State of Summer: Week 3
Journalist, Author, and Host of Fashion People; NYC's Photographer, Writer, and Creator of Esquire's "Five Fits With"; and Creative Consultant, Stylist, and the reason you wait in line on Mulberry.
Lauren Sherman
Clear, tough, and very funny Lauren writes and speaks on fashion, media, culture, and business. With the honed ability to distil fashion conglomerates into 2 words capturing the entire premise while discussing breakfast granolas at-length her dynamic and well-studied podcast is both educational and entertaining. Through the rationalization of Phoebe Philo purchases to audible eye-rolling of poorly conceived price points, what I’m most drawn to is the underlying feeling that she really wants brands and people to be good and succeed. ⠀⠀⠀
Lauren Sherman. Journalist, author, and host of Fashion People, Los Angeles.⠀⠀⠀⠀
How are you spending your summer ?
At our pool club, which has incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains. It's pretty bare bones, but they make great curly fries.
What will we find you wearing ?
Charvet shirts, Amazon track cotton shorts, a scrunchie from Pico, my Puck hat, and PVC Birkenstocks. My favorite bathing suit is this one from Target.
Is there anything that you’re particularly engaged in at the moment ?
I'm trying to read more because July and August are months where I don't typically travel for work. Along with Marisa Meltzer's Jane Birkin biography and David Marx's Blank Space: A Cultural History of the 21st Century, I'm re-reading Persuasion after listening to a Critics at Large podcast episode about Jane Austen. I've also been reading a lot about people who were important to New York in the 1990s and 2000s: Keith McNally, Graydon Carter, Si Newhouse. I will probably listen to the Lorne Michaels one on tape.
What gives you comfort ?
Now much, given everything that's happening right now politically. It's very easy to feel isolated in California, and most areas of the US, because you travel by car, and there can be scary things happening a mile away from you and you would never be exposed. Generally, though, I am grateful that we are in Los Angeles, and surrounded by incredibly interesting people and a lot of beauty. I find comfort in going to bed before 11pm, the drive to Ojai, eating at nice restaurants, drinking various styles of martinis, going to Sqirl for lunch every weekend with my husband and kid, and watching my kid become a good swimmer who loves to belly flop into the pool.
Thank You Lauren !
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Christopher Fenimore
When you look at Chris’ work it’s without gimmicks - it’s direct and honest which, like his cooking, requires really good ingredients. With a roster of the most tasteful fashion and media clients, NYC’s favourite photographer truly sees the best in people. At ease and with the big picture in mind.
Christopher Fenimore. Photographer and writer, North Fork & New York.
How are you spending your summer ?
Summer is an interesting time. My wife works at a vineyard that is open from April to November, so this season is full on for her. Since I freelance, I can mostly set my own schedule. Work slows down for me mid-summer, so I’m spending a lot of time at home with my kids. I also stay active with basketball, softball, CrossFit, and lifting at the gym. We live quite close to my in-laws private beach, so we spend a lot of time there. There are also tons of incredible farms out here, so I enjoy cooking and grilling with fresh local produce.
What will we find you wearing ?
If I’m out here on the North Fork where I live, simply shorts and tees or linen shirts. If I’m in the city for work, I try to dress up a bit, but with the summer heat it’s a similar prescription. There, I’ll wear more jewelry and loafers, which always give the illusion you’re more dressed up than you are.
Is there anything that you’re particularly engaged in at the moment ?
I’m working on keeping my Substack content flowing. People seem to be responding well to my recent features, particularly those I did on folks’ homes. I also got a new camera so I’m enjoying figuring it out and hoping to shoot with it more the second half of this year.
What gives you comfort ?
A clean home, the first sip of coffee in the morning, watching the Yankees on a weekend afternoon, a pedicure, getting under a down comforter in a cold room before bed, reading a book in the sun, reading the weekend Financial Times and magazines while watching tennis, a glass of nice wine, driving my car home with loud music, and most of all, dinner with my family at the table.
Thank You Chris !
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Brandon A. Mahler
You saw the beret, you’ve seen the grill. Brandon’s signature style, vast knowledge, business acumen, and passion has culminated in work with Drake’s and Aime Leon Dore to name a few. Currently in off-season training, we can’t wait to wait in line for what’s next.
Brandon A. Mahler. Creative Consultant and Stylist, Houston & New York.
How are you spending your summer ?
I’m currently in Houston, Texas for the summer, doing a bit of a re-group atm. I grew up here so I’m kind of re-connecting with things here and working on a couple of projects. It’s the first time I’ve been away from NY for a summer in years. I’ve been reading a lot, writing a couple things here and there. It’s been nice to see my parents and old friends.
Done a beach weekend with friends, a couple of Austin trips, felt like I just hung in the sun and by the water a decent amount.
I’ve got a lot of domestic travel planned, mostly around attending/playing music. Hoping to also see at least one of these Oasis shows here in North America.
I have a weekend trip with my friends in Narrow Head coming up, We’re road tripping to Chicago for two of their shows. (Stopping in Arkansas for a night) The boys in How Long Gone are also doing a live show that weekend - so that’ll be fun to do while we’re already there.
Got a couple of more Austin trips planned, would be great to visit West Texas (Marfa/Big Bend, Etc) While I’m out here, I haven’t been in so long.
I’ll be playing a show or two in Texas in August and going back on the road with my friends in Nihilistic Easyrider in September. (Hello midwest/east coast) I feel like summer lasts so long out here. I’ll head back to NYC after that.
What will we find you wearing ?
Texas is really hot, sticky, and humid, I’ve been just kind of rocking the same couple of outfits over and over again.
I managed to get a pair of the Our Legacy Emporio Armani jeans from the collaboration - those have been getting a lot of heavy wear.
I’ve got like 3/4 pairs of shorts that aren’t swim that I’ve been wearing the hell out of.
Lots of vintage tees that I’ve been cycling through.
Lots of sunglasses to go through… mostly Vada, JMM, and some vintage stuff.
On my feet I’ve just been trying to do whatever is breathable and comfortable, Gyosan pearl flip flops, T-Straps from Aurora, A couple pairs of jelly sandals from Celine and Ghaia. The New Balance Auralee 574s, I’m trying to find another sneaker I’m excited about atm.
Is there anything that you’re particularly engaged in at the moment ?
I recently started running and cycling (again) - It’s been crazy to do while it’s so hot and humid but it’s been rewarding. Good for the mental.
I’ve been trying to shoot more photos when I’m out. I’ve got a couple cameras on me all the time now.
Part of the reason I’m home is to kind of re-center as well, so revisiting things that used to bring me joy has been nice. Visiting places that got me into the things I’m into now, the museums, bookstores, architectural places of importance. Seeing those things over again as an adult has been amazing.
What gives you comfort ?
Familiarity, I love going somewhere I feel comfortable - even if I’ve never been. I think that’s a great feeling. I love being somewhere I can just relax and have a nice meal, or coffee or martini. Somewhere quiet where I can have a moment to myself. That gives me comfort. I think we all need a little more of that. Typing it out is a great reminder.
Thank You Brandon !
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