When I was in my 20s, I had the desire to work in the fashion industry. I was a consumer of clothes and magazines, and thought maybe that was just enough. I also had Lookbook.nu if you look deep in the internet. I studied social work and sociology, but never thought a career in fashion would be feasible. I slightly attempted and failed at being a stylist. I did not put in the work. Fashion is a business and Toronto just doesn’t have the backings of international buyers, media coverage and systemic support.
Today, I am still a consumer of fashion, but from the periphery. I am very conscious in how I present myself to the world through my clothes and styling choices. I am careful about my purchases, what it represents and who I support. I follow the runway seasons, but only to view a few designers. I was religiously reading BoF, until they started adding a paywall. Damn that paywall. I follow fashion people to try to keep the f up.
Often, I find myself hesitant about the industry because of its relationship to rampant consumption, exclusive nature and perpetual toxicity (in various aspects). But when the fashion gets good, you forget why you even left it behind in the first place.
The past couple weeks, I have been pulled back in by Kate Young. Young is a New York-based stylist. I have heard the name get tossed around here and there in videos, magazines and online publications. This year, Young started a YouTube channel called hello fashion to talk about “all things fashion.”
Young has the ability to talk about fashion democratically. Her videos are approachable and accessible and not muzzled by jargon. She treats the audience as if you were in her inner circle of fashion friends - she’s letting you in. I’ve viewed almost all her videos now and I feel as if I know Kate Young.
The episodes oscillate between styling and fashion history. The ones I find most fascinating are the ones that provide insight into brand history and craftsmanship. Young talks about the history of the brands, how it was founded and how designs have shaped the way society changes and evolves. There’s an intellect to her videos that go beyond just clothes and tells a narrative.
We both agree that we detest sweatpants, but succumb that we must accept that it’s here to stay.
Side note: I saw Daria Werbowy a few weeks ago in Parkdale. As someone who has followed her career from day, I am always in awe by her presence.
I can’t believe I am showing you this, but here some some pics of me being fashion 10 years ago. I had hair. I was PEAK TWINK. I was THRIVING.
Homosexual Agenda
Slackers of the World, Unite! from The Atlantic which I read at 1AM on a Saturday after a few drinks. It was such a fun read and I wished I experienced full Slack culture the way it was expressed in the article. Which begs the question, should I start putting Slack as a skillset on my resume?
I made TWO pumpkin pie loafs thanks to Yossi Arefi and Claire Saffitz. I shared one loaf with guests on Saturday and it was a hit! Get the recipe here. I made it vegan by subbing the eggs for flax “eggs”.
It taste better the day after and should have been topped with pepitas or walnuts, but to no avail. Why are cast irons so expensive? I purchased a new Lodge cast iron skillet for $35CAD and in America, for the same model, it’s $15! What the fuck. I would say it’s my top 5 essential kitchen item, especially if you want perfectly seared tofu and veggies.
After purchasing the cast iron, I ordered a $7 oat latte from Happy Coffee and Wine. That is a crime. I thoroughly enjoyed drinking it alone in solitude in their back patio.
“We don't believe in astrology on this podcast", a quote by Haley Nahman on her podcast this week. Are people still doing astrology? While it is fun, it’s all bullshit. Sorry.
The Google Pixel event on Tuesday makes me want to upgrade my Pixel 3 to the Pixel 6, but also trying to dissect capitalism and planned obsolescence.
A trip to the pharmacy isn’t complete until you check your BMI. If you get a friend to subscribe I will share with you my stats. Not just giving it away for free. 🤷🏻♂️
Two gay dads brought their child to the vet for a check up and some shots. Henry is A+ and got some shrimp post-check up. I recommend Dundas Dovercourt Animal Hospital compared to Henry’s last vet Dundas West Animal Hospital (they will do everything in their power to make sure you buy something extra. they are SUS).
Hello fashion, it’s me, Mary-Kate and Ashley, the two-headed turtle from Cape Cod. According to the Boston Globe, they “have been doing well.” How this news has not made it to the fashion media circuit is beyond me.
It’s been a pretty boring week over here.
Thanks for stopping by!
Perry
Will definitely be checking out Kate young’s channel. And I always felt you were a fashionfile. You always looked good when I saw you
Thanks for the Slack article link, this will help with my research on what employees love about the most successful work/social tool on the market today. It’s like I was working while reading your blog. Keep the content coming!
PS next time you go for coffee at happy let me know