When you think of tech industry fashion, the first image that comes to mind is often a hoodie, jeans, and flip-flops - a look that screams simplicity, sometimes to the point of being too basic. It’s as if fashion and creativity have no place in the world of tech, where efficiency and coding reign supreme. One could even wonder if these tech giants spent less time grooming, they’d get more done...
But Kevin Systrom, the CEO and co-founder of Instagram, is out to break that stereotype. “I think I might be the only guy in Silicon Valley who likes to wear suits and ties,” Kevin laughs.
The innovators at companies like Tesla, Facebook, and Google all care deeply about design, striving to create products that are not only functional but also beautiful. Kevin Systrom has adopted a similar philosophy when it comes to personal style: why not make ourselves look as good as the products we create? At just 31 years old, he’s sparking a mini "rebellion" in Silicon Valley, a place where numbers and lines of code often take precedence over appearances.
Systrom admits that he feels more himself in a suit than in casual clothes, and he loves pairing his suits with sneakers, creating a stylish, modern take on traditional elegance. Over the years, he’s crossed paths with fashion icons like Karl Lagerfeld, Nicolas Ghesquière, and Anna Wintour, the latter even giving him tips on how to dress for formal events.
Systrom has become an unlikely bridge between the digital world of tech and the glamorous fashion industry. Here’s a look at his personal style:
The Soft Touch of Style
I prefer blazers without shoulder padding. They resemble regular jackets but still carry a certain level of sophistication and elegance.
Kevin Systrom's signature items: Brioni suit, Hamilton shirt, John Smedley sweater, Charvet knitted tie, and Lanvin sneakers.
Fully Buttoned Up
I’m a stickler for keeping all the buttons on my shirts done up, maintaining a neat and elegant look. I’m a fan of Hamilton’s tailored shirts - they offer a range of fabrics to choose from, and I love having that flexibility.
Denim Done Right
My job doesn’t exactly allow me to embrace trendy denim like distressed or light-washed jeans. If I wear jeans to work, they’ll be dark and sleek.
Favorite Shopping Spots
Two places always inspire my shopping: browsing Mr Porter online and hitting Wilkes Bashford in San Francisco for the full in-person experience.
Sneakers Obsessed
I’m a sneaker enthusiast, especially when it comes to Lanvin. I’ve got large feet, and Lanvin sneakers fit me perfectly. Honestly, it’s rare for me not to be wearing a pair of their shoes.
With Fashion Icon Diane von Furstenberg
Ditching the Razor
Instead of shaving every morning, I use scissors to trim my beard, which has definitely changed my grooming routine. My beard isn’t looking too bad, right?
Sources of Inspiration
I follow quite a few Instagram accounts for style inspiration. One of my favorites is @thedressedchest. It offers daily looks that perfectly mix blazers, ties, shirts, and accessories. It’s a great place for outfit ideas.
Special Touches
I steer clear of basic silk ties. My wardrobe is packed with colorful knitted wool ties that add a little extra flair to my outfits.
Finally, let’s take a quick look at Evan Spiegel, the 25-year-old CEO of Snapchat. Could there be a new wave of fashion-conscious tech leaders on the horizon?
Evan Spiegel with girlfriend Miranda Kerr
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