Creative director Philippe Delhotal on shopping in New York’s Chelsea Market, truffle pasta at Piazza Duomo in Piedmont and Florence in all its glory

My personal style signifiers are my Crockett & Jones loafers in black or brown leather, and my neutral-coloured, wood glasses by Austrian maker Rolf; I love their simplicity. Crockett & Jones loafers, from £380; crockettandjones.com. Rolf Ami frames from €795; rolf-spectacles.com

The last thing I bought and loved was a painting by Myanmarese artist Khin Zaw Latt. It is a peaceful portrait of a young girl with a doll that I bought on a trip to the south of France; it hangs in a prime spot in my sitting room. 

And the thing I’m eyeing next is a lightweight pair of calfskin-suede Oxfords from John Lobb. These are perfect in warmer weather and for travel, and I admire the quality and workmanship behind the brand. £940; johnlobb.com

The last thing I added to my wardrobe was an elegant, slim-cut, dark-blue Paul Smith suit with a colourful lining. The watchmaking world is very traditional, but I have a different, more relaxed way of dressing and this suit is both classic and casual. Suits from £685; paulsmith.com

An unforgettable place I’ve travelled to in the past year is Milan to watch Don Giovanni at La Scala. It was magical and the city is incredibly vibrant; there’s so much creative energy there right now in fashion and design. I especially loved the revitalised Brera district, where one of the highlights was a delicious dinner of spaghetti with lobster at the authentic Osteria di Brera. Via Fiori Chiari 8, 20121 Milan (osteriadibrera.it)

And the best souvenirs I’ve brought home are red and black lacquerware bowls and boxes from Japan. They were made in the Kanazawa region using a traditional maki-e technique with silver and gold. 

The objects I would never part with are my watches. I have my grandfather’s original Heuer, as well as timepieces by Panerai, Jaeger-LeCoultre and, of course, my Hermès Time Suspended and a 2015 Slim watch. The last one is perhaps the most special because it was the first watch I was involved with from start to finish. hermes.com. jaeger-lecoultre.com. panerai.com

The best book I’ve read in the past year is Conquering the Impossible: My 12,000 Mile Journey Around the Arctic Circle by the South African-born Swiss explorer Mike Horn. I love the mountains and anything to do with the outdoors, so I found his incredible adventures fascinating.

The people I rely on for personal grooming and wellbeing are my hair stylist, David Gomard, at 2 Heures Plus Tard – I’ve been going to him for years; he knows exactly what to do – and the aestheticians at Aux Soins Auvernier. I get everything done here, from skincare to massages. 2 Heures Plus Tard, Grand’Rue 21, 2072 Saint-Blaise, (2heuresplustard.com). Aux Soins Auvernier, Rue des Epancheurs 2, 2012 Milvignes (auxsoinsauvernier.ch)

A recent “find” is Kanda, a very small, traditional restaurant in Tokyo. It’s an eight-seat spot in Minato-ku and although it holds three Michelin stars, it is totally unassuming. The sushi and the setting were magnificent and I tried things I wouldn’t have dared to elsewhere. 3-6-34 Motoazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo (nihonryori-kanda.com)

The one artist whose work I would collect if I could is Jean-Michel Basquiat. His use of colour is just sublime. He was a bit of a tortured soul and gave everything to his paintings; you can feel it.

An indulgence I would never forgo is a good Cuban cigar, once a week. I am partial to Partagas No 4s and Cohibas. I’m usually very healthy, so this is my one treat. Cohiba, from £12.40; Partagas No 4, from £21.50; James J Fox, 19 St James’s St, London SW1 (jjfox.co.uk)

My favourite website is LeFigaro.fr, for all the news of the day. But in general I use apps, especially AccuWeather, which is indispensable when I’m travelling.

My style icons are Renzo Piano, in terms of overall aesthetics and vision, and Inès de la Fressange. She is an elegant, effortless natural beauty in a very simple way; she has a strong personality and a singular look. 

The best gift I’ve received recently is a case of Château Haut-Brion bordeaux, given to me by my best friend. We meet once a week with two other friends to taste wines and smoke cigars and this vintage will definitely be consumed quickly.

And the gift I’m giving next is a ring I am designing for my wife – a very simple gold band with tiny diamonds for day-to-day wear. It’s not intended for a special occasion but just as an unexpected gift.

The last music I downloaded was the album Personne d’Autre by Françoise Hardy. She has led a difficult life and you can hear it in her music; it’s very emotional – perfect for listening to with a glass of red wine. I also recently bought the track Rock the Casbah by The Clash, which goes perfectly with a beer.

The grooming products I’m never without are Hermès’ Vétiver Tonka eau de toilette and a moisturising hand and nail cream by Caudalie, which is light and fresh. I have a very simple routine. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream, £12 for 75ml; caudalie.com. Hermès Vétiver Tonka, £180 for 100ml EDT; hermes.com

The last meal that truly impressed me was at Piazza Duomo in Alba, Piedmont. The serene atmosphere, the service, the local wines and the food – especially the white truffles over pasta – were perfection. I travel here every year for a reunion with four friends, and what made this particular meal so enjoyable was the playful spirit of the place; the presentation and even the waiting staff are all just different, never fussy, and it made for a great night. Piazza Risorgimento 4, 12051 Alba CN (piazzaduomoalba.it)

If I had to limit my shopping to one neighbourhood in one city, I’d choose Chelsea in New York. The Chelsea Market on Ninth Avenue is full of food shops that specialise in everything from brownies to lobster rolls to fine wines. The area is also home to some of my favourite galleries, including Gagosian and Hauser & Wirth, and after a morning looking at contemporary art, I like to have quinoa and artichoke burger for lunch at the very American Westville. Chelsea Market, 75 Ninth Ave, NY 10011 (chelseamarket.com). Gagosian, 522 West 21st St, NY 10011 (gagosian.com). Hauser & Wirth, 548 West 22nd St, NY 10011 (hauserwirth.com). Westville, 246 West 18th St, NY 10011 (westvillenyc.com)

In my fridge you’ll always find Louis Roederer or Krug champagne; all kinds of organic vegetables; citrus fruits for my morning hot-water infusion; and tons of carrots – I drink fresh carrot juice every morning as it’s great for the skin.

If I didn’t live in Neuchâtel, the place I would live is Florence. I love the architecture and history of this small city, as well as the surrounding landscape, the food and wine, and most of all, the Italians, who are so full of life. I’d love to spend more time in the Galleria dell’Accademia and Galleria d’Arte Moderna, take walks in the Boboli Gardens and enjoy long lunches at authentic Tuscan restaurants like Francesco Vini and La Bottega del Buon Caffè. Francesco Vini, Borgo dei Greci 7/R, 50122 (francescovini.com). Galleria d’Arte Moderna, Piazza de’ Pitti 1, 50125 (museumsinflorence.com/musei/gallery_of_modern_art.html). Galleria dell’Accademia, Via Ricasoli 58/60, 50122 (galleriaaccademiafirenze.beniculturali.it). La Bottega del Buon Caffè, Lungarno Benvenuto Cellini 69/R, 50125 (borgointhecity.com)

My favourite room in my house is the terrace, regardless of the season. I love this peaceful spot overlooking a lake and I come out here to enjoy the sun, the plants and a bit of tranquillity. My second favourite room is the cellar, where I keep my wines.  

If I weren’t doing what I do, I would be a mountain guide or possibly a tailor. I’ve always loved the outdoors and exploration, so that would be a natural choice, but my grandfather was a tailor and I was drawn to fashion and design from a young age. The fabrics, textures and general savoir faire involved all appeal to me.