The Sartorialist

For the past six months or so, I have become increasingly fascinated with the work of photographer Scott Schuman. He is the author of the blog thesartorialist.com and the recently published style photography book “The Sartorialist.” I had read of both Schuman and his blog in magazines before, but it was not until this past summer that I truly got hooked on “The Sartorialist” The subjects of his photos are people with impeccable personal style.
What is so interesting, and dare I say, different about the pictures is that they are taken of random people who look great just walking down the street. Sometimes they are notable fashion industry people, but mostly Schuman shoots everyday people with inspiring style.

Shot in places like Paris, London, Milan, Stockholm, Sydney, and of course, New York, the subjects of the photos convey a true sense of self and with that, style. Schuman’s photos are worth a thousand words. They often convey more than a sophisticated or stylish outfit, but also personality and history, and those things that are important factors of personal style.
I check thesartorialist.com daily and received The Sartorialist book this past Christmas. Both have had a strong affect on my personal style.

Like with the book I Love Your Style by Amanda Brooks, I often find myself referencing The Sartorialist for outfit inspiration. I think Schuman certainly has a detail-oriented eye; it comes from working in the fashion industry for 15 years before taking on street photography. I can see why his work has been and inspiration for designers because it has been an inspiration to me.

Since discovering both the blog and the book, I have become greatly inspired by things the subject’s of the photos wear; like vintage pieces, classic collared shirts and trench coats, fitted skirts, delicate dresses, chain-link Chanel purses, obscenely high heels and colorful accessories. So inspired by The Sartorialist’s subjects use of vintage, I’ve carried my grandma’s classic Coach purse for months without getting bored with it. I'm not ashamed to say a blog has made me more comfortable with the classics verses the trendy.

I think referencing sources other than fashion magazines and websites is important when trying to figure out and maintain personal style. The Sartorialist is largely the reason I was inspired to create a personal style blog in the first place. I figured writing about things influential to me and including inspiring pictures would help me and others see that personal style really comes from all sorts of outlets.

All Photos via thesartorialist.com