Jalil, your writing is always just so thoughtful. I was especially struck by your analysis of the shift from genuine trends to dressing as a form of coping and aspiration. The idea that we're dressing for an illusion, not reality, is powerful. And your connection to Paris is Burning and ballroom culture? Absolutely spot-on and so relevant. Great post.
Idea - teach Tim Miller (The Bulwark, MSNBC) how to dress for TV. He wears pearls, but doesn’t understand them & ends up looking like a foolish former republican. He needs to be taken seriously as he has good things to say. (Not sure if you style people.)
This was such a great read. It made me think about another one of the predicted trends, medieval or “castlecore”, and how it fully leans into fantasy as a means of escape. Thank you for putting that white whale of a Ralph Lauren jacket on my radar, I am now Captain Ahab on the hunt 😂
TYSM! I’ve been thinking a lot about the castle core, I wonder if it will take off? Also wishing you the best of luck in your hunt for the silk Ralph duffle!
Excellent post! Increasingly the speed of trend cycles feel manipulative with the aim to sell more products in the absence of innovation. I took your points to heart, maybe we are just looking for stability and yearning for simpler times. We’re living through troubling times which has me questioning everything even my safe place, fashion. I appreciate your humane point of view. Thanks!
And I think with the continued turmoil we’re seeing (ie tariffs, pending government shutdown, measles, etc.) safety feels in rare supply! And I do think we continue, perhaps sometimes subconscious, what we crave. Thank you for your kind words!
Gosh! So many delicious layers, textures and colors, Jalil! You're a magician. As a proud European, originally Polish and living in Denmark, I can really relate to dressing for an illusion and not the reality. The illusion of a world at peace, where we attend to the problems that really matter - better ways to provide sustainable energy to a growing population or fixing what needs to be fixed (and there's a ton) in the fashion industry - to mention just a few. I can already sense a slight shift in my mindset...typical for people living with the constant threat of war hanging over their heads (literally) - longterm planning makes suddenly less sense. It's about here and now. Also here and now joys and pleasures in my wardrobe.
Such a beautiful comment, thank you so much! I agree, it does feel like wishful thinking to think plan for a future, when everything feels quite temporary. I think we are living at a time with the phrase “why not” feels like the best guiding principle!
& I love ❤️ dressing for the illusion of a better time. It’s hopeful ~ in the context of our beady-eyed realism ~ & it feels strong & peaceful to remain hopeful, optimistic & happy no matter the SUPER real strains of our current collective reality. Thank you & Bless Up.
Great post! Always appreciate your insight and ideas. This spring summer I will be dressing for my aspirational lifestyle, surf culture. Started this by buying the ultimate slacker piece the Guest in Residence Baja cardigan. 🏄🏼♀️
Jalil, your writing is always just so thoughtful. I was especially struck by your analysis of the shift from genuine trends to dressing as a form of coping and aspiration. The idea that we're dressing for an illusion, not reality, is powerful. And your connection to Paris is Burning and ballroom culture? Absolutely spot-on and so relevant. Great post.
Hard agree with all of this, thanks for citing my AD article :)
It was a wonderful read! Glad you enjoyed the piece!
Love, love pearls with a blue anorak! This is my first visit to your writing (thx Joy Reid for reStack). You have a new fan. I appreciate the inspo.
So happy you’re here! I hope you enjoy the newsletter!
Idea - teach Tim Miller (The Bulwark, MSNBC) how to dress for TV. He wears pearls, but doesn’t understand them & ends up looking like a foolish former republican. He needs to be taken seriously as he has good things to say. (Not sure if you style people.)
Great detective work, I counted three fish brooches in SoHo last week🐟
This was such a great read. It made me think about another one of the predicted trends, medieval or “castlecore”, and how it fully leans into fantasy as a means of escape. Thank you for putting that white whale of a Ralph Lauren jacket on my radar, I am now Captain Ahab on the hunt 😂
TYSM! I’ve been thinking a lot about the castle core, I wonder if it will take off? Also wishing you the best of luck in your hunt for the silk Ralph duffle!
Excellent post! Increasingly the speed of trend cycles feel manipulative with the aim to sell more products in the absence of innovation. I took your points to heart, maybe we are just looking for stability and yearning for simpler times. We’re living through troubling times which has me questioning everything even my safe place, fashion. I appreciate your humane point of view. Thanks!
And I think with the continued turmoil we’re seeing (ie tariffs, pending government shutdown, measles, etc.) safety feels in rare supply! And I do think we continue, perhaps sometimes subconscious, what we crave. Thank you for your kind words!
So many great looks!!! The RL jacket will stay with me until I can hunt one down. Sooooo gooood!
Gosh! So many delicious layers, textures and colors, Jalil! You're a magician. As a proud European, originally Polish and living in Denmark, I can really relate to dressing for an illusion and not the reality. The illusion of a world at peace, where we attend to the problems that really matter - better ways to provide sustainable energy to a growing population or fixing what needs to be fixed (and there's a ton) in the fashion industry - to mention just a few. I can already sense a slight shift in my mindset...typical for people living with the constant threat of war hanging over their heads (literally) - longterm planning makes suddenly less sense. It's about here and now. Also here and now joys and pleasures in my wardrobe.
Such a beautiful comment, thank you so much! I agree, it does feel like wishful thinking to think plan for a future, when everything feels quite temporary. I think we are living at a time with the phrase “why not” feels like the best guiding principle!
& I love ❤️ dressing for the illusion of a better time. It’s hopeful ~ in the context of our beady-eyed realism ~ & it feels strong & peaceful to remain hopeful, optimistic & happy no matter the SUPER real strains of our current collective reality. Thank you & Bless Up.
So beautifully written & styled w a welcome sensitity
Great post! Always appreciate your insight and ideas. This spring summer I will be dressing for my aspirational lifestyle, surf culture. Started this by buying the ultimate slacker piece the Guest in Residence Baja cardigan. 🏄🏼♀️
How delicious!
Love Roucha! The burgundy denim ♥️. Always love your posts! xx