When I first asked Oli – those who love this guy call him Oli – to have a cyber coffee with me, it got me wondering if cyber coffees get cold? Oliver Pywell, Buying and Merchandising Director Menswear Levi Strauss & Co for Sub Saharan Africa, is a man constantly on the go. If he’s not in LA, then he’s in Oz or Hong Kong, so I didn’t expect to catch-up with him in a hurry. But Oli makes things happen. My coffee? Hot. He’s played a key role in transforming the denim-landscape for South African men with his progressive approach and unrivalled passion. When Oli pisses – it’s indigo blue.
Occupation?
Buying and Merchandise Director Menswear, Levi Strauss & Co, Sub-Saharan Africa
Tell us a bit about… how, when, why?
By default, my dad was in the industry and I sucked at civil engineering, which I thought I should do! Been at this since 1990. Why? A very good question I often ask myself. I truly love denim, it is an artist’s indigo canvas, plus I have blue fingers!
What is your favourite bar?
From Dusk till Dawn, a terrifying dive bar in Hong Kong – fit for everybody other that the weak.
Car?
With no financial constraints, the Bugatti Veyron – pure filth, more like a spaceship than a car. Otherwise, late 60’s Americana.
Accessories?
A pair of Heckler & Koch 9mm – because my daughters are growing up fast. Plus a stylish leather chest cross holster set, does that count?
Favourite tool?
Depends on the job but I have always found the trusty STIHL to do the trick
Coffee?
Yes please. Reveille Coffee – San Francisco.
Essential item?
Jeans, always.
Jacket?
The Levi’s Type 3 Skinny Trucker in rigid selvedge denim or a Fifties leather biker jacket.
Restaurant?
Foreign Cinema in the Mission, San Fransisco.
Shoes?
John Varvatos / Converse All-stars Collabs – killer rock ’n roll sneakers.
Style icon?
Steven Sprouse and John Richmond – basically they inspired me to get into fashion, so never forget your roots, right?
Suit?
Helmut Lang only.
Pants?
They’re called jeans mate!
Book?
Gormenghast by Mervin Peake – kinda like Lord of the Rings on LSD.
Movie?
Tough one, but Withnail and I is one of my favourites. I could give you 50 more though.
Holiday destination?
Zanzibar for the chills and NYC for the thrills.
City?
Too many great ones to mention.
Hotel?
The one in The Shining, I wanna go there with my Jilly!
Jeans?
1955 – Vintage 501 selvedge – the ultimate cut denim jean. Nothing, but nothing can come close.
Shirt?
The iconic denim Sawtooth western shirt.
Style tip?
Stop washing your fucking jeans so often!
Grooming tip?
Keep those beards shorter.
Fragrance?
Aqua da Palma – Original
Barber?
Barnet Fair
Space?
Time!
Home décor item?
1970’s Technics SL1200
Pet aversion?
Pets!
Politician and why?
They are all c%$ts and the only truly great one is dead!
Any OCD compulsions?
Yes yes yes.
Low down on your worst cringe moment?
I have done some crazy shit but will never cringe.
Biggest fear?
Fear itself.
Party trick?
Do I look like a magician?
Best at?
Anything I put my mind to.
Worst at?
Procrastinating
Would you rather drink sour milk or go to the opera?
Seriously?
Can you sew on a button?
Yes, I can make a damn suit, or I could in the good old days, now I can pay someone else.
Dirty little secret?
Don’t keep secrets, didn’t your mother teach you anything??
First job?
Work or pleasure?
How often do you go for a pedicure?
Never, do it myself.
Wax your back?
Just the Angel Wings.
How do you get rid of errant nose hairs?
Pull ’em out
Are you a fan of the budgie-smuggler?
I have a parrot so it’s difficult.
Favourite movie line?
“I can see you’re really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over”. (Hal to Dave in 2001 – A Space Odyssey)
Have you ever used sex to further your career?
No
Who would you choose to be stuck with on a deserted island?
The entire ZA cabinet. (Let them do Lord of the Fly’s on each other’s ass.)
Have you ever had a stalker?
No. Psycho girlfriends? Yes!
What kind of movie star would you be?
A pretty fucked up one!
What turns you on?
Driven people
Favourite saying right now?
My bad!
Sitting back from my laptop it strikes me that this guy has the perfect bad-ass attitude that is synonymous with all things denim! And for a moment – I want to be him.
