You’ve seen them in all the best restaurants, looking dapper and supplying you with knowledge and fantasies about the bottle of wine you are about to intake. Check out the most pulled-togeher somms in this contest sponsored by GQ Magazine for best dressed sommelier.
Penfolds, Australia’s leading winemaker, and GQ Magazine, teamed up to discover the USA’s “Best Dressed Somm” at an elegant party in NYC’s West Village. HOBNOB was on the scene, and took advantage of all the well-dressed men in the crowd to create this month’s fashion inspiration. Finalists were chosen from over 100 sommeliers and were evaluated on the ability to curate a look that exudes “effortless style.”
The finalists: Nico Snyman from Joel Robuchon at the Mansion in Las Vegas, Matt Bostick from Osteria Mozza in Los Angeles, Elphin Murren from Kingside Restaurant in New York City, and the sole female on the scene, Taylor Grant from Scopa Italian Roots in Los Angeles.
The winner: Chef Sommelier Kyle Ridington from Piora Restaurant in New York City. He wore cropped, tailored trousers and a fitted blazer finished with a green scarf. Ridington will be featured in an upcoming issue of GQ, and will receive a private styling session with GQ’s Brett Fahlgren.
Of course, the wine was flowing as well, and Penfolds did deliver their best. They also offered a history of the brand and well as a cool interactive feature involving flashlight and fun facts.
The judges included GQ’s Executive Stylist Brett Fahlgren, “We especially loved Kyle because of his confidence in pulling off a completely original look.” Fashion designer Rachel Roy was on hand, as well as Marcus Samuelson, who arrived in his unique style of leopard pants, hat, and printed scarf.
See more photos at #BestDressedSomm
