This article appears in print in the February 2019 issue. Click here to subscribe.

It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words, but Masoud Torabi would probably say that number is on the low side. The banker and menswear influencer, who has charm to boot, started writing movie scripts at age 5 in his home country of Iran. Years later, he earned a bachelor’s degree in screenwriting from Arizona State University before moving to Seattle four years ago. While he still enjoys writing and telling stories, his current medium of choice is more visual; check out his Instagram account. His cinematic mix of street-style photos and travel shots, accompanied by long-form captions, encourages his followers to reflect on the human experience. “Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to tell stories,” he says. “I’m always writing, and hope that I can inspire others to follow their biggest dreams.”

Tailor-made
Torabi’s personal style takes cues from classic leading men. He frequently wears tailored suits and crisp dress shirts, but adds his own spin with unexpected patterns and colors. “I’ve always wanted to dress formally and believe that doing so shows respect for my career and clients,” he says, referring to his banking career. “I never leave the house without a watch, briefcase and some kind of dress shoe.” He shops for these sleek threads at local retailers such as Nordstrom and JNBY, and sometimes completes an outfit with a hat from Goorin Bros. Hat Shop. 

The Big Picture
Torabi cites his mother’s refined manners and the Western films he coveted while growing up in Iran as important influences. “My mom is very proper and taught me lessons that shape who I am today, such as allowing dinner guests to eat first…and the importance of beautiful penmanship,” he says. Torabi and his four siblings would watch U.S. and European blockbusters on VHS, smuggled into the country and purchased from street vendors. “I lost count of how many times I watched Titanic.”

Smart Money
With a lifelong interest in banking and financial management, Torabi followed his degree in screenwriting with an MBA and has held evolving roles at U.S. Bank. “I have learned a lot about finances and managing people,” he says, “but I have also learned how to lead by example, which often means getting up each time you fall down.” Along the way, he’s also published two books: the novel Every Step Back and a collection of short stories titled Underneath Our Broken Wings. 

Fedora: Goorin Bros.
Watch: Hublot
Merino wool army sweater: Grana
Scarf: Versace
Tapered chinos: Zara
Tassel loafers: Paul Smith