The Drake's Revue: Jian DeLeon

Welcome to the Drake’s Revue, where we ask some of our favourite people about some of their favourite things. The art, music, food, objects and philosophies that matter the most to them. 

A New York menswear mainstay and the Fashion/Editorial Director at Nordstrom, our friend Jian DeLeon talks us through a special gift from Virgil Abloh, his favourite New York neighbourhoods, style rules to learn and then break, and where he’s going for dinner.         

1.) The non-clothing item that I couldn't be without...

A notecard sent to me by Virgil Abloh that says, "There's nothing more precious than time..."

2.) The last great piece of art that I saw...

A vintage rug embroidered with the GORE-TEX logo by artist Matthew Burgess. It was a commission for an exhibition by archivists Brian Procell and Jessica Gonsalves, dedicated to performance material. 

3.) My New York neighbourhoods... 

It's so hard to pick just one, but my weekends usually consist of a loop around Chinatown, Soho, and the LES. I have my routine down where I'll bike over, get a coffee, walk to a few shops, get dim sum, and then hopefully hit a few galleries or exhibits.

4.) My current favourite restaurant... 

Definitely Dr. Clark. They opened during the pandemic and I went there for my birthday in 2020. I haven't stopped going since.

5.) One piece of classic design... 

The Hermés Sellier Ashtray. The juxtaposition of luxury and a vice is always something I admired, although these days it's more of a key tray.

6.) My favourite lesser known New York gallery... 

I love the work that Whaam! is doing. They recently featured the work of Leon Xu, a young artist whose work is something I really vibe with.

7.) What I'm wearing from Drake’s...

The five-pocket selvedge trousers have become a go-to, especially in the ecru corduroy. It hits a balance between something casually elegant, but rugged in the right way. I don't like clothes that feel particularly precious, and these feel like a garment that you don't have to think too much about.

8.) My number one style rule...

Learn them all, then forget whatever you want.

9.) If my apartment was burning down, the one thing I'd save would be...

I once had a nightmare where my house was on fire and I cushioned my fall by throwing all of my coats out the window first.

10.) My drink of choice...

I've become a fan of the Japanese Highball again, but it has to be made right.