Father's Day Special

This Father's Day, we sat down with Sjef, a stylish grandpa with a knack for bold fashion. From rocking leather jackets in the 70s to blending classic and modern looks today, he shared his journey as a dad and grandpa, reflecting on his rebellious youth and his boldest fashion choices. Join us as we get invited by a man who defines cool and classic fatherhood.

Please tell us something about yourself.
My name is Sjef Roymans, and I'm the father of two sons and the grandfather of four girls, with a fifth grandchild on the way.

What style hack would you pass on to the next generations?
I remember my first girlfriend in high school sewing all sorts of things onto her jeans and a friend and I once made two vests with a tailor. Creating and customizing your own clothes or combining pieces with accessories is a style hack I swear by. It makes your look unique and adds emotional value to the items.

Time for the truth—what was your most rebellious act in your youth?
When I started studying, I quickly got involved in the squatting movement in Amsterdam and Utrecht. It was a wild and rebellious time... and that's when I learned to knit! (Haha, quite the rebellious act!)

Comfort or style, which do you choose?
My first reaction is comfort because I always want to stay warm—lots of wool and good materials. But style is important too. Dress for the occasion. Hats, caps, and vests can be fun to combine with comfort.

What is your boldest fashion statement?
When I applied for a job at a publishing company, I visited a CEO in Sweden for an interview, wearing white pants, a white shirt, a black jacket, a red overcoat with cobalt blue lining and an Indian tie, made by my wife. The outfit was a bit out of place, even though the interview went well, I definitely missed the dress code on that one, haha!

What is the wildest fashion trend that you secretly hope will come back?
The 1930s: old films, wide pleated trousers made of beautiful materials, vests, jackets of fine tweed fabrics, and caps. I'd love to see that style on the streets again.

What fashion item from the past holds the most value to you?
The leather jacket I wear in some of my photos once belonged to my grandfather. It was an original pilot's jacket from an American pilot in World War II. I was very attached to it and took great care of it. I had it for at least 15 years and had it repaired endlessly, a great jacket is still my favorite piece of clothing.

Lastly, what unconventional advice would you give your younger self?
Gain as much life experience as possible. You never know what life will bring, so my advice would be to embrace it all.