I keep an inspirations file on my laptop. It contains ideas for future shoots, stylish people of all sorts, inspirations for my own way of getting dressed, and just things that catch my eye. Right now it’s burgeoning with the work of AUGUST SANDER (1876-1964), a photographer I came across thanks to my friend Mr. ROSS TREVAIL.
An inspiration on RICHARD CHAI A/W 09/10 and THE SARTORIALIST, Sander’s photographs are shocking in how they look so current. So much seems to have been inspired by them, reminds me of the first time I watched Liquid Sky and realized where Agyness might’ve got her look (and hairstyles) from.
Sander’s project, People of the 20th Century, was conducted whilst he lived in Nazi Germany and intended as a profile of the nation; so there is a heart of darkness, pictures of soldiers and uniforms amongst the well-dressed everyday man.
They’re overly nostalgic, but there’s no harm in looking at a major source of inspiration for the way I dress now. In fact, they feel like the missing part of a style jigsaw, explaining or suggesting the missing links in why I want to dress like how I do; the root of the inspiration.
The felt look of some of the blazers- the casual, almost ‘traditional sportswear’ feel of the looks… You can’t help but think of LUCAS OSSENDRIJVER’S work for Lanvin here, especially in the jacquard, pyjama-like suit above. In a recent 10 interview, Ossendrijver noted that one of his aims at that house was to make the clothes ‘disappear’, which is what I can’t help but think of the clothes in these pictures. I want to wear matching blazers, waistcoats, knitted bow ties and thick white shirts… that’s tomorrow’s outfit sorted.
Great photos!