How to Shop for a Hip Guy This Holiday

By Stephen Watson
December 17, 2010

As the men’s fashion designer and contemporary buyer for Nordstrom, Jorge Valls is at the right place at the right time. Not only does he work for one of the country's most influential retailers, but he also resides in the company's hometown of Seattle, WA, an under the radar but nevertheless important city in American fashion, especially right now. Lately, some of the biggest fashion trends in menswear have originated from the Pacific Northwest, with hunting, camping and other outdoor sports from the region inspiring fashion at all ends of the spectrum. Historically, of course, it was Seattle's music scene that set the stage for the grunge look of the '90s. Though that isn’t to say Nordstrom doesn’t cater to the worldly fashion crowd; international designer collections, including Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Lanvin, Paul Smith, Dries Van Noten, and the red hot Givenchy collection all have ample space on the retailer's shelves.

Jorge Valls was born in in the United States, but raised internationally; at one point or another, Lisbon, Mexico City, Brussels, Madrid and Paris have all been considered home. Though he's now settled in the Eastlake neighborhood of Seattle, these international experiences nevertheless shape his sense of style.

The Inside Source: You cover the menswear designer collections in the U.S. and Europe for Nordstrom. How do you interpret these fashion trends for your customer?

Jorge Valls: Not all trends work for everyone, so it's my job to edit what I see on the runways and in the showrooms down to what will work best for the Nordstrom customer.

The Inside Source: You are based in the Pacific Northwest, far away from the fashion runways of New York, Milan, and Paris. Do you think living in Seattle influences your taste/aesthetic?

Jorge Valls: Most definitely. It's easy to fall in love with cozy plaids and heavy boots when you have to trudge through puddles on the way to work. I often find myself drawn to a rugged aesthetic and functional pieces are always some of my favorites.

Rag & Bone; D&G

Rag & Bone (Photo by Karl Prouse/Catwalking/Getty Images); D&G (Photo by Chris Moore/Catwalking/Getty Images)

The Inside Source: What are some of your favorite things about living in Seattle? Any cool new travel tips for a Seattle visitor?

Jorge Valls: Seattle is an incredibly beautiful city to live and play in. We have mountains, lakes and ocean all easily accessible and in close proximity to the city. We have a great cultural life and amazing restaurants. I would recommend Cascina Spinasse to any foodie in the world. The pasta with butter and sage is one of my favorite dishes in the world!

The Inside Source: Do you have any favorite menswear fashion icons?

Jorge Valls: Of course classic style icons like Steve McQueen and Cary Grant, but modern men like Stefano Pilati and Milan Vukmirovic are inspirational to me as well.

The Inside Source: Have you seen any interesting fashion trends lately that you think will catch on in a bigger, more mass way?

Jorge Valls: Military influences are everywhere and are so easy for every guy to understand and relate to. I think camo, khaki, epaulettes, really anything military will be around in a big way for some time.

Military

Roll over items for details

MILITARY: Polo Ralph Lauren Men Army Shirt

(buy it now price, $84)

MILITARY: Vietnam Slant Pocket Shirt

(buy it now $69.95)

The Great Outdoors

The Great Outdoors: Filson Wool Packer Coat

(buy it now price, $359.50)

The Great Outdoors: Pendleton Wool Jacket

(buy it now price, $59)

Prep - Classic Americana

Prep - Classic Americana: Nantucket Reds Collection Pants

(current bid, $32.99)

Prep - Classic Americana: Vtg Brooks Brothers Oxford Shirt

(buy it now price, $34.99)

The Inside Source: How is attending a fashion presentation different from viewing it online?

Jorge Valls: The availability of fashion online is amazing. Everyone can see fashion shows and watch trends emerge at the same time all over the world. However, seeing a show live and in person, one gets a better sense of the designer’s vision—you're able to get the full context. The staging, the music even the seating offer insight into how the clothes will make you feel and what they express.

The Inside Source: Your job takes you constantly traveling around the globe and you have terrific personal style. Do you have a favorite uniform that takes you to all the different places you go?

Jorge Valls: I always pack jeans, big chunky Church’s shoes, lightweight henley’s and blazers. Easy and comfortable pieces that travel well but remain stylish. Clean and simple is always chic.

The Inside Source: How do you normally celebrate the holidays? Anything special planned for this year?

Jorge Valls: Working in retail makes it hard to spend time with the family during the holidays, especially since mine lives across the country. I usually spend it with my adopted family of friends and coworkers in Seattle and then plan a trip after the holidays to see the family in Miami.

The Inside Source: What's your best eBay find ever?

Jorge Valls: My friend Molly is a compulsive e-Bayer, which has benefited me tremendously. She recently gave me a vintage orange down vest with a blue chevron stripe for my birthday! An awesome eBay find.