No, this isn’t a band photo.
Being fashionable means being privileged and lucky, right? But as we all know in the fashion biz, there are trend spotters, trend forecasters and the worst term of all, Cool Hunters*. Hunting Cool? Really? That job itself, and job title even more so, gives me heavy brain pain. These assholes go around the globe looking to get a step ahead in the business of youth and teen culture/fashion. Whether it be Brussels, Barcelona, Beirut or Brooklyn, the current trends must start somewhere, right? So from what I understand, it goes like this… Find a somewhat fashionable, youthful, energetic city. Travel there. Look for all types of kids with “unique” style. Photo or Video them. Ask them questions about how they’d describe their style(vintage, rare, thrift, chic - whatever lame adjective), what bands they’re into, what websites they frequent, etc. Then these style-less forecasters go back to their stuffy Manhattan, London, Paris, Tokyo or Santa Monica offices and sort out what trends to pitch to their clients; Urban Outfitters, American Apparel, Coca Cola, Diesel, Quiksilver, Etc., Etc., Etc. Does this marketing scheme work? I’d say yes. Is Fashion important - even on a grand scale? Even on a smaller scale? I’d say yes, well kind of. If it makes people happy, then yes it’s important. Personally I care how I dress and look - to a certain extent. Do you care how you’re dressed? Really though, it’s a matter of taste and opinion, and if riding the L Train from Manhattan to Brooklyn in a pair of sweatpants is important enough to care about, then so be it. Would you wear sweatpants on a date? If so, you’re rad. Who the hell am I to be covering fashion? Lissa, punch me when you see me next.
*I do have two friends who have this type of trend forecasting job and it’s painful to talk to them about it. They honestly believe in their job, and feel as if they are contributing to New York’s fashionable youth.
** The people in the photo are very close friends of mine. I am NOT making fun of them, or their choice of shirts, just using them as an example of what happens in Brooklyn, (Williamsburg specifically) when something gets “cool” or revisited, and how it ultimately implodes on itself. These three friends had no idea of the other one wearing essentially the same piece of clothing - (which I must point out, this certain shirt is not a new shirt as we all know - this type of shirt is classic, flannel, rad) but they all ended up showing up at mega-hip, but “locals only” bar, Daddy’s in Williamsburg.
You gotta stay either one step ahead, or four steps behind and you’ll be fine in the fashion world.
TAGS: Brooklyn, kids, Manhattan, New York, paris, Travel, Video, williamsburg
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April 2nd, 2008 at 2:40 pm
[...] game since May 07). That’s good, right? Gordon Edes, baseball’s finest beat writer, has the story. Manny Ramirez had one hit; Pappelbon got the save. Sox play Oak again at 3:35pm. Lester on the [...]
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:44 pm
Hit you!?! Nah. Not unless you want me too. But your totally right about the evolution of trend forecasting. It’s so generic and sad and yet I find it amazing how quickly they turn out these lines.