Bballe: The last time I saw you we discussed wearing wristwatches outside of your clothing. Let’s talk about the watch over the shirt phenomenon. What is that all about, where did it come from, what are its origins, as you know best?
Natty Banker: The watch over the shirt thing is interesting and very Italian! I think it can be done under the right circumstances, i.e. if the watch is substantial enough in scale, and if the person has the right other accessories going on too. It would be good to do this with a sportscoat, some nice loafers, and tailored jeans. Without all of the proper accoutrements The Watch Over Shirt Thing runs the risk of just being cheesy.

Bballe: Is it passe? Or was it ever even a trend?
Natty: I wouldn’t call it a trend really. It’s more a specialized, advanced, and interesting thing to do. But certainly not dominant or necessary! Also the occasion matters. I think it’s best saved for going out to dinner or having cocktails, as opposed to when attending a graduation, for instance, or just going to work.

Bballe: Are there certain types of men — I’m assuming here that it’s a male thing — that wear their watches this way?
Natty: It would be funny if this were a female thing. To be honest I think I might be the only American I know who does the The Watch Over Shirt Thing — and even I am only an occasional doer of it. I want to find some shirts which are supposed to have specific features for doing this. Sometimes this “technique” serves a dual purpose — helping a shirt that’s too long in the sleeves fit better!
Bballe: So if you’re the only person you know who does it, what does that mean?
A: I am on the margin.

Bballe: How have people reacted when they see it?
A: My friends usually expect me to be doing different stuff or will usually say, “I guess that’s the trend now!”

Bballe: How nice of a watch do you have to have to pull it off?
A: My first choice is a Panerai, any of them will do. The Velcro straps are rad, it’s awesome to mix the high and the low — an 80s Velcro strap with a big hunk of luxurious metal. Second choice would be one of the bigger IWC watches.
Bballe: What about doing it with like a vintage Swatch, or Casio calculator watch? Would that be ghastly or hip?
A: I think you could do it with a Swatch, if the Swatch looked 80s enough. The Casio calculator watch is funny. I get all moist when I see the full gold casio calculator watch. It’s cool in the same way that Napoleon Dynamite’s eyeglasses are cool, you know, the new geek chic! The risk here is that again if you don’t have the other right stuff going on, the effect could be all geek and no chic.

Bballe: Quick — name five of your favorite trends for this Spring/Summer.
Natty:
1. Super slim tapered jeans — say farewell to embroidery and distressed denim
2. White colored stuff (Hello Delano!)
3. Goyard or Louis Vuitton Carryall (this bag actually has structure and works unlike the keepall)
4. Sugar Free Jelly Bellys (but too many will cause too much of a laxative effect)
5. Ordering stuff from yoox.com — especially Prada Sport / Helmut Lang

Bballe: Thank you. We hope to hear more about obscure and bleeding edge trends from you.
Natty: My pleasure.