Nathaniel Asseraf’s International Dynasty of Taste

Like Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time or Club Treasurer Melvin Swanniker’s wallet on steak night, the club’s official dress code is often seen but rarely opened. Running to some 896 pages, and now in its ninth edition (including a new ‘pop up’ section on Gore-Tex), the ledger is an esoteric and often self-contradictory thing, with a new course at the Antibes International University of Leisure dedicated to its study.

Nathaniel Asseraf, a club member since 2023 via our Stockholm Annexe, would have no trouble navigating its various addenda, such as ‘Goat Suede: A Warning’ and ‘Trainer Socks; see also: Agent Orange’. A man born into an international taste dynasty, he is the founder of Casatlantic: a style house of effortless mid-century chic. (Despite a high volume of enquiries, the moustaches on the website are not for sale.) In fact, Nathaniel’s excellent high-waisted, double-pleat trousers are a particular favourite on the evening smoking terraces at the club. As the old saying goes: double pleat, double fun. But single cream, please, we’re not animals.

Elsewhere, Nathaniel helps run the vintage and surplus emporium Broadway & Sons with his father, David, and his brother, Noam. With handsome sites in both Stockholm and Gothenburg, it is an excellent place to discover a pair of 1970s Levis 501s or that you do not fit into a pair of 1970s Levis 501s.

Here, Nathaniel describes his love of Vans shoes, his favourite restaurant table on the planet, and the personal style of Michael Corleone.

Who are you?

I’m Nathaniel, founder and creative director of Casatlantic and part-time troublemaker at the family business,Broadway & Sons.

How long have you been a member of The Rochambeau Club?

Two years.

What do you do “for a living”?

I make clothes I want to wear, and luckily others seem to want to wear them too.

How would you describe the style of Casatlantic?

I’d describe it as dead-era modernism: classic forms shaped with today’s purpose.

How did you get into the clothing game?

It’s in my blood. My grandfather had a deep interest in dressing well, even though he never worked in the trade. My father turned that interest into something you could actually buy. He was one of Sweden’s early pioneers in the vintage clothing and military surplus world. He couldn’t really help me with my homework, but taught me about surplus and denim before I could even spell it.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned in your career so far?

That the process is the fun part.

How many languages do you speak?

Three. Swedish, French and English.

Who are your style icons?

I’m a movie guy, and my style icons usually come from characters. I would say Michael Corleone in The Godfather Part II.

What do you drive?

I drive a 2007 Range Rover L322. My daily route is home to work, work to the mechanic, and home. Occasionally without the car.

Who is the most interesting person you know?

My daughter Paloma.

Which nation has the most stylish men?

Japan.

What is your favourite item in the new Casatlantic collection?

Bellamy’s in Mayfair. The Khénifra.

How would you describe your playing style (tennis/baby grand piano)?

Graceful in theory...

What is the best bar in the world?

One my brother introduced me to. Hosoi in Stockholm.

What is the best restaurant in the world?

A round table for six at Le Migon in Ramatuelle has been hard to beat. Warm hospitality, great company and that “bonne franquette” spirit have kept us coming back year after year.

Do you have a favourite pair of shoes?

Vans, Style 44.

Do you have a favourite sorbet?

Lemon.

What is your go-to order at the bar?

Beer

How do you take your steak?

Rare

What are you doing tomorrow?

Picking up my car from the mechanic.

What is your personal motto?

"Det kommer bli bra.” (Translation: “It will be alright.”)