Jake's Takes (Ask Me Anything) Pt.1

You asked, I rambled.

PLEASE READ: I have decided to make this Substack not just a hobby but give it a real shot and dedicate a significant amount of time to it. Because I love it,—it being sharing the fashion, music, movies, and other stuff that bring me joy. Also occasionally dunking on some wack shit.

I have spent 11 years in the fashion industry building up my voice and humbly think I’ve earned a place to own my own channel, where the content is what I wanna do when I wanna do it. And I want it to be the best it can possibly be, because you deserve it, but the only way to do that is with your support. Not to get all telethon on your ass but for just $6 a month (or $60 a year, less than some socks y’all wear!) you can literally help me realize my dreams. On a more practical level you are helping pay the $650 a month that my health insurance costs. (Note: Cobra is ass.) I am so grateful for having the chance to do this and I hope you’ll pitch in.

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What's one fashion trend that needs to go away for a while? - William

Imagine your average jawnz enthusiast that trolls around Nolita sipping on some Cafe Leon Dore. Is he wearing Carhartt pants? Maybe some Birkenstocks or New balance 550s. Does he have on a cardigan? Is it mohair? Does he also have a trucker cap on? Is there a canvas tote slinked over his shoulder? If you have seen this dude before, you’ve seen them a hundred times flicked up on IG.

I get why this look took off, and I don’t think it’s objectively bad. Workwear is always going to look good and this trend basically started as a new way to wear Carhartt without looking like you’re cosplaying as a mechanic in Ohio. But now it’s become the default for dudes who want to be a part of this fashion shit online, and when any trend gets to that point, it loses its personality.

For all of us normies with office jobs—if you had to wear business casual attire for work, what styles/brands would you wear? - Jake

First of all, great name. This is an interesting question because I’m not entirely sure I’m qualfied to answer it. I literally haven’t worked in an office on the day to day in 4 years. That said, I’m thinking on it now and have come to the following conclusion:

I would probably lean into classics as boring as that sounds, but that doesn’t mean they have to be basic pieces or brands. Instead of opting for the same old slim fit 2% spandex pants that was probably born on kickstarter, see if you can’t find some baggy J.Crew or Ralph Lauren pants instead. Maybe even opt for a pleat!

If you’ve gotta wear hard-bottom shoes, then know we’re living in a golden age of loafers.

What designer in their prime today will go down among the pantheon of greats like Raf, Yohji, etc? Also interested to hear what you think about Rick Owens. I feel like I’m part of the Rick cult, and I would love to hear your perspective on the brand. — Evan

Rick is already in the hall of fame for creating his own aesthetic that’s instantly recognizable based on silhouettes and fabrics, not logos, which is the sign of someone with a really strong voice. You see some drop crotch black pants with extra long drawstrings and you know it’s some Dicky O.

From today’s guard, it’s hard to argue against Demna being the most defining voice and the one most likely to be welcomed into the Pantheon. No designer over the last 5 years has created more hype or, more importantly, sparked more discussion on silhouette and the very idea of “luxury” than he has. Despite the constant naysayers who chalk his vibe up to nothing more than cynical, ill-fitting, overpriced takes on staples like hoodies, tees, and sneakers, his influence continues to perpetuate the fashion scene and his powers have never been greater. Balenciaga is the only major luxury house with any real juice right now if we’re keeping it a buck!

I personally have been losing some faith in the Adidas Yeezy footwear…wanted to know how u feel? - Korbas

READ THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION AND MANY OTHERS IN PART 2 HERE.