Today we speak to restauranteur, consultant and paraglider, Steve Laycock about his career and personal style:
I landed in New York City four years ago after living in Europe and South America post-college. While most of my time abroad was spent surfing and rock climbing, to pay the bills I found myself translating documents for the Spanish government while in Madrid and exporting Peruvian sea food in South America.
When I landed in New York City, I got a job bartending at 169 Bar in Chinatown, and the rest of my career has stemmed from there. At 169, I met John Rexer, the owner of Ilegal Mezcal, and later became a brand ambassador for him. I landed another bartending gig at the ping pong club, Spin New York, where I met chef Will Horowitz. Will and I partnered to open Ducks Eatery in the East Village. I realized I had found my calling representing brands and opening restaurants.
More recently, I partnered with a paragliding buddy of mine, Josh Mazza, to open The Gilroy oTn the Upper East Side and became a brand ambassador for another liquor label, Spring 44 out of Colorado. Josh and I are continuing our partnership as consultants for restaurants and bars around New York. My work allows me to push myself creatively, coming up with new themes and cocktails, while feeling like I’m having a great time with my friends. I feel like my style is a reflection of that.
I tend to keep my style simple. I often focus on durability in my choices because of my time as a rock climber, which also helps behind the bar. I try to keep a small amount of high quality pieces. Most days I wear my favorite Scotch and Soda jeans and a James Perse t-shirt. When I’m commuting on my Harley I wear my Scottish Aero Leather jacket. When it comes to dress shirts, I have a selection of custom ones from the Sock Hop on Mott street. I pick a fabric, they take my size and make me a great shirt. I also have a few from Robert James that I love.
If I need to dress it up for an industry event, I have a few suits from Theory that I can dress up or down depending on the formality. I don’t pay too much attention to the brand on my daily T’s, shorts or shoes –as long as they are really comfortable and fit well. I do have a few favorite accessories, namely a Shinola watch, a Kika NY leather bracelet, and a Lotuff Leather backpack that you can find me wearing most days. You can’t go wrong with well made, classic pieces.
Jeans: Scotch & Soda
Shirts: Sock Hop and Robert James
Pants: James Perse
Suits: Theory
Shoes: Caterpillar Boots
Accessories: Shinola watch, Kika NY bracelet, all Carrie RR Smith accessories, and (my personal favorite) my Lotuff leather backpack
Outerwear: Aero leather jacket
Your favorite App: OnTheBar
Favorite piece of technology: Canon 7D
Next tech purchase: New Macbook Pro
