Men of Style: Eric Underwood on Formula E, elegance and great suiting

The dancer answers our quick fire questions during a Clements and Church photo shoot

American dancer Eric Underwood is the toast of both the ballet and fashion worlds. Until recently he was a soloist with the Royal Ballet, where he performed in works including Manon, Faust and Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, but David Bailey has also photographed him in the nude, and he’s been shot alongside Kate Moss for Italian Vogue. A portrait of Underwood shot by Rick Guest also hangs in London’s National Portrait Gallery.

After growing up in the projects in Washington DC, Eric scaled the heights of his profession by way of New York, Paris and Milan. He’s even shared the stage with Beyoncé and most recently starred in the film adaptation of Cats. Here he models a bespoke suit by Clements and Church and tells us about a few more of his favourite things…

eric underwood

When travelling, what do you always pack?, A casual suit

Two- or three-piece?, Two-piece

Double or single breasted?, Double breasted

Oxfords or monkstraps?, Monkstraps

Best car you’ve ever driven?, A Formula E racing car (supervised of course)

What would you call your yacht?, Scotty

Who is your biggest inspiration?, My biggest inspiration is my mum

eric underwood
eric underwood

What is your favourite film?, American Psycho

Last track you played on Spotify?, International Lover by Prince

What is the last book you read?, Dancing On My Grave – the autobiography of Gelsey Kirkland

Surfing or skiing?, Skiing

Favourite city?, Rome

What do you order at a bar?, French 75

Who would play in a film?, I’d play myself

What food could you not give up?, Cheeseburgers

eric underwood
eric underwood
eric underwood

Favourite wine?, Vermentino

Where would you retire?, Devon

What quote to you live by?, “Patience is overrated and life is short, figure it out”

What does true men’s style mean to you?, Timeless elegance

Talking Shantaram, seafood and surfing with Toby Huntington-Whiteley…

Join the Gentleman’s Journal Clubhouse here.

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more

Further reading