Really liked your piece about clothing rentals in hashtagpaid... It seems to be taking of in the US, but do you think any other countries (I.e., the UK) are ready for this idea, and is there a market there yet?
Hmmm I think places like London, Amsterdam, Nordics would be ready for it and definitely is a market. most other cities are likely to be against it philosophically (could imagine Paris being like that), or not ready for this iteration on consumption. Think you’ll need there to be a market of consumers who have spending power to make it happen
Most of my investment recs are for colder months. A great pair of blue jeans (NO skinny allowed!); can be light-wash or raw denim. A soft-shoulder wool topcoat. A pair of desert boots. Quality socks for colder months. Nice cashmere or wool sweaters (can be turtleneck or crewneck). These are the most important to get right IMO.
Hey Kyle! I just follow tons of brands, designers, outlets, creatives etc on social and email to see what’s happening, always got my hand on the pulse of something
You're always on the move. What's your approach for packing? Are you the type of traveler who packs an Extra Large suitcase on a weekend getaway or someone who packs as a minimalist and stretches the versatility of each piece?
Haha I’m awful at packing. For short trips I over pack and for long trips I tend under pack. In general, I avoid checking bags for domestic flights unless it’s a long trip. I have a carry on from Away and will usually pack a weekender as a back up.
Hi Clayton! This could be random and I apologise in advance if it's too inquisitive - do you have a "regular" job besides sprezza and if yes, how do you juggle both? Thank you.
Hey!! I am full time freelance right now. I write a lot here, and also for another company. I also do a little consulting as well. It’s tough juggling both, since they require so much creative output. I’ve learned a lot these last few months about how to manage time, projects, etc. Thanks for asking!
BOTH! I'm a fan of both, if the taper is done right. I have a pair of khaki pleated trousers and I love wearing them. Craftsman Clothing in HK does a great job with making casual pleats.
Do you think shorts will ever have the same love as pants? For example, in look books and press photos for autumn, winter and spring, most of the fits are shown with pants, and even in summer I feel that shorts are only in about half the photos. Cheers
I mean, depends on the brand but I see what you mean. Personally, I love shorts and think lots of brands don't know how to design a fit that works. I like them fitting more flowy and *slightly* baggy
Ahhh I didn’t wear watches growing up, I just didn’t like how they felt on my wrist and also because I was broke af haha. ive started to appreciate them in the last year, in large part thanks to you man! I have a bunch of Shinolas that were gifted to me over the years but don’t rock them much. I think it’s time to make my first big boy watch purchase and its gotta be a Cartier!
How often are you buying / replacing new pieces in your wardrobe? As a fashion blogger, do you think this is average / less more than "regular" shoppers?
It really depends. I can go periods where I buy nothing, then re-up on a bunch of items all at once. Personally, for me, it's been tough to buy things since I've been moving around the US so much, but now that I'm settled, I'm going to get rid of a bunch of shit and grab some new pieces. It's easy to buy on impulse and I avoid that because it's not my style.
I guess if you found a great staple piece (chore coat, belt, hat, socks, etc.) that's made by a great brand and was more affordable than you expected! (For example, for me, it's polos from Grana)
Ooph. CACTUS JACK JORDAN 1 LOWs. Lol. Nah, I've been slowly wearing kicks more recently and love the NB Protection Packs, always love the sacai waffles too (preferably black).
I actually got them SUPER dirty twice (sidebar: they make great golf shoes!) and they were really easy to clean. But yeah...was definitely nervous haha
1. hmm good Q. Probably not, I'm really picky about what watch faces look like and don't like things that feel too "busy" if that makes sense.
2. Love all beer (cheap or exclusive haha). I enjoy my summer pilsners, Fall brown ales, winter porters, etc. I'm also really into natural wine right now, learning about the wine-making process is fun and it makes me feel better (no hangovers haha).
3. I appreciate Neapolitan tailoring, and anything with a soft shoulder. Just feels more elegant to me.
Really liked your piece about clothing rentals in hashtagpaid... It seems to be taking of in the US, but do you think any other countries (I.e., the UK) are ready for this idea, and is there a market there yet?
Hmmm I think places like London, Amsterdam, Nordics would be ready for it and definitely is a market. most other cities are likely to be against it philosophically (could imagine Paris being like that), or not ready for this iteration on consumption. Think you’ll need there to be a market of consumers who have spending power to make it happen
What are some of the best investment pieces for building out a well rounded wardrobe? What's always worth spending the extra $$$ on?
Most of my investment recs are for colder months. A great pair of blue jeans (NO skinny allowed!); can be light-wash or raw denim. A soft-shoulder wool topcoat. A pair of desert boots. Quality socks for colder months. Nice cashmere or wool sweaters (can be turtleneck or crewneck). These are the most important to get right IMO.
Hey Clayton, (sprezza aside) what are your favorite menswear forums for tracking news and the latest in men's fashion?
