Bloomberg Businessweek (North America)
What I Wear to Work: Bartender Igor Hadzismajlovic has strong feelings about when an untucked shirt is suitable
43, co- owner, Employees Only, New York
What do you do? I’ve been bartending for almost 20 years. Twelve years ago, my partners and I opened a cocktail bar, Employees Only, in the West Village, and next month we’re opening another location in Singapore. I’m the jack of all trades—i bartend, I manage the floor, I bus tables, even kick people out.
How do you dress for the job?
Things are always getting spilled, so you can’t be too fancy. As long as it’s comfortable and lets you do your job, that’s all you’re looking for. And your job lets you wear a fun hat! I found this one at Meyer’s hat shop in New Orleans, which is kind of a big deal in the hat world. It’s got the perfect-size brim, and it never loses its shape.
That’s a fun jacket, too.
It’s forgiving and gives me a nice shape. You can punk it up with the right accessories. Like that tie. Sometimes, I like it when a tie doesn’t make sense with the rest of the outfit—it’s a little bit of craziness.
Your shoes must be comfortable.
Yes, definitely. I got my first pair of Florsheim shoes eight years ago. There’s this scene in
Chinatown where Jack Nicholson loses a shoe, and he shouts, “Goddamn Florsheim!” Ever since I saw it, I’ve associated the shoes with that movie.
Your shirt is custom?
Yes, made by one of our friends who works here, actually. Did you specify that you would be wearing it untucked? I always wear my shirts untucked. I keep it casual. People are coming here from offices, so they should be relaxed and comfortable. Business hours are over— now it’s cocktail hour.