We all have those beloved articles of clothing we wear almost like a second skin. In high school and college, for me it was a chambray button-down from Benetton that I wore until it was literally falling apart at the seams. Later, it was a zip-up cashmere hoodie that I held onto until there were baseball-sized holes in both elbows. Right now, an oversized denim shirt from the men’s section at J.Crew is my go-to on WFH days. It gets softer with every wash and is the perfect layer over a tank or fitted tee.
“I think clothing can be a way to extend your energy into the world if you want, or protect your energy,” says Sydney Farris, one of the style mavens on this year’s IT List. That could explain why I wear a disproportionate amount of black and denim – I’ve always been one to blend in rather than stand out.
Each year, I’m fascinated by the responses from these most-stylish denizens. This year in particular, a record number of IT Listers, as we like to call them, mention a preference for shopping at vintage, thrift or resale shops. And while almost everyone has at least one fashion pet peeve, many of this year’s participants eschew fashion rules or limits, projecting a “you be you” ethos.
That just goes to show that our annual list, produced by Whitley Adkins, isn’t just about who wears the most designer labels or spends the most money on their wardrobe — instead it’s about highlighting individuals who exemplify a distinctive individual style, collectively making our city a more interesting and creative place to live.
Perhaps photographer Brandon Grate said it best: “Personal style is a privilege. It’s autonomy over how the world sees you, how you see you. It’s also a gift — so don’t waste it, and don’t be boring.” SP
CATHY MARTIN
Editor
editor@southparkmagazine.com
IN THIS ISSUE:
1 – In the studio with Daniel Gonzalez
2 – Mint Museum Auxiliary’s latest acquisition, I’M TAKING TIME AWAY TO DREAM
3 – Paul Simon Co. turns 50
4 – Contributor Natalie Dick and Julie Austin at Calle Sol
Jeffrey Gibson(American, 1972–). I’M TAKING TIME AWAY TO DREAM, 2023, acrylic on canvas, vintage beaded elements, glass beads, acrylic felt and nylon thread in a custom painted frame. Copyright Jeffrey Gibson. Courtesy the artist and Stephen Friedman Gallery.
Photographs by Olly Yung, Max Yawney courtesy The Mint Museum, Richard Israel
