Photography by Luke Alland
Those that have followed our journey, be it on here or via social media, will be no stranger to Angel Ramos. Quite possibly one of the best-dressed men to set foot in New York, Angel is a connoisseur of the fine things—tailoring, jewellery, and of course, cigars. We caught up with him to talk life, shop and smokes in the Big Apple.
EGM Cigars: How did you start your career?
Angel Ramos: It was back in 2010 after being a luxury real estate broker with Sotheby’s International Realty for six years. In that period of working in real estate I fell in love with tailoring and menswear. To be quite honest, I attempted to exit the industry several times and in several cities applying for jobs at major name design houses (I'll leave it at that, ha) only to not be hired due to lack of experience. So in 2010, after being awarded “America’s Best Dressed Real Man” by Esquire Magazine, I took a leap of faith and decided to start my own business, knowing absolutely nothing about any of it. It was then called Angel Bespoke.
EGM: What drew you into menswear?
AR: The OG of menswear blogs, The Sartorialist, back in the early 2000s. Scott [Schuman] was able to not only take us through New York and see the street style but with his international travels, he helped me learn that dressing was more of a conveyance of your personality than a uniform for work.
EGM: What's the tailoring scene like in New York?
AR: It remains an emblem of sartorial elegance amidst the ever-evolving landscape of fashion. In Manhattan, one can find bespoke tailoring shops that have been serving clientele for generations, alongside modern ateliers pushing the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. I personally think what we’re building here on Christopher Street in Greenwich Village is truly special, and a solid menswear destination when one travels to New York City.
EGM: Aside from your own, are there any brands that you're particularly excited about?
AR: I’ve always had an admiration for Loro Piana and Ralph Lauren. They both continue to be my first stop to draw inspiration from, especially the brand’s older campaigns from the 1970s, '80s and '90s.
EGM: Where's your favourite city for clothing?
AR: London because of its rich sartorial heritage and unmatched craftsmanship. Every time I visit, I am enamoured by the history tied to the city, the architecture and all it offers.
EGM: Do you have a go-to cigar brand?
AR: I absolutely love Partagas. My favorite stick is the Serie D No. 6, or as I like calling it, “The Dog Walker”. It’s a perfect ring gauge and length for a proper walk around Greenwich Village between fittings.
EGM: What are you smoking right now?
AR: I’m smoking a Plasencia 1865 Alma Fuerte. If I’m not smoking a Cuban, I love smoking a Nicaraguan cigar. This specific stick I love because of its rich and bold blend. Ironically, the hints of leather, cocoa and spice coincides with the fragrance smells I prefer. It’s a great full-body smoke that’s not so crazy on a day of light eating.
EGM: If you could only ever smoke one cigar for the rest of your life, what would it be?
AR: I’ve been lucky enough to smoke a custom Cuban cigar made for Michael Jordan which is a Double Lancero. I’ve acquired at least 100 sticks of them. It’s an epic smoke. I truly love the elegance, strength and draw from this cigar. This would easily be my pick if I had only one cigar to smoke for the rest of my life.
EGM: What's your favourite watch you currently own and why?
AR: It's a hodgepodge “Gold Presidential” watch my father (who was a jeweller for forty-five years) built with different Rolex pieces he was given by other jewellers because he couldn’t afford the actual Gold Presidential. The bracelet, and latch are proper Rolex, but the actual watch is an off-brand 14k gold watch. It’s such a cool watch, plus I love the story behind it.
EGM: What's something always worth paying for?
AR: Quality.
EGM: What's the last thing you did for the first time?
AR: Hopped on a “non-electric” Citi Bike in black tie for a 3.5-mile ride from Meat Packing to Wall Street thinking it would be easy and cool, only to find out it was a silly mistake as I arrived to dinner sweating profusely.
EGM: Last film you watched?
AR: Paddington with the kids!
EGM: Last book you read?
AR: Good to Great by James C. Collins.
EGM: What are your rules to live by?
AR: Love relentlessly.
