, keeps me alive!”

Who’s the most famous person’s number in your phone ?

Roger Daltrey

What are you most excited about at the moment ?

The new store we’re opening in Westfield Stratford City, a new chapter in Bolongaro Trevor as it will introduce the brand to a whole new group of people. The world has changed and many of our friends, our contemporaries, our generation, are now heading to this kind of mall, with their kiddies, and they’re looking for something other than High Street brands – I’m convinced of this by the positive feedback I’m hearing from so many of our friends, from all walks of life, people that I would never have thought would actually ever enjoy shopping there

What would be the name of your autobiography ? 

“Why All Saints? Because the rest of them are All C#nts!” 

Although my mum would hate that, maybe it would have to be toned down, I don’t like the overuse of that word either, however it would have to relate to All Saints as I would like to sell more than 100 copies! And I had a lot of fun creating the brand from scratch

If you could collaborate with one brand who would it be and why ?

Probably Paul Smith as I have always admired him and all that he has achieved. I nearly joined him when I graduated. I also think that I could bring something to his brand that they have never really covered or Ralph Lauren, for the same reasons

Favourite hotel in the world ?

Chateau Marmont in LA (above) – I once stayed in bungalow no 3 for a week, the one that James Belushi died in, we had a few amazing parties in there over New Year back in 1996, they kicked us out on New Years Day, after the 2nd big night!

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

If you ever make a few million, invest most of it in U.S. Gold – the dollar was 2 to the pound and it increased in value 16 times in 2006-2007

How did you get into the industry, what was your big break ?

I won the Smirnoff Fashion Award for Menswear at The Royal Albert Hall in 1988 which was televised and David Reiss called the University and insisted I came to meet him and he offered me the job as his first ever designer/buyer

Who would do you ideal diner guests ?

David Bowie, Bryan Ferry, Roger Daltrey, Rod Stewart, Debbie Harry, Siouxsie Sioux, Marianne Faithful, Yoko Ono, John Lennon, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley & Kate Bush – to discuss their life, their music and inspirations. Yves Saint Laurent, Cristobal Balenciaga, Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaperelli, Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood & Kait Bolongaro – to discuss their life, their inspirations and fashion. Charlie Chaplin, Charles Bukowski and Albert Einstein to discuss their life’s work and their philosophy. Now that’s a party

What do you have to do after this conversation ?

A few emails and go to bed with my beautiful wife

What would you like to be doing after this conversation ?

Night diving in The Maldives

What piece of clothing would you relegate to Room 101 ?

Boot cut jeans for men

Our picks of the Bolongaro Trevor Autumn 15 collection 

Sam Phillips is a busy man with a career which can only be described as on the up, not only currently starring in the latest adaptation of Thomas Hardy’s Classic ‘From from the Madding Crowd’ with somebody called Michael Sheen and some girl called Carey Mulligan. But is also to be seen in the third season of the BBC’s hugely popular drama The Syndicate. The all new season is written by BAFTA winning writer Kay Mellor and will see Sam play the role of ‘Spencer’, stepson of ‘Lord Hazelwood’ (Anthony Andrews) and self-righteous heir to the once impressive, now debt ridden Hazelwood Manor. Phillips’ past work has included a heady mix of Stage, Screen and TV work from ‘Inherit the Wind’ with Kevin Spacey at the Old Vic to contemporary tale ‘Late Night Shopping‘ with Sienna Guillory to the Cult BBC3 drama ‘In the Flesh‘. Inbetween all this running around Sam managed to find the time to squeeze in a couple of questions from Clothes-Make-the-Man 

What would be the name of your autobiography ?

I’ll Start Again On Monday

What’s your Favourite movie ever ?

Dead Man’s Shoes

If you could give your teenage self advice, what would it be ?

Stop being so lazy!

What track would always get you on the dance floor ?

‘I Want You Back’ by Jackson 5

Best present you’ve ever received ?

My Fender acoustic guitar on my 13th birthday.

Who’s the most famous person’s number in your phone ?

Kevin Spacey. We worked together at the Old Vic.

Favourite hotel in the world ?

The Banyan Tree in Bintan, Indonesia.

What is you most memorable moment ?

Getting a standing ovation when I was doing my first job in town. Can’t beat that feeling!

How do spent your free time ?

Eating out, going to the gym and watching films.

What piece of clothing best describes you ? 

A pair of distressed jeans- sturdy, practical and a bit rough around the edges.

If you could give £1,000,000 to someone who would it be ? 

www.arts-emergency.org. The arts need it right now.

Who would be your ideal diner guest ?

Jimmy Hendrix. I’d suggest we eat our food quickly so he could give me a guitar lesson and share his stories!

What piece of style advise do you live by ?

Never mismatch your socks.

 What piece of clothing should everyman have in his wardrobe ?

 A good pair of brogues.

Can you tie a bow tie ? If yes, who taught you ?

Yes. I was taught by a wardrobe mistress for a play I was in.

Who is your style icon ? 

Tom Ford. He makes a fine suit.

If you could only wear one brand for the rest of your life who would it be ? 

Acne. I love their Scandie style.

Sam is appearing in Far From the Madding Crowd in cinemas now and BBC’s The Syndicate 3 in June

Leading Image by Ben Johnson

Image From Far from the Madding Crowd by Alex Bailey

As Sergeant Doggett in Far from the Madding Crowd