A former rugby star, corporate sales extraordinaire, family man and all round entertainer, but how does Chris Bentley's fashion choices fit with his busy lifestyle?
Who is Chris Bentley?
Chris is a former Chiefs player who became well known for some top performances when Exeter Chiefs took
the premiership by storm in 2010. In his time at the Chiefs, Chris represented the 1st XV in 125 games through 7 seasons.
Chris Bentley is also a Chatham Ambassador and has developed quite the collection of Chatham shoes.
What are your hobbies and interests away from the rugby pitch?
Away from the work front I cherish time with my two wonderful Children Beatrice (5) and Sullivan (2) and spend a disproportionate amount of time adventuring, hunting for dinosaurs and battling the dark side of the force!!
Being a philosophy graduate, I have a predilection to reading and always have a couple of books on the go. I like to keep one highbrow and one a bit more ‘accessible’; currently I’m working up to a positive mental attitude via Logotherapy from brief book Viktor Frankl’s ‘mans search for meaning’ while feeding my Jack Reacher addiction with his first appearance in Lee Child’s ‘The Killing Floor’.
Having played pro rugby for 13 years and as an amateur from the age of 10 to now (I’m 37) I do a bit to keep in some form of shape, but am slowly stepping back from training and embracing middle age along with contemplating the concept of retiring from playing for good!
When the chance presents itself, I do like to do a bit of shooting (Game or Clays) and the job has allowed me the chance to take part on some pretty prestigious local shoots. Although I’m a long way off the chaps that host the days, I find the whole thing from the sloe gin to the cards late in the evening, really good fun (and I’m lucky enough that the Chef at the club prepares the birds I take home to cook!)
Finally I like nothing more than snuggling up with my girlfriend and watching a box set on netflix.
Who is your biggest style inspiration?
Being a larger man (I’m 6ft 6” and 19 stone) I’ve not really been able to look to the conventional male style symbols as I look silly in high fashion. I prefer to keep things pretty simple and have the occasional ‘fruity’ accessory; be it a tweed belt/ shoe combination or colourful lining to a jacket.
If there was an icon I would like to aspire towards, it would be Sean Connery as Bond or Muhammad Ali away from the ring, as they were both slightly larger in their frames.
What is your top choice of outfit for a day at the rugby?
Not really relevant to me as I’m always in my Chiefs suit and Ely Goodyear welts. If I was to go to an away day I would chuck on my favourite blue Dress 2 Kill bespoke sports coat, D2K white shirt, colourful Tommy Hilfiger chinos (I have them in green, red and bright blue as they fit the gentleman who is ‘full in the seat’) and my Windsor Goodyear welted derby brogues.
Favourite Chatham pair of shoes and why?
This is a tough question and I have to mention two pairs as I spend most of my life in them....
The Lewis Tweed Brogue is my favourite formal shoe as it’s unbelievably comfortable, and looks amazing (I have them in ark Brown and Tan) but the G2 deck is a winner throughout the summer months – with a load of colour schemes as they match any outfit and the sockliner makes them super durable!
