The Sartorialist

Recently I have discovered a fantastic new blog that I just love to follow. I feel like a fan, which I have never really been before - even during the time The OC was airing. That's not to say I never followed anything before or watched a television show every week, but I can't say I have been really been interested in something like this before. We'll see how long it lasts! I think this is important to recognise as part of my KCB201 studies because this is an example of a rising tendency towards online content, rather than that of traditional publication.  

What is the site?

The Sartorialist. This site is a fashion blog that is posted by self-taught photographer, Scott Schuman. It shows fashion shots from all over the world and exhibits the current trends, variations of those trends, unique combinations and different personalities that show through through fabric, textures, colours and styles. The posts are a combination of stylised shots and random on the street shots. 

What is so great about it? 

This site is fantastic for several reasons. Firstly, it enables the audience to view fashions and landscapes that they may not have access to in any other circumstance. Whilst I know that photos and commentary of New York and it’s people could never be an adequate replacement of witnessing the real thing, it is far too costly for most people to visit there. University students especially. The Sartorialist himself states “I thought I could shoot people on the street the way designers looked at people, and get and give inspiration to lots of people in the process.” Katie Davis highlights the fantasy side of a blog such as this when she states “Let the Sartorialist inspire you to take fashion risks and bring high fashion looks into your own life.” I suppose this is a similar prospect to books, movies and even advertising that use the element of escapism to capture audiences. 

Why is this a perfect example of what we're studying?

Nowadays it seems that blogs can be as popular as television shows and other more traditional types of media. The continuity of blogs and the community that they create/attract make them popular as both a form of entertainment, information and social space. Frank Warren of PostSecret.com states that “one of the true beauties and powers of blogs" is to "give voice to people who are not heard." In the case of the Sartorialist, the people who have their photo taken are given the chance to display their fashion style, and people who read from home have the chance to comment on portrayals each photo gives of the subjects life and style. Schuman states “When I worked in the fashion industry (15 years), I always felt that there was a disconnect between what I was selling in the showroom and what I was seeing real people (really cool people) wearing in real life.” Convergence and the influx of techology into our lives has allowed this type of engagement with art, fashion and journalism. 

The other reason this particular site is relevant when considering blogs and their impact, is the way in which Schuman has risen from writing publicly accessible musings and posting public photos online. This excerpt sums it up:

“The Sartorialist has grown so much in just over a year and I could not be more thrilled by the community that it has created and the wonderful associations I have been able to create. If you have told me two years ago I would have a well-respected blog, a monthly page in GQ, recurring guest blogs and videos for Style.com, and countless other exciting side projects I would have kissed you - well maybe not kissed - but I would have really liked you a lot!!”  

Check out Schuman’s new junior blog, The Sartorialist Junior and another blog who has taken inspiration and layout guidance from Schuman, Beyond Boston.