Today on Conversations with Creators, we’re excited to welcome Charles Larger, the visionary behind Gentleman Jungle. Charles’s journey from Burgundy to Paris, his extensive travels, and his dedication to blending elegance with innovation make him a unique voice in fashion media. Let’s dive into his insights and experiences.
Sure, my name is Charles Larger. I am the founder of the media Gentleman Jungle. I am 25 years old, originally from Burgundy, but currently living in Paris. I have traveled extensively and lived in Asia, particularly Indonesia (mainly for surfing), which has greatly influenced my vision and work. Paris is where everything happens, and it is here that I can truly develop Gentleman Jungle.
I created Gentleman Jungle, a media platform specializing in excellence and elegance six years ago during my business studies. I eventually decided to drop out of school to fully focus on the media and other parallel projects I was developing. For the past four years, I have been 100% dedicated to Gentleman Jungle.
Outside of my work, I am passionate about surfing, as you might have guessed, sports, and above all, experiencing unique adventures, which is something we also strive to convey through the media.
Since I was a child, I’ve always been drawn to beautiful things. Whether it was a vintage item like an old 1911 or a stunning pair of glasses, I found myself deeply inspired by the aesthetics and craftsmanship of such items. I loved thrifting and finding unique pieces that told a story.
This keen observation and appreciation for beauty naturally led me to the world of fashion. Fashion, to me, is the ultimate expression of beauty and creativity. It wasn’t something I actively sought out, but rather something that found its way into my life because of my passion for observing and admiring beautiful things.
A typical day in my life is anything but typical. One day I might be at Lake Como, the next in Monaco, and a few days later in Saint-Moritz, London, or Paris. My life is all about traveling, meeting new people, and attending various events. Because of this, my office changes depending on where I am.
My days are filled with dynamic interactions, whether it’s networking, collaborating on projects, or simply engaging in inspiring conversations. In addition to these activities, I also need to take time to sit down and prepare for various projects related to my media, Gentleman Jungle. This includes planning content, strategizing for upcoming events, and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
The constant change of scenery and the variety of people I meet keep things exciting and unpredictable. Essentially, my typical day involves connecting with others, exploring new places, and embracing the ever-changing experiences that come my way, all while ensuring that I stay on top of my media projects.
Honestly, the idea came about because I was quite bored with my studies, which is actually why I decided to stop them. I had a lot of free time, so I thought I would start posting inspirations. I hoped that this might lead to something meaningful and resonate with people. That was the initial thought behind it. Today, I am very pleased with the success and the exciting projects that are coming to Gentleman Jungle and what it will become in the future.
I have a wonderful team that I adore. Without them, none of this would be possible! Having a media presence is incredibly varied; it’s like running multiple businesses simultaneously. As a result, we need teams and departments specializing in different areas to keep everything running smoothly.
My personal style is more relaxed than what I showcase in the media. It’s a unique blend of vintage and modern trends. However, I ensure that my content reflects a balance between sophistication and approachability, blending modern and vintage elements.
I don’t consider myself as an influencer but more as an entrepreneur. The journey has been filled with challenges, from standing out in a saturated market to maintaining authenticity while growing. It’s also difficult to maintain the same level of quality in content while trying to create consistently for the media.
I would say my favorite fashion accessory is the watch. For me, it symbolizes accomplishment, as I gift myself a watch at each milestone in my life. I appreciate the history behind the brands, and I have a deep love for vintage pieces as well. It’s not just about the famous brands; I enjoy watches that are unique, atypical, or simply very beautiful and elegant.
A watch can significantly enhance your style. Even if you’re dressed in a classic outfit, an unconventional watch can add a stylish twist. The choice of watch depends on my outfit, but overall, I have a broad appreciation for different styles as long as they resonate with me.
There is also a sentimental value attached to watches. They carry personal stories and milestones, and I love the idea of passing them down to my children, adding another layer to their significance.
I prefer hunting for unique pieces that no one else is wearing and that are no longer sold. For me, this is what creates an atypical, exclusive, and personal style.
As I mentioned earlier, sports are crucial for me, with surfing being my main way to reconnect. I enjoy all types of sports. Bixente Lizarazu suggests three for staying in shape: a core sport (surfing), an endurance sport (paddle and cycling), and a flexibility sport (which I admittedly don’t practice as often). Additionally, music and interior design excite me, and I often integrate these passions into my media work, blurring the line between hobby and profession. I am also always on the lookout for new experiences and feel alive when trying new things: learning to sail on a whim, paragliding, traveling solo in Asia… I love setting small new goals and achieving them outside of the comfort zone.
We have numerous exciting projects lined up for Gentleman Jungle, some of which will be revealed soon. Unfortunately, I can’t disclose details yet, but stay tuned. As for my personal brand, my goal is to devote more time to its development and aim to reach 10K followers within six months.
Here you’ll find a completely free article every Saturday from our men’s fashion and lifestyle magazine.
