One of my flaws (I know its hard to believe after reading this that I have any...) is that I'm not so good with details. I know, I know... it's all in the details. At least that's what they tell me. Still it's something I sometimes struggle with. I'm a great "big picture" person ... that's probably why I like studying trends so much. I like to see the way global trends interact with each other and affect fashion from the super-trendy to the independent-minded. Even more exciting to me is seeing common themes flow through independent fashion up to the mainstream. By the time they reach most celebrities and department stores, you (the independent designer and shopper) of course, have moved on to something fresh.
Sometimes I think it might not details in general, but certain kinds of details that give me problems. I remember walking around RISD during the summer of 2003 and marveling at the tiny instances of art scattered around campus. From a single breathtakingly (and painstakingly) carved tile in a sea of bumpy cobblestones -- to the intricate pattern some clever students made with strips of paper in their various dorm room windows -- the beauty of that place and the subtlety of its art has always struck me.
I think more than having a problem with all details- is I trick myself into missing details when they seemingly don't inspire... when they're not art. This is a problem though, because art is everywhere... I suppose my assignment to myself as I embark on this summer is to embrace art in all of its various forms ... from the Mass Art subway stop that subtly and graphically calls on those who pass by to GLANCE, to the 1000's of pages of bar studying that await... there is a beauty and an art to each -- the trick is to find it, embrace it, and hope that an appreciation of the details -- those all important details will follow...
Whew... Moving on to fashion. I thought since I ranted about my newfound attempt to appreciate details, I'd write about someone who has no problems in this area: Jade Howe from the Hause of Howe. Jade is not your typical menswear designer as he takes fine-lines and English tailoring and couples them with stunning graphic t's and movable style.
Howe is a full collection of premium sportswear that includes denim and non-denim bottoms, tees, wovens, sportcoats, vests, as well as classic 3-piece suits with a decidedly alternative edge.
Designer Jade Howe feels a close connection to the brand’s loyal following of artists, musicians, creative entrepreneurs, and the new type of business-meets-street professional he refers to as ‘indie executives.’ “We articulate an authentic point of view that our customer relates to – [Jade] responds to the fact that we are developing a lasting look, not just a trend."He describes his line as English tailoring with a sort of rock-and-roll edge. I like it because to me, it represents a perfectly classic (and classy) look with just the right amount of urban detail (ah yes, it all comes back to details). Check him out (drop by his website or shop at bluebeetle.com & guyshop.com), drop him a line, and stay tuned for more later.
