Wardrobe-building with Dr. Balazs Horvath

In the Wardrobe Building series, Milan opens the door to his clients’ wardrobes. The photos showcase the outfits they have designed together, while reading the conversation, you can learn about the taste and impressions of Balazs.

-Please introduce yourself in a few sentences.

My name is Balázs Horváth, I am a lawyer and international tax advisor. Together with my partners, I own a trust management company and family office, where we deal with estate planning and wealth management. In my work, I have become accustomed to discipline, attention to detail, and sophistication—perhaps that is why I feel so close to the world of classic men's fashion. I believe that style is not just about appearances, but also conveys a professional and personal message, just like a legal argument: it shows the outside world who we are.

How would you describe your style? What memorable moments or influences have shaped your taste? (study, travel, culture, etc.)

I have always been a lover of classic men's clothing: I am attracted to both the discipline of London's Savile Row and the lightness of Neapolitan sprezzatura. I think my love of cinema has also played a big part in this. For as long as I can remember, I have been a huge James Bond fan. While others may have been more impressed by Agent 007's gadgets and his success with women, I was more impressed by his impeccable elegance. In my opinion, Roger Moore is the undisputed champion in this regard. As I became increasingly immersed in cinema, I came across another great favourite: Cary Grant. Watching them on screen, my feeling was that these geniuses wore their suits as "armour", they felt untouchable, walking above the ground. I am immensely captivated by them.

My other passion is opera: a world of pomp, beauty, and overflowing elegance. For a long time, I didn't even know or understand what the ladies on stage were singing, yet I was completely captivated by the elegance of the opera world. My mother remembers that when I was 7 or 8 years old, I would stand on a small chair at home wearing my father's tuxedo and conduct my imaginary orchestra. I will be forever grateful for this, because it taught me Italian and made me a lifelong lover of opera.

What is the one clothing item you can never have enough of in your wardrobe, and why?

-For me, it's shirts. They give you confidence in any situation, whether it's a meeting, a conference, or even an evening at the opera. I love their versatility: they can be worn in a serious and formal manner, but also casual and playful, when worn without a collar or with rolled-up sleeves. I always feel like myself in a well-tailored shirt, and that's what I consider to be the alpha and omega of men's clothing. When I recommend others about where to start building their own wardrobe, I always say that a perfect white shirt is the piece to start with.

What is your favorite tailored piece of clothing, and why?

One of my favourite pieces is a double-breasted, dark blue chalk stripe suit made of woollen flannel. It’s not just a piece of clothing, but also a famous movie reference: it reminds me of the iconic character Gordon Gekko from Wall Street, played wonderfully by Michael Douglas. I also have a Prince of Wales check suit, which was made famous worldwide by Prince Edward of Wales and is, for me, an eternal symbol of elegance. What I love about both pieces is that they exude strength and tradition, but also have a playful side to them. They make me feel that clothing is more than just an outfit: it tells a story and exudes character.

What would be your advice to those who are yet to embark on the sartorial journey?

In my opinion, made-to-measure clothing is not a luxury, but an investment in ourselves. A versatile dark blue or grey suit are the best pieces to start with, because these are perfect for any occasion. You can feel the difference right away: the suit fits differently; it is more comfortable and gives you a certain confidence which is impossible to achieve with ready-to-wear clothing. When someone walks into a room for the first time in a suit that was tailored for him, the air subtly changes around him. I remember this exact moment —from then on there was no turning back.

How important is clothing in your life? Have you always considered it important?

As the famous saying goes, "The style is the man himself”. For me, clothing is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also an expression of self-confidence and respect for others. As a lawyer, an elegant appearance is part of my profession—it strengthens trust and respect with my clients. I have always believed that clothing is a universal language: a nice suit, shirt, or the right pair of shoes often says more about us than a hundred words. Style is both a tool and a message for me.

Do you think taste, style, and expressing one’s personality through clothing can be learned?

I am convinced that taste can be learned – my own example proves this. When I was studying in Florence as a young man, I arrived there wearing jeans and sneakers, but I returned home wearing pressed trousers and a shirt. I was influenced by people who were ambassadors of classic elegance, and these experiences shaped me alongside books and my travels to the major cities of Europe. If you are open-minded and willing to pay attention to detail, style gradually becomes a natural means of expressing your personality. That's what I experienced on my own journey.

How often do you wear a suit, and on what occasions?

I wear a suit almost every day, or at least a blazer with matching trousers. For me, it's like my morning coffee—I simply can't imagine my day without it. As a lawyer, it's the professional minimum, and I don't compromise on that. Sometimes it makes me smile when people ask me, "Do you wear a tie at home for breakfast?" My answer is: not always... but for me, a suit is both a work tool and an enjoyable game. It's this consistency that helps me stay focused.

Who influences your style and life the most? Why is their opinion important to you, and why do you look up to them?

First and foremost, my grandfather. Since I was a child, he has been my role model in terms of elegance. He wore an immaculately ironed shirt, tie, and suit to every family gathering — this was an impressive and defining experience for me. Later, I was also inspired by the movie stars I mentioned earlier. Perhaps what I liked the most about them was that same kind of self-evident sophistication that I had learned from my grandfather. These examples still serve as a compass for me today.

Do you have any other hobbies, and what have they brought into your life?

I have been playing tennis since childhood, and I have always been fascinated by the elegance of the white sport. The world of Wimbledon, the outfits, and the classic lines of the collar only reinforced my belief that the white shirt is the cornerstone of men's clothing. That's why I think that if you're building a wardrobe or looking for a gift, you should start with the perfect white shirt.