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OMEGA: MY CHOICE - SERGIO GUARDÌ
With a unique sense of style and passion for past moments in history, Sergio Guardì's love affair with Omega is deeply rooted into his cultural psyche...
Spearheaded by Sergio and his brother Sebastiano, Barbanera is one of the most popular men’s brands around today, and for good reason, too. In 2011 it announced itself on the world stage with a succinct collection of shoes in a range of interesting styles that the market was crying out for. Since then, it has evolved into a complete lifestyle brand that's inspired by the brothers' passion for Western imagery, rock ’n' roll music and a nonchalant and bohemian attitude towards life and sartorial menswear. With such reverence given to the past, it’s no surprise that Sergio has always been an Omega fan...
What’s your Omega story?
My Omega story started a long time ago. I was a teenager and had two super-cool older cousins. They were born in the 60’s so they were into '60s and '70s style. One used to be a bass player and he was also one of the first Italian Harley Davidson bike owners. My other cousin was really passionate about muscle cars and old-school American stuff like '50s vintage jukeboxes, pinball machines and furniture. Both had a great passion for watches, though, and I remember them explaining to me about the story of the first watch that landed on the moon. That story was obviously amazing to a teenager. That was the first time I started to look at my father’s watch with another attitude because my father owned an Omega. I was very young and had never even really considered it before then.
What’s special about your watch to you?
My Omega Speedmaster is from 1970. It was owned by father, so it’s very, very special. And actually, sooner or later I have to give it to my brother for a bit! I have this memory about it: my father tapping on the glass of the watch, meaning I came back home too late for a lunch or dinner, I can't recall which. My father was a very open-minded guy but, being Sicilian, was also very conservative about some things. If I was late, well, he used to make me know about it!
How would you describe your personal sense of style?
I think it has to do with freedom and confidence, and, most importantly, culture. Freedom, because I like to mix different elements from different backgrounds, but with a reason. Style is connected with being confident in what you are wearing and in what you do. And this confidence doesn’t come from “being cool”. It comes from knowing what you are wearing, from having a culture about that. I always say that style is not about what you own, but about what you know.
What item of clothing holds the most sentimental value to you?
There are lots of items important to me. One thing very sentimental to me is an old bandana I have. My mother used to put it on her head like a headband when she was pregnant with me.
What’s your favourite western movie?
Good question. Very hard to pick one. You know, I really literally love western culture! But, everything started with Sergio Leone. And again it’s connected with my father. I remember when I was very young, it was me, my dad and my brother on the sofa, watching The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, with my father putting some whiskey on his thumb and asking me and my brother if we wanted to taste it. And my mother yelling at him! That movie is just perfect. Actors, the story, the costumes, the music. Everything is just perfect. I think it is also one of the greatest movies of all time.
If you could ask Buzz Aldrin one thing, what would it be?
It would be “How does it feel, Buzz? How does it feel to be without a home with no direction home? Like a complete unknown? Like a rolling stone.”
What boots do you wear for a moon landing?
Are you kidding me? Cowboy boots. Let’s ride on the moon baby, yee haw!
If you had one superpower what would it be?
Well, I wish I could fly. Everybody dreams about it. Freedom and anything else, ok ok… But in the last few years I started to be a bit afraid of the plane. If I could fly... fewer problems!
What should a rakish man never be without?
His sense of humour, a woman to be in love with and humility, because the only true beauty is the one you are unaware of.
What does The Rake mean to you?
Values, culture, true passion, and friends.
