/ Rake Style / June 2016

Design Statement: Broosk Saib

Broosk Saib, interior designer and exquisite dresser, talks The Rake through his most beloved trinkets, his loyalty to Rubinacci and his penchant for rich colour and texture.

Date June 2016
Author Aleksandar Cvetkovic

What can one say about a man of the caliber of Broosk Saib. A high-profile interior designer, exquisite dresser, culture-vulture and all round good sport, his design work feels very much like an extension of himself (taking account of the requirements and tastes of his clients of course), retaining a regal, distinguished quality, rich in colour and yet restrained. Like his designs, his manner is charmingly refined and almost impossibly elegant – yet he channels a sense of natural and thoroughly hospitable warm-heartedness at all times. Certainly, should you be lucky enough to make his acquaintance and be invited into his London riverside pad, you’ll be greeted with a warmth and sincerity that is quite charming, as well as a damn good espresso and a privileged glimpse into a wardrobe that is enough to turn even the most contented aesthete green with envy. An opportunity not to be missed then for The Rake’s latest Pocket Guide.

Broosk’s bracelets reflect his love for colour more than anything else, “They don’t really represent anything” he explains, “I wear them in the summer because they get me thinking about holidays. I am not superstitious so I tend not wear jewellery because it signifies anything in particular.”

Broosk is a loyal Rubinacci customer and thoroughly enjoys working with the house’s patriarch Mariano. This jacket is one of many seersucker coats he owns – he admires the texture – and its Neapolitan construction. “I admire Rubinacci’s relaxed look, I like the way it reflects the natural shape of your shoulder, rather than building you up like a soldier in uniform.” Note also the black grosgrain lapel piping, which enables it to be worn as a smoking or dinner jacket.

Naturally, as a designer, Broosk takes his eyewear seriously. “My glasses are from Alain Mikli by Philippe Starck, who I admire for his ingenuity.”

Broosk’s yellow and rose gold antique pocket watches were his father’s. “They were very much used as watches rather than for show. I remember them coming in and out of his pockets on a daily basis.” Impressively, both have been in Broosk’s possession for some thirty years, and are still keeping time perfectly with the minimum of maintenance.

Many a rare and precious timepiece makes up Broosk's carefully curated collection.

“I love the comfort and quirkiness of velvet slippers,” says Broosk, “nowadays they can work with a pair of jeans and a jacket during the day, or a chic evening outfit at night – better that than just wearing them at home with a smoking jacket.”

Like all the best individuals, Broosk leaves his collection of back issues on the kitchen counter – which is composed of a particularly rare type of polished marble by the way.

These shoes are a favourite of Broosk’s – a much-loved pair of made-to-order Crockett & Jones spectators in chestnut calf and off-white buckskin. “They’re a bugger to keep clean,” he says, “but they look great and I get compliments every time I wear them.”

Where does Broosk’s love of design come from? “It comes from my childhood” he says, “when my mother used to drag me around with her to furniture and fabric shops.” As with his wardrobe, Broosk’s approach to interior design also draws on an uncompromising approach to quality, and depends upon the sourcing of superior materials.

This Swaine Adeney Brigg bag is a real heirloom, and has aged beautifully over the years. “I can’t remember how far back it goes, but my father ordered it for me back in the late 80s” explains Broosk, “I use it as my weekend bag when I’m holidaying within the UK – if you’re travelling abroad you need something with wheels!”

Design Statement: Broosk Saib

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