Style Talk with Alexandre Vinualez: Staying cool in the summer, jungle jackets & vintage watches

When the heat rolls in and the jackets come off, some men surrender their style to the sun. Not this one. For him, summer isn’t an excuse to get sloppy, it’s an invitation to get sharper. His go-to look? Flare denim paired with a western belt, black loafers, a crisp shirt, and a double-breasted jacket. Sunglasses, of course, are non-negotiable. “There’s no reason to let the heat defeat your silhouette,” he says.

Fabric matters more than ever in the summer, and for that, he reaches for lightweight, breathable, and timeless, a choice rooted not just in comfort but character. New is fine, but old is better if it’s got the right soul, he adds, often opting for vintage pieces over contemporary labels. His name is Alexandre Vinualez, a Budapest-based modern gentleman and a motorcycle rider. We caught up with him for a quick summer #StyleTalk. Here's what we found out.

You like to wear jungle jackets. Do you have a favorite one and where would you recommend buying one?

Alexandre Vinualez: I recommend going vintage, always. It’s the piece I wear the most during the year; I always travel with it. If you can’t find vintage, go to Informale. But really, the hunt is half the pleasure.

We know that the jungle jacket has long transcended its military origins to become a staple in modern menswear, prized for its versatility, structure and coolness. With its multiple pockets, lightweight construction and utilitarian silhouette, it's the kind of piece that works across seasons and settings, layered over a shirt in summer or under a coat in winter. Whether styled with denim, chinos or even dress trousers, the jungle jacket offers a timeless way to introduce functionality without sacrificing style.

For bike rides, Alexandre strikes a balance between style and comfort, believing you can’t have one without the other. His go-to gear is G4 Dimension, functional enough to move freely, but sharp enough to avoid looking like you’ve given up. “If you don’t feel good, you can’t have style,” he says, proving that even on two wheels, elegance matters.

Favorite brand of sunglasses to wear around the city or on your bike?

Alexandre Vinualez: I'll have to say Jacques Marie Mage. Only and always. There’s no substitute. They have the right weight, the right attitude. You put them on, and you’re ready for anything. 

When it comes to staying stylish in sweltering temperatures, Alexandre approaches the challenge with his signature mix of wit and precision. His first piece of advice? “The best trick is not to move,” he jokes, before admitting that staying hydrated, preferably with a cold Negroni and relying on air-conditioned transportation are his go-to survival methods during peak heat. But beneath the humor lies a serious philosophy: summer style is about intention, not surrender. For Vinualez, maintaining elegance when the temperature soars starts with smart fabric choices; lightweight, breathable materials like fresco that allow the body to breathe without compromising structure. Equally important is preserving the silhouette; just because it’s hot doesn’t mean one should default to shapeless or sloppy. “Don't let the heat make you lazy,” he warns. Whether it's flare denim or a tailored jacket, Alexandre believes summer is no excuse to sacrifice the elements that define personal style. It's all about adapting without diluting.

You’re escaping to the tropical islands for the week. What are you packing?

“A pair of white chinos, wide to breathe. Jungle jacket, some Hawaiian shirts, my vintage Tudor Oyster Prince, and, of course, an external battery for my phone. Style is important, but so is being able to find your way back from the beach.” - Alexandre Vinualez

What summer style rule do you love to break?

Alexandre Vinualez: Boots in summer. Why not? If you love them, wear them. Rules are for people who don’t know what they want.

We asked also Alexandre which timepieces does he trust to complete his look, and he answered that currently, he's into vintage, especially Cartier and Piaget. Tank or ellipse shape. There’s something about the geometry, the history. A watch should be a memory on your wrist, not just a machine, he says.

Do you have a favorite summer shoe brand or style of shoe you love wearing? Why?

Alexandre Vinualez: Loafers. Currently in love with Septieme Largeur, Max Sauveur, and of course JM Weston. They’re easy, elegant, and you can slip them off when you find yourself on the grass or the sand.

Do you have a favorite local tailor in Budapest you’d recommend?

“Milan Kelecsenyi, without a doubt. He can make your wish come true. If you have a dream, he’ll find the fabric.” - Alexandre Vinualez

When talking about fragrances, Alexandre doesn't subscribe to the idea of a single, year-round signature scent. For him, fragrance, much like clothing is a response to the season, the atmosphere, and the feeling in the air. In the warmer months, he reaches for Bleu de Chanel, a fresh and refined scent that complements summer’s brightness. Come winter, he switches to Tonka 25, a deeper, moodier fragrance better suited to the colder, darker months. “The scent should match the air, the mood,” he says. Just as life shifts from one season to the next, so too should the details that define our presence.

Style regret: what did you wear in the past that now makes you cringe?

Alexandre Vinualez: Honestly, I don’t regret anything. It’s all part of the journey. Of course, some pieces I would not wear anymore, but it matched at the time. You have to own your past, even the mistakes. 

Your everyday essentials. What three things do you never leave the house without?

Alexandre Vinualez: Watch, rings (wedding and an old Panama coin turned into a ring), flare denim, and jungle jacket. That’s four, but I never said I was good at math.

Pictures: Alexandre Vinualez, Matilda Pessala