I’m starting to dress like my reply guys

This is mostly me talking about James Perse.

I have used that brand as a marker for creeps and losers for as long as I can remember. It has to be my #1…Kith being #2.

When I had a few bucks to spend and decided I wanted to force my way into the fashion conversation, I was in New York City stomping around in Nike Lunar Elite Sky Hi’s (City Pack, Tokyo for the mental image). Probably on my way to VFiles.

I’ve always loved fashion at its most confrontational. When Trump won the election in 2016, I spent way too much time at Search & Destroy buying big ass camo jackets, and cutting gaping holes in them, sort of like a pissed off 13 year old taking it out on his bedroom wall. Fashion as a response. But with minimalism… (here I go), it feels like lying on the floor staring at your grandma’s popcorn ceiling.

I mean, when a man with white hair is claiming to be 32 and rocking an offensive v-neck, and I can even see the white chest hair accoutrement, I have to take my grievances up with the brand. It’s fine for minimalism to elicit not one thought, but to enlighten men who are taking up film photography is just too far.

Maxfield was, still is, could forever be, my center of the universe. James Perse is the son of Tommy Perse. Tommy is the founder of Maxfield. You can imagine how conflicted this left me.

In looking at my subjects, 1. Grown man taking over his dad’s business, 2. Grown man who had after parties in his apartment and 3. Grown man who started a fashion brand and cried at work frequently…there wasn’t much crossover between the two. James Perse was their safe space, Maxfield wasn’t as inclusive for guys with E-bikes. My hating could continue.

Fast forward many many years, life is way different, kinda fucked, and I suppose I’m a grown adult. I sort of resonate with these creeps…like maybe I’ll start lying about my age too…

But more importantly, I’m not seeing any brands I want to rep with an all over print or matching sweat set. I’m feeling way more utilitarian these days. But beyond that I’m feeling like it’s important to be subdued. I’d rather that than run the risk of Lauren Sánchez Bezoing it.

I want…a nice white t-shirt…

Minimalism is my latest response. And also a great way to blend into the background. I just want to wear something that says, I have a to-do list today. Ordinary, hang on, ordinary with an exceptional fit and intention, feels like my Goldilocks middle ground. It is just right.

By the way, James Perse is expensive. I do really like the sensibility of the Malibu store, but instead I’m wheeling and dealing on eBay, ThredUp, etc.

They make these t-shirts that are in a textured slub yarn, or combed cotton that look like a slightly hotter version of a tee Carmela Soprano would wear while yelling at Anthony Jr. in the kitchen. The drape feels like a silk camisole.

I also love their tank tops, an elegant version of the type of man tank you see worn at the beach. The 3/4 length tops make me look like a substitute teacher a little bit but I like to pair with lace or neon whatever underneath.

In the end, I guess it was never really about the brand…actually it definitely was. I don’t know what’s up with the men’s assortment. But the women’s feels like a grown version of Brandy Melville in the best way (my version of a compliment).

White tank top (small), Black 3/4 tee (small), White slub tee(small), Boxy black short sleeve tee (multiple sizes), Long sleeve lilac tee (small), V-neck tank (medium)

*I’d also like to add, for whatever its worth, even though James Perse evokes Southern California casual, I have never not once seen it being worn by a man here in L.A. It was a New York only thing from my observation. An “I’m a chill guy” kind of costume.

**I can’t help a Sopranos reference here and there.

Below are nine estate sales that take you back in time. A house filled with designer mcm furniture and Madonna’s Penthouse issue, a very special architectural home, a closet of Dries Van Noten and Celine…