Key Takeaways
- Many conventions in fashion (which suit button to leave open, how to sit, avoiding showing shoe soles) come from historical precedents and social symbolism.
- Etiquette around bodily behavior (such as not burping) is rooted in class, civility, and visible self-control.
- Influencers reinterpret these centuries-old norms into advice for modern audiences.
- Trends become binding when repeated practice, authority endorsement, and societal acceptance merge.
Story & Insights
Magno Scavo, Posture & Elegance
A reel shared shows “Sitting Mistakes That Ruin Your Elegance”, with guidance like stepping back to sit, lowering oneself with control, adjusting the jacket after sitting, and avoiding exposing the sole of the shoe when crossing legs. In that visual moment, showing the sole acts as a subtle marker of inattentiveness or neglect.
Magno Scavo (real name Nicolás Scavo) is a Venezuelan-born men’s style influencer based in Spain. Before building his public presence, he worked in construction. Encouraged by his partner, he moved into photography, modeling, and fashion content. He now reaches millions across social platforms.
Practical Elegance Checklist (Inserted as Requested)
Below is the checklist you provided, adapted into English and included whole, to serve as a hands-on reference:
Practical Elegance Checklist (Inspired by Magno Scavo)
Elegance in the Details
Attire Preparation
- [ ] Plan your outfit the night before; no last-minute improvisation.
- [ ] Ensure clothes are clean, pressed, and well-fitted.
- [ ] Wear garments that suit your body—neither too loose nor tight.
- [ ] Unbutton the last button of your jacket or vest.
- [ ] Coordinate belt and shoes in color and tone.
- [ ] Avoid large logos or overly flashy design elements.
- [ ] Use perfume sparingly—one or two subtle sprays.
Posture and Presence
- [ ] Keep your spine straight, shoulders relaxed, gaze forward.
- [ ] Walk calmly and with purpose; no hurrying or slouching.
- [ ] Avoid placing your hands in pockets while speaking or walking.
- [ ] Smile gently; convey calm confidence without exaggeration.
Sitting with Elegance
- [ ] Unbutton your jacket before sitting down.
- [ ] Step back until backs of your legs touch the chair, then sit gently.
- [ ] Never show the sole of your shoe when crossing legs.
- [ ] Cross legs at the ankles, not at the knees.
- [ ] After sitting, adjust the jacket lightly from the sides.
- [ ] Keep your hands relaxed on your thighs or lightly clasped.
- [ ] When standing again, re-button the jacket in a smooth motion.
Nonverbal Communication
- [ ] Speak deliberately, enunciate clearly, and maintain eye contact.
- [ ] Use mild, contained gestures; avoid pointing.
- [ ] Listen actively—do not interrupt; nod naturally.
- [ ] Do not check your phone during conversations.
Attitude
- [ ] Elegance is not arrogance—stay polite, attentive, respectful.
- [ ] Avoid boasting or criticizing others.
- [ ] Confidence is shown more by presence and silence than words.
- [ ] Remember: “Clothing draws attention, but attitude conquers.”
How Fashion “Rules” and Etiquette Are Created
Fashion “rules” such as “leave the bottom button open” did not originate in decrees but evolved through imitation and social meaning. For example, King Edward VII in the 19th century began leaving his last jacket button undone due to his waist size, and courtiers imitated him, making it a style convention.
Etiquette around bodily behaviors like not burping publicly emerged during the Renaissance and earlier, when thinkers like Erasmus of Rotterdam argued that outward manners must reflect inner discipline. Thus, mastering bodily impulses became a class marker and social expectation.
A trend becomes entrenched when three elements align:
- Repetition — enough people adopt it.
- Validation — influencers, elites, or experts endorse it.
- Normalization — it becomes widely expected or unremarkable.
Historical Examples Beyond Suit Buttons
Many fashion or etiquette norms began as functional choices or accidental practices, later gaining symbolic weight:
- Removing Hats Indoors
Knights in medieval Europe lifted helmet visors to show identity; that evolved into removing hats indoors as a gesture of deference. - Tailcoats / Split Backs
Riding coats were cut at the back for horseback use; over time that evolved into split-back formal evening wear. - Trousers’ Crease
What began as a fold from storage transformed into a pressed crease symbolizing order and precision. - Oxford Shoes
Students at Oxford University sought a sleeker alternative to boots; this understated design became associated with sophistication. - The Necktie / Cravat
Croatian mercenaries used neck scarves; French courts adopted them, coining “cravate” (from “Croat”), turning a military accent into high fashion. - Wristwatch on the Left Hand
Because most people are right-handed, wearing the watch on the left reduces risk of damage. This practical origin turned into conventional norm. - Dark Suits for Formal Occasions
During industrialization, dark tones became associated with seriousness and professionalism; that became standard in formalwear. - Gloves
Originally protective, gloves became status symbols. Removing one glove to shake hands signified equality and respect. - Heels
High heels once used by male equestrians for stability. Kings later adopted them as status symbols; eventually, they shifted gender role and symbolism.
Roles & Entities
- Magno Scavo / Nicolás Scavo — Style influencer and interpreter of elegant posture.
- King Edward VII — His habit of leaving the bottom jacket button undone became a fashion norm.
- Erasmus of Rotterdam — Renaissance scholar who promoted civility in behavior.
- Croatian mercenaries / French court — Agents in the origin of the cravat (necktie).
- Courtiers, tailors, students, military — Groups who transformed practical needs into symbolic fashion.
Chronological Highlights
- Renaissance era: civility manuals promote visible manners.
- Seventeenth century: cravat and heel trends purely courtly.
- Nineteenth century: Edward VII’s open-button habit becomes entrenched.
- Twentieth century: color conventions, wristwatch norms, tailored fashion formalize.
- Twenty-first century: digital influencers rearticulate those codes for modern audiences.
Sources
- https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/magno-scavo.html — Biography, nationality, birthday
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlGR2VsIMcU — EvTV Miami interview with Magno Scavo
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6EHhlxzc8gQ — Interview of Magno Scavo on Channel 10 Nicaragua
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1BnG2_2qtc — Interview of Magno Scavo on Televisa Sinaloa, Mexico
- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW6JbSE8xYRyYgrd3-0RGfQ — Official YouTube channel of Magno Scavo
Glossary / Definitions
Cravat (necktie origin)
Derived from French cravate, meaning “Croatian” scarf used in 17th-century France.
“Clothing draws attention, but attitude conquers”
A distilled slogan emphasizing gesture and presence beyond appearance.
Routine button rule (leave bottom jacket button open)
A style convention traced to King Edward VII’s personal adaptation, later widely adopted.
Civility manuals / Erasmus
Renaissance era texts prescribing outward manners as indicators of inner self-discipline.
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