Vijay Amritraj has titles a plenty: highest-ranked Indian singles tennis player (world number 16 in 1980), Padma Shri, sports commentator, actor (Octopussy, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home), and now president of the Tamil Nadu Tennis Association. Fashion icon is not one of them — that title usually goes to his older brother, Anand. “I was a chance-taker on court and conservative off it, while Anand was the exact opposite,” laughs Vijay. However, the LA-based middle Amritraj brother — who was recently in India for the Road to Wimbledon Under-14 tournament in Delhi — admits to being a brand loyalist, and dressing up based on the watch he is wearing. More from him:
A series that takes you inside the wardrobes of some of India’s best dressed
Your style?
I grew up thinking I was James Bond, though I looked anything but that. For over a decade, Whitcomb & Shaftesbury on Savile Row have been tailoring all my clothing — from jackets and linens to my sherwanis. It’s a very Sean Connery-Roger Moore aesthetic.
Oyster Perpetual GMT-Master II
Much is said about your watches.
I’ve been married to Rolex four years longer than to my wife! I won my first watch, a President Rolex with a chocolate dial, at the Newport Hall of Fame Tournament in 1976. It is still my prized possession.
What’s in your collection?
The latest is a blue dial steel and platinum Sky-Dweller. It’s almost impossible to get, and everywhere I’ve been with it, people have asked to buy it off my wrist. I wore the rose gold Sky-Dweller to the Governor’s Academy Awards celebrations. The Daytona chronograph with the leather strap and rose gold clip is also something people have tried to take off my wrist.
What do you experiment with?
My ties and pocket squares — I use them to tone down a bright jacket or liven up a navy suit. I buy them from Hawes & Curtis in London. I also have the most exquisite Wimbledon ties.
How about jewellery?
I own the presidential cufflinks from George Bush, the 41st president, who was a good friend. I wear a chain with a diamond cross which my mother gave me, and three rings — for my wife, dad and mum.
www.hdnicewallpapers.com
Favourite accessories?
I do wear cuff links, but one of my signatures is the Indian Flag lapel pin that I wear wherever I go. And the accessory that goes best with my suits and my Rolexes has to be my car, a silver Aston Martin DB11.
Picky about shoes?
I am about 6’ 4” and I have pretty large feet (a UK 12). So I go Italian for footwear and really love my Salvatore Ferragamos.
Fashion on the courts.
I prefer the men’s attire from my era. Now I can’t decide if the tennis shorts players wear are long shorts or short longs. I think the women’s attire is much better.
Your attire while playing?
I play with a Wilson racket and I use FILA clothing. At the moment, I’m wearing a yellow tee with yellow shorts and a yellow hat. I never thought I’d see myself wearing something like this.
Travel style?
My airport style is very casual, mostly a FILA tracksuit and shoes. I also usually carry a pretty heavy carry-on, with my Rolex passport wallet, a spare suit or clothing, gadgets and the like.
What about luggage?
I take over 100 flights a year, so my bags have to be recognised right off at the baggage claim. I carry FILA and red-and-black Wilson soft tops.
Eyewear?
I’m a Rolex fan, so you will find the brand’s sunglasses with me.
You are an oenophile.
My friends are members of wine clubs, but I’m not, for the simple reason that I’m hardly home. I have four coolers in the house, though I don’t know the brands (we suggest Danby and Rosendahl). I’m considering putting in an in-built one that can hold around 160 bottles.
Most stylish places, according to you?
The Monte-Carlo Country Club near Monaco, during either the tennis tournament or the Grand Prix. And the Hamptons in Long Island.
Most stylish Amritraj?
Let’s put it this way — I’m not third best.
