Convertible Clothes
A paradox exists in clothing for me between the vision of a designer and the wearer. To make clothing that is unique and inspiring is the aim of most designers. And consumers want to see something they’ve never seen before. But does wearing something uniquely designed make you unique? Does individuality in dressing come from what you wear or how you wear it?
"...so compelling that when you see them, you just know"
Successful designers have a vision — an aesthetic that is immediately recognizable. They produce products that are so distinct and so compelling that when you see them, you just know. Think of things like a waxed Barbour, a boucle jacket from Chanel, or an Hermès scarf. These are amazing products and are instantly recognizable.
But I view clothes through the lens of the wearer. And there is a disconnect when product and marketing leans so heavily into an aesthetic that it violates the most important variable of dressing — individuality.
But I view clothes through the lens of the wearer. And there is a disconnect when product and marketing leans so heavily into an aesthetic that it violates the most important variable of dressing — individuality.
For me, the joy in clothing is finding a new way to wear something. There is no better feeling than putting something on that you thought would never work and it looking great. Too much of the discussion around clothing is about what we wear and not how we wear it.
"Or in clothing that is anachronistic (sorry, fedora hat wearers)"
That’s why you’ll rarely see me dressed in clothing with logos. Or in clothing that is anachronistic (sorry, fedora hat wearers). Or in heavily “in-fashion” clothing. These items force you to dress in a specific way and remove a layer of individuality. There is less room for you to “make it yours”.
Are there exceptions? Of course. But I think one of the highest compliments you can receive on your appearance is someone asking, “where is that from”?
Are there exceptions? Of course. But I think one of the highest compliments you can receive on your appearance is someone asking, “where is that from”?
"This isn’t a knock on high fashion"
This isn’t a knock on high fashion, nor a plea for more ultra-expensive, exclusionary dressing. I think people should wear what makes them happy. Instead it’s a statement for “convertible clothes”. Clothes that allow the wearer the freedom to style it in the way they want, not what someone else wanted.
"Does this mean I dress 'safe' or boring?"
Does this mean I dress “safe” or boring? Some might say so. But wearing something uniquely designed does not make you well dressed. It’s how you wear it that does.
Jeff is wearing:
