Mr. Harold Tillman, 63, has long been regarded as a leading figure of the British fashion world. At the age of three, he was already wearing his first suit. At the age of 19, during the Swinging Sixties, he secured a tailoring internship at Lincroft Kilgour in Savile Row after graduating from London College of Fashion. Five years later he became the manager of Kilgour, and simultaneously discovered and employed a young designer named Paul Smith. Tillman’s know-how for industry resulted in both great success trading on the stock market, as well as significant expansion of his fashion business.

Today he owns the department store Allders and the brands Aquascutum and Jaeger. He is also president of the British Fashion Council and because of his recent achievements in this position he received compliments from the previous Prime Minister’s wife Sarah Brown in February. In 2009 the entrepreneur landed the 201st position on Sunday Times Rich List of the richest men in Britain with an estimated fortune of 295 million pounds.

But perhaps the most outstanding characteristic of Mr. Tillman is his smart elegance. With a respectful collection of bespoke suits in his wardrobe, he is very often the most well-dressed person in the room. Mixing and matching colours, scarves and ties is a true science for him.

Recently I had the chance to met Mr. Tillman in his office in Soho, London, for a conversation.

How would you define a good investment?

A good investment is the one you don’t worry about. It’s difficult to explain, but you can feel it.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?

You have to make clear decisions. Stay focused, be consistent, don’t get depressed and take your time. You don’t get results from one day to the other.

How would you define a gentleman?

You are talking to one!

Yes, indeed!

Gentleman, the word says it all: “gentle” “man”. It is someone who is always calm, civilized and who never shouts or does anything rude. It’s very different from the Dandy of 19th century. Dandies are in extinction. They don’t exist anymore. They were absolutely well dressed – almost exaggerated. To overdress nowadays can be compromising.

More about Mr. Tillman can be found on the June issue of Brazilian Men’s Vogue.

Photo: Hermano Silva © 2010