Simon Crompton, founder of Permanent Style, dives into the evolving rules of dressing and the joy it brings. He challenges the obsession with style guidelines, emphasizing personal expression over mere adherence. The talk also highlights the impact of technology in fashion, particularly AI, and the importance of individual taste. Simon reflects on the significance of vintage clothing and thoughtful purchasing, encouraging listeners to enjoy their unique style journeys without the constraints of fleeting trends.
Adhering strictly to fashion rules can inhibit creativity, suggesting that personal style should be a joyful exploration instead.
The conversation emphasizes the fashion industry's current preference for stability and refinement over radical changes in design.
Technology's role in fashion, particularly chatbots, poses a threat to the personal connection we have with our style choices.
Deep dives
Reflection on New York Market Experiences
The discussion begins with a reflection on recent experiences at the New York market, a crucial event in the fashion calendar where brands showcase their collections before fashion week. Attendees, including smaller businesses and retailers, evaluate new offerings, and there’s an emphasis on community and shared experiences. Interestingly, the lack of surprises at the market is noted, highlighting that established brands have adhered closely to their successful formulas without significant changes. This continuity in design suggests that the industry is finding comfort in consistency during uncertain times.
The Consistency of Fashion Trends
The theme of stability in fashion continues as the conversation notes that wardrobes are evolving but not dramatically changing. This stability is viewed positively, indicating that brands are refining existing styles instead of wholesale transformation, which often overwhelms consumers. The idea that not changing much is an accomplishment becomes a central point, suggesting that fashion doesn’t always need reinvention but rather a focus on improving what works. By maintaining recognizable styles, brands are helping consumers feel good about getting dressed amidst chaotic global circumstances.
Simon Crompton's Influence on Menswear
Simon Crompton, a prominent figure in menswear, emphasizes the importance and joy of personal style over rigid ‘rules’ of dressing. The conversation dives into whether adhering to style rules, such as when to wear certain colors or types of shoes, can inhibit creativity and self-expression in fashion. Simon's website, Permanent Style, is recognized as a critical resource for exploring classic menswear, supporting the notion that understanding clothing should be a joyful, personal exploration rather than a checklist of dos and don’ts. The recommendation is to enjoy the process of dressing, rather than feeling constrained by outdated guidelines.
Navigating the Intersection of Technology and Fashion
The conversation shifts to the integration of technology in fashion, including the use of chatbots and how they may abstract the personal connection individuals have with style. The hosts express skepticism towards replacing the nuanced understanding of personal style with algorithm-based recommendations, as it could diminish the joy found in the process of selecting outfits. Real engagement with fashion is rooted in personal exploration and individual taste, which cannot be replicated by artificial intelligence. Instead, the hosts argue that dressing should involve choices that reflect one’s personality and experience rather than being driven by simplistic rules or automated suggestions.
The Value of Personal Experience in Fashion Choices
The discussion culminates with insights on how personal experiences shape fashion preferences and choices. It’s highlighted that the value of clothing is derived not just from brands or trends but from the journey of discovering what works for the individual. Drawing on anecdotes, the hosts illustrate how actual engagement with garments, from thrift shopping to tailoring experiences, can enrich one's style. Ultimately, the belief is shared that personal growth in style is more fulfilling than strictly adhering to the latest trends or seeking validation from external opinions.
Simon and I dug into some stuff we’ve discussed a ton over the years - do "the rules" of getting dressed matter? And if you’re so obsessed with “the rules” of dressing, do you miss out on the joy of getting dressed?
We discuss how technology and chatbots have woven into brands and e-commerce, and what’s still worth obsessing over.