32 In the closet Deep Water actor Steven Cree reveals his style secrets
The Deep Water actor takes style inspiration from everything from Prohibition to Kilmarnock FC
Steven, 39, is known for playing Ian Murray in Outlander but he has also successfully established himself in films such as 300: Rise Of An Empire, Maleficent, Churchill, The Titan and Outlaw King. On TV he’s appeared in Vera, Shetland, Silent Witness and Atlantis, and more recently BBC psycho-thriller Mother-fatherson alongside Helen Mccrory and Richard Gere. He is currently appearing in ITV drama Deep Water with Anna Friel. Steven lives in London with his actress wife Kahleen Crawford and their daughter, Teddy.
How would you describe your style? More often than not it’s casual, but I’ll wear a suit if it’s appropriate. I rarely wear trainers these days. I used to but I think a good pair of shoes or boots smartens things up.
Which colours suit you best? I like all shades of blue. I’ve supported Kilmarnock FC (blue and white strip) since I was a kid, so that’s an influence. I was a bit of an attention seeker when I was younger and liked wearing bright pink and orange. I still like them although I’m happy to go with the greys and black, too. Which is your favourite fashion era? I love the 20s, the Boardwalk Empire American Prohibition era when men wore smart suits, braces, homburg hats, plus the 60s Madmen-sleek city style.
Where do you like to shop? Reiss and Hugo Boss for shirts and A Day’s March in Soho for jeans and sweaters, but I’ll equally go to H&M or Uniqlo.
Who is your favourite designer? My wife introduced me to Mr Porter, a site full of designers, which opened up a new world. I’m drawn to a piece rather than a name – my Belstaff leather jacket, for example. Has your wife been an influence on your style? Yes. I used to be reluctant to spend too much on an item but she made me realise that if you spend that bit more then it lasts a lot longer, plus you can mix and match that one quality item and it improves the overall look. Thanks to Kahleen I dress slightly better now.
Do you have a style icon? First, The Beatles. I grew my hair into a mod cut but at 13 I became obsessed with Jesus Christ Superstar – I used to wear a white lace-up tunic and crucifix like Ted Neeley, who played Jesus. I was desperate to grow a beard and get my ears pierced but my mum put her foot down. I’d done some performing at school but Jesus Christ Superstar made me want to be in musicals. My music teacher, Fiona Mackenzie, was inspirational – still is – she played the piano at my wedding and encouraged me to be an actor.
No-one else in my family was in the business, although my mum believed in me too. Which of your characters has had the best
wardrobe? Cliff Bradshaw in Cabaret, who I played onstage in the West End in 2007. The director Rufus Norris took a chance on me, an unknown. It was the most special job I’ve ever done because of that – because I got my dream. And I got to wear the costume – the double-breasted suit, the braces, the overcoat, the homburg hat…
…and the worst? I played a peasant in Maleficent and essentially wore a sack. What is the most outrageous outfit you have worn? It’s a tie between the outfit I wore for 300: Rise Of An Empire when I played a decapitated Greek marine – seriously, that was my character’s name. I wore bondage-type gear and got my head cut off by Eva Green. Then, when I did Kiri, I wore Speedos in one scene then nothing in the next. I actually found the Speedos more outrageous than nudity. It’s almost impossible to pull Speedos off unless you’re a swimmer. I was more comfortable naked. Tell us about Joe Kallisto in Deep
Water? Joe’s a family man, a taxi driver, content with his lot, who’s been married to Lisa (Anna Friel) for 15 years. It’s nice to play someone so comfortable in his own skin. Shot in the Lake District, I get to dress in big check shirts, jeans and wax jackets. Some of the scenes are played around the kitchen table with our three kids and when we filmed, my own daughter Teddy was nine months old, so I liked that aspect. Becoming a father changes your perspective on life and I could bring that to the role, although I found it hard being away on location. Has your attitude to fashion changed since becoming a dad? A bit. I don’t like shopping as much – I’d rather spend the time with Teddy. Then again, when she grows up
I want to be a well-dressed dad, so perhaps I haven’t changed that much. What do you wear on the red carpet? Usually a three-piece suit designed by Edinburgh tailor Stewart Christie. I’ve also worn the kilt he made for my wedding.
Are you a fan of vintage? I am, but now I don’t have the time to search for it.
How many pairs of shoes have you? About 10, including a couple of pairs of Converse. I like good-quality shoes or boots by Joseph Cheaney and Cole Haan. Do you have a fashion pet hate? Guys in three-quarter length trousers. Sandals with socks – another no-no.
What is the most expensive item in your
wardrobe? And best bargain? My wedding outfit is the most expensive, but apart from that, my Belstaff leather jacket, which I bought in 2011 when I was filming Lip Service. I had an extra week’s filming so treated myself, but it was still half price. The best bargain? The plain grey H&M sweater I bought for 10 quid. I wear it all the time. What is the oldest item in your wardrobe? A blue and white shirt from Flip, which I bought when I was 20 – 19 years ago. What is your favourite fashion accessory? My Tag Heuer watch. What did you wear for your wedding? A kilt made from ancient Ulster District tartan by Stewart Christie, who made me a pair of trousers to go with the jacket. My wife wore a stunning ivory dress by Badgley Mischka from Opus Atelier in West Kilbride. We got married in the Old Fruitmarket in Glasgow.
Have you made any fashion faux pas? I was guilty of peacocking in my twenties and bought a multicoloured textured rubber shirt. I remember thinking it was both horrific and brilliant and that I’d get a bit of attention in it, which I did. So yes, bad in a good way. What would you save from a burning
house? Probably the Tag Heuer Monaco watch my wife bought me when we married.
Deep Water is on Wednesday at 9pm on ITV.