Podcast Episode 35: My Reflections on Bill Cunningham
Much has been said about legendary New York Times fashion photographer and chronicler Bill Cunningham since he died. All I can add is to share how he inspired me.
Lessons from Martin Greenfield, Master Tailor
Of all the stories I’ve heard and read about master tailors around the world, Martin Greenfield’s is perhaps my favorite. As the only survivor of his immediate family, all killed in a Nazi concentration camp, he came to America in 1947 and built a life from nothing. But not just any life.
The Best Take-Downs of America’s Gun Problem I’ve Ever Seen
As my readers would know, a post like this is not my usual fare. It may put some off or inspire others to ‘set me straight’ in the comments section or even unsubscribe. But in the wake of the mass shooting of 50 members of the LGBT community in Orlando, and the shooting before that, and the one before that, and the one before that, and the one before that, and the one before that… I kinda don’t care.
Anyone who knows me knows how I personally feel about guns (they’re not my thing, you might say). With respect to the issue on a national level, I am in love with these hilarious and poignant articulations put forth brilliantly by Samantha Bee and Jim Jefferies. I have nothing better to add. They’re the best eviscerations of America’s gun problem I’ve ever seen.
The Levi’s 501 Jean: The Garment of the Outlaw
I just stumbled on this mini three-part documentary produced by Levi’s about the 501 Jean. Sure, one might see it as a long commercial for a heritage product, but it is extremely well done and very worthwhile. The history of 501 jeans and what they meant to people and our culture is undeniable, something few (if any) other denim brands can claim. This short documentary was released on YouTube in March in its full 18-minute length or as three separate episodes. As someone who’s worn 501s his whole life, I loved the entire thing. But the chapter that personally resonated with me was Episode 3: Rebellion.
5×5: Intervals on Design
I’ll be part of a five-person panel for a special event this coming Wednesday (June 15th) at Rapha in partnership with Design Within Reach. The evening is titled “5×5: INTERVALS ON DESIGN – A design talk for cyclists by designers obsessed with cycling.”
The Understated Elegance of the Grenadine Tie
If someone put a gun to my head and told me I could only wear solid grenadine ties for the rest of my life, I’d manage. Quite well, in fact. Other than silk knit ties, grenadines are my absolute favorites.
A Reader Asks: How to Get Rid of Pit Stains?
A reader named Barry asked: Any advice on getting rid of underarm perspiration stains from white and blue cotton shirts? Thank you.
This is a common one and easily resolved with a few simple steps. It’s important to know that pit stains are not caused by perspiration but by the aluminum in antiperspirant. In the interest of prevention, the first thing to do is to stop using antiperspirant that contains aluminum and switch to a deodorant that doesn’t.
Stretch: The High-Fructose Corn Syrup of Menswear
I had heard great things about the jeans from DSTLD, a popular disruptor of the overpriced denim racket, and I was very excited about a pair of slim (not skinny) raw denim jeans I had purchased online for $65. When they arrived, I tried them on right away. The fit was great and they looked pretty damn good. The feel of the denim, however, felt strange. When I started to take them off, I noticed a hint of stretch in the waistband. The wind went completely out of my sails when I saw that the sewn-in garment tag said “98% Cotton / 2% Spandex.”
A Niece Graduates (and an Uncle Reflects)
When my niece Bridget was making her decision about colleges four years ago, I was beyond thrilled that two Boston schools were in her sights: Boston College, my alma mater, and Boston University. And she loved the idea of Boston, which thrilled me even more. (At that time in my life, I decided on Boston College sight unseen after an early acceptance, without ever having visited Boston.) My alma mater gave her a deferred acceptance, which was absolutely their loss, and she wisely decided on Boston University.
Episode 33: Quoted in The Wall Street Journal and Appreciating a Little Analog in the Digital Age
In this episode of the podcast, I share about the distinct pleasure of being quoted in The Wall Street Journal this past weekend in an article about non-iron dress shirts. In the first paragraph, you’ll learn that I loathe non-iron dress shirts and that I apparently “sniff.” (And if you scroll down to the comments section, you’ll see the added bonus of one reader calling me an “arrogant twit.” How does he know me??) Read the article.
Also in this episode, I share my appreciation of some of the old-fashioned things. As much as I love technology and fully embrace our digital age, there are certain aspects of my life that remain decidedly analog.