Hey Kyle! I just follow tons of brands, designers, outlets, creatives etc on social and email to see what’s happening, always got my hand on the pulse of something
You're always on the move. What's your approach for packing? Are you the type of traveler who packs an Extra Large suitcase on a weekend getaway or someone who packs as a minimalist and stretches the versatility of each piece?
Haha I’m awful at packing. For short trips I over pack and for long trips I tend under pack. In general, I avoid checking bags for domestic flights unless it’s a long trip. I have a carry on from Away and will usually pack a weekender as a back up.
Hi Clayton! This could be random and I apologise in advance if it's too inquisitive - do you have a "regular" job besides sprezza and if yes, how do you juggle both? Thank you.
Hey!! I am full time freelance right now. I write a lot here, and also for another company. I also do a little consulting as well. It’s tough juggling both, since they require so much creative output. I’ve learned a lot these last few months about how to manage time, projects, etc. Thanks for asking!
Pleats or no pleats? And why? :)
BOTH! I'm a fan of both, if the taper is done right. I have a pair of khaki pleated trousers and I love wearing them. Craftsman Clothing in HK does a great job with making casual pleats.
How do you feel about the "finance/tech/midtown uniform". aka, wearing a fleece vest on top of a dress shirt?
In general I think it's a lazy attempt to look business casual. Maybe it's comfortable but doesn't do us any favors otherwise haha
Do you think shorts will ever have the same love as pants? For example, in look books and press photos for autumn, winter and spring, most of the fits are shown with pants, and even in summer I feel that shorts are only in about half the photos. Cheers
I mean, depends on the brand but I see what you mean. Personally, I love shorts and think lots of brands don't know how to design a fit that works. I like them fitting more flowy and *slightly* baggy
(1) do you usually wear a watch? (2) if so, what whatch(es); if not, why not, and what can i do to get a watch on that wrist?
Ahhh I didn’t wear watches growing up, I just didn’t like how they felt on my wrist and also because I was broke af haha. ive started to appreciate them in the last year, in large part thanks to you man! I have a bunch of Shinolas that were gifted to me over the years but don’t rock them much. I think it’s time to make my first big boy watch purchase and its gotta be a Cartier!
I’m rooting for you to get a vintage Datejust!! #teamrolex
I would actually be perfectly okay with this!
Also… couldn’t help sharing this again haha: https://www.inc.com/magazine/201604/stacy-perman/shinola-watch-history-manufacturing-heritage-brand.html
The headline is fantastic haha. I will say though, for being a fabricated story, they have been known to take good care of their employees
the old four pins article on shinola is one of my faves too, https://www.complex.com/style/shinola-detroits-misguided-white-knight
Hadn’t actually read this one — thanks for the share!
How often are you buying / replacing new pieces in your wardrobe? As a fashion blogger, do you think this is average / less more than "regular" shoppers?
It really depends. I can go periods where I buy nothing, then re-up on a bunch of items all at once. Personally, for me, it's been tough to buy things since I've been moving around the US so much, but now that I'm settled, I'm going to get rid of a bunch of shit and grab some new pieces. It's easy to buy on impulse and I avoid that because it's not my style.
What are you go-to brands/pieces to build out a business casual work closet?
How would you define business casual? chinos and button-down shirt? Jeans and polo?
Definitely the chinos and button down vibe. Button down untucked is typical
Honestly, Buck Mason, Alex Crane, Alex Mill all have great options for this type of vibe. Good price points too.
Who is your favourite designer to get vintage pieces from?
100% https://ametoravintage.com/ and https://www.nomaintenance.us/. Those guys are insane collectors. They have the best products (Carhartt, Levis, etc), and it's all really well-priced stuff.
What are some affordable/attainable wardrobe finds that you recommend?
Elaborate on this one a little!
I guess if you found a great staple piece (chore coat, belt, hat, socks, etc.) that's made by a great brand and was more affordable than you expected! (For example, for me, it's polos from Grana)
What are some of the kicks that you've been eyeing but are on the fence about picking up?
Ooph. CACTUS JACK JORDAN 1 LOWs. Lol. Nah, I've been slowly wearing kicks more recently and love the NB Protection Packs, always love the sacai waffles too (preferably black).
The Sacai Waffles are so nice. I have the all-white ones that I lace swapped with red, but I def want to get those black and grey ones.
I'd be too scared to scuff them white ones up haha
I actually got them SUPER dirty twice (sidebar: they make great golf shoes!) and they were really easy to clean. But yeah...was definitely nervous haha
I want to get into metaverse fashion. I know the tech. Where would you find the inspiration for the future of design?
Thoughts on shackets?
1. hmm good Q. Probably not, I'm really picky about what watch faces look like and don't like things that feel too "busy" if that makes sense.
2. Love all beer (cheap or exclusive haha). I enjoy my summer pilsners, Fall brown ales, winter porters, etc. I'm also really into natural wine right now, learning about the wine-making process is fun and it makes me feel better (no hangovers haha).
3. I appreciate Neapolitan tailoring, and anything with a soft shoulder. Just feels more elegant to me.
A Little Lange 1 25th Anniversary Edition is one of my grails!!
ugh same <3