Like everyone I stop on the streets for a photograph, I had no idea who Simon was when I walked up to him. While I was shooting him the conversation focused on his love of accessories. He was easygoing and chill, with a great laugh. In fact, it wasn’t until after he emailed me for his photos (I’m always behind on posting) that I saw in his signature Simon is in charge of visual merchandising at Hermés for the entire eastern United States. Like, whoa.
It’s that down-to-earth, humble attitude that I see over and over in people who’ve become successful in fashion. The obnoxious people who use fashion to put others down, or incessantly name drop, do so because they’re insecure about themselves. I love it when people like Simon don’t even name drop themselves, he was just this totally normal and chill guy who I struck up a conversation with on Rush Street. His job title was secondary to the interaction that we had. That’s a pattern I consistently observe.
A good friend of mine, one of the most stylish people I know, told me that with movie stars it’s the same. The B-thru-Z-Listers prance around Hollywood like fools, faces plastered on tabloids for some made-up drama concocted by venomous PR agents, while the A-Listers are too busy focusing on their craft to bother with all that bullshit. This old article about Phillip Seymour Hoffman hits the nail on the head. Just like I was talking about in Kelsey’s post below, its the whole art vs. image dichotomy, which my anonymous stylish friend gets credit for planting in my skull. She reads my blog so I’ve gotta give her props! Lots of mean people are into fashion for the glitz and the glamour, the source of the stereotype about fashion people sucking at life. Think about the depictions of fashion in movies, TV, popular culture, etc. It’s almost always negative.
Most of the really incredible people who I’ve met in fashion are so cool and friendly, but surprisingly shy about who they are.
Simon was no different.
This is Jasmine’s umpteenth time on my blog… actually I think it’s her fourth. But I’m feeling too lazy to go back and count so you’ll just have to take my word for it. Jasmine is always rocking her own signature look, a sculptural blend of all-black and simple metal pieces that have more in common with armor than jewelry. I’m going to miss photographing her and all the other SAIC fashion program grads after they (inevitably) move to New York to start their careers. In this photo she is wearing her own designs, which she presented at The Walk the evening I photographed her. Jasmine’s collection was one of the strongest featured, and I’m not just saying that because I like her. She landed the revered cover spot for the annual SAIC fashion magazine and was recently featured on WBEZ for her work, so obviously I’m not alone. Listen to the radio segment here.
