Measurements began around midnight Thursday in a packed Rachel Comey store on Crosby Street in Soho. As the crowd applauded at what she read, she said of a somewhat unfamiliar audience: you.
That’s right. This was probably a fashion event attended by a very large number of writers. She wore dresses, tops and pants that were part of the designer’s collaboration with the New York Review of Books she directed. Shapton, Comey’s longtime friend and creative partner.
Fashion and literature may be an unlikely pairing, but there’s a recent precedent.Written by Author Otessa Moshfeg flash fiction In Proenza Schouler’s Fall 2022 collection, models like Kendall Jenner and Kaia Gerber often display current readings as part of their off-duty style. This is the latest flirtation between the worlds of fashion and literature, a courtship in which each party draws a little social capital from the other. You seem to be conscious of your clothes.
I asked some of the attendees (many of whom work in the world of magazines and publishing) what they read and whether good taste in books translates into good taste in clothes.
The interview has been edited.
what are you reading
I’m reading Lewis Mumford’s memoirs. I am embarking on a new book. I’m going to write a book about city college. My recollection is when Lewis Mumford went to City College in his 1920s. I read this book many years ago, so I hope I’m right!
What do you wear when you write?
You’re joking, right! what do i wear T-shirts and sweatpants. I wake up in the morning, pull them up and sit down.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
Oh yes. Haha. I don’t think it means that we are gathering here. Do not know! They may have ideas about New York Revue or these clothes that I didn’t know. But certainly as regards the development of your own language, the development of your social presence – absolutely.
Do you ever wear clothes with your signature?
No, would you?
Jade Mapp, 30
Books Beyond Bars Program Coordinator
what are you reading
There is a book called “The Joy of Being Disliked”. Part of the human experience is recognizing that we are not always likable and not everyone wants to be our friend.
What do you wear when you write?
I usually wear fun socks – banded shirts and comfy socks.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
absolutely. Because I think it helps me to become more fashionable because I can become a part of someone else’s world.
Sandeep Salter, 34 years old
salter house owner
what are you reading
“Speedboat” I was glad I carried it around and the chapters are so short you can do it on the train.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
I hope so. I think it can make you a deeper and more complex person, which leads to your personal style.
Samantha Yadron, 27
Columbia University MFA Student
what are you reading
I just started a book called A Woman. She is taking a class on 20th century Italian autobiography. I also read “Septology”.
What do you wear when you write?
I don’t usually look this good. I tend to write in the morning at a coffee shop. I don’t even take a shower. Head straight to his 111 Hungarian pastry shop in Amsterdam and write for two hours. I usually wear gray corduroy pants and this green sweater is so soft I wear it almost every day.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
I think that recent literature has become an aesthetic in itself. Aesthetics can be developed based on the idea of enjoying reading. A better version of it is if you have your own reading interests. Perhaps you always read something very obscure and that might make you more stylish.
what are you reading
I’ve just started the Booker Prize-winning Seven Moons of Mari Almeida. very good. Also, I just started an audiobook called “Legends & Lattes”, which is clearly “high fantasy and low his stakes”. Good combination.
What do you wear when you write?
The most comfortable clothes. I want elasticity.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
Reading more widely can be curiosity and more stylish. Curiosity leads you to more experimental dressing, and it’s a lot of fun.
Meek Chu, 34 years old
Editor and Spokesperson for New Directions
What do you wear when editing?
I think COVID-19 has changed what people like to wear during the day. I’m a big Rachel Comey fan, but I usually wear pants and Comme des Garçons and his T-shirt or whatever. comfortable clothes.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
No, I don’t think so. I don’t see a correlation, but if you go to a book party, it will be obvious. But that’s why there’s something wonderful and amazing about this collaboration.
what are you reading
I am reading the translation of “The Threshold” by the great Egyptian poet Iman Mersal. Translated by Robin Cresswell.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
absolutely. Reading is what brings you inside. Some people find that what they are on the inside is reflected on the outside, and I think this is seen in very fashionable people.
Do you wear your signature clothes?
I’m fine with that. It’s like writing something and letting it go, so what happens after that is part of the writing process.
what are you reading
Heidi Julavitz: I’m reading a book called “Left for Dead” by Nick Ward about who sailed in the 1979 Fastnet race. In 1979 there was a very bad storm and he was abandoned and died on the boat. However, I am learning how to weather bad weather and am being abandoned by everyone who loves me.
Sloane Crossley: I’m reading a slightly older book, “The Long Goodbye” by Meghan O’Rourke. I am working on a book about grief. We also completed a new Emma Klein. Usually I chain smoke books a little more.
What do you wear when you write?
Mr. Crossley: Anyone who says anything other than “bathrobes” is a dirty liar. I think he wears two bathrobes. One is used clothes when I want to appear in a writer’s movie.
Mr. Julavitz: I’m still wearing the pajamas I used to sleep in.
what are you reading
I read John Fosse’s Septology — probably like many women here.
What do you wear when you write?
I like wearing clothes more than sweatpants. Because you need to feel that something interesting is happening with what you’re wearing. That’s why I like to write in clothes.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
definitely! yes. It makes you a more interesting person, and I think being funny is the most stylish thing.
what are you reading
I just started reading a book on how to write letters. In this day and age, we are a little farther away from actually writing handwritten letters. Valentine’s Day is approaching, so I wanted to brush up on my calligraphy a little.
Do you think reading improves your fashion sense?
Yes, I think words are like wearing accessories. A great way to add an attitude, gesture or emotion in a way to express yourself.
