Here we are towards the end of January and it is cold in the city. Cold. Too cold. Regardless, you might as well look good (keep in mind: you will inevitably run into your ex on the sidewalk on the day it is 5 degrees outside and you look like the abominable snowman). We pulled aside the fashionista Darnell Ross to shoot a couple of his looks as well as get an insider’s guide to his shopping secrets. There is nothing like retail therapy to kill those Winter blues, but you’ll be the judge.
1st Look:
Coat: Thrifted (Housing Works)
Turtleneck: Muji
Pants: Asos
Rope Belt: found in a fashion closet Sunglasses (if shot is used): Giorgio Armani
Leather Envelope: Luscious Leather Nyc by Aixa Sobin
2nd Look:
Sweater: Vintage
Jacket: AllSaints
Pants: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Scarf: Tommy Hilfiger
Gloves: Theory
Accessories:
Watch: Vintage, belonged to Grandfather
Ring: Vintage, belonged to Grandmother
Bracelets: From various places – the one with the Latin writing is Marc by Marc, the studded leather belt is from a Soho street vendor, the square link one with which has my name on it was a gift from my grandmother a few years ago from one of the those personalized gift shops, the spiral one with the V links was a gift from a friend picked up at Nordstrom, and the large one was something I came across another fashion closet.
Designers that influence me: Haider Ackermann, Kris Van Assche (Dior Homme), Stefano Pilati (Zegna, formerly of Yves Saint Laurent) Italo Zucchelli (Calvin Klein), Olivier Rousteing (Balmain) and Raf Simons (own self-titled brand and Dior). Most of these designers specialize in menswear while a few create both for men and women (Ackermann, Rousteing, Simons). I find myself gravitating towards menswear due to the more narrow foundations and options compared to womenswear. At times, I feel overwhelmed with all the possibilities of womenswear. On the menswear side however, I find it fascinating to see how designers take traditional silhouettes and recreate with less to choose from.
While attending school and living on the Upper East Side I fell in love Housing Works. Most pieces are evenly priced regardless of make, which is a great opportunity to find anything from Italian-native tailored blazers to designer footwear. Their stores are placed all over the city as well as Brooklyn. The best part is that proceeds go to those living with and affected by HIV/AIDS, in addition to homeless support. For those who may have not have time to check out what’s in the shops I also suggest ASOS.com. Similar to the Topshop vein without the silly prices for questionable quality, ASOS gives you their own brand, smartly designed, affordable, as well as offering other premium brands under one site.
I chose to pursue a career in fashion because I felt it was an industry that I could most strongly apply my talents and interests. I’ve always been detailed-oriented, drawn to art, the latest media capabilities, and interpersonal communication. The fashion industry gives me an opportunity to explore how consumers find meaning through adorning themselves with the goods it produces and brands’ marketing methodologies. Due to high demand and the ever-circulating fashion process top to bottom, a tension is created which requires consistent, fresh ideas. What I would ultimately like to do is head marketing communications at a luxury brand that I feel aligns most with my own aesthetic, while accurately visualizing the wishes of the marketplace. In my free time I like to practice yoga as as well as attend live shows. I’m always on the lookout for new tunes. In 2013 I had the pleasure of seeing a few artists: Hiatus Kiayote at the Knitting Factory in BK, Disclosure at Summer Stage, and Jessie Ware three times. I’m not sure if this qualifies as stalker status but hey, I just go where the talent is.
Related Article: Fashion Crush of the Month (and how to look this awesome): Saskia de Brauw for S/S 2013 YSL
