“The desire to be comfortable is profound, shaping attitudes and markets."
–Cathy Horyn
last year, i wrote about the concept of 'practical luxury', and many readers chimed in. i hope we can continue the conversation here.
the fashion industry is full of contradictory truisms. consider the men who design so-called empowering, sexy heels for women vs. the women who can't actually walk in them (and go on to develop debilitating foot and back problems from their prolonged stiletto habit). the mainstream fashion media tells us to "look effortless (but really make an effort)", "master the art of the 'no-makeup' look (with make-up)", and so on.
perhaps the biggest contradiction is the so-called dichotomy between 'chic' vs. 'comfort'– the tired refrain that "looking stylish has nothing to do with feeling at ease". but you only need to look to recent bestsellers – like the dickers, the trinas, old-school sneakers, birks– to see the retail impact of chic comfort.
while this may be yet another trend for some, the idea that real, honest comfort is fundamental to inhabiting one's sense of style has always been at the core of LAM and my own sartorial philosophy. i stopped buying painful shoes that i couldn't walk in years ago. i don't believe in masochism for the sake of fashion (well, perhaps with the temporary exception of those A.P.C. jeans). i don't splurge on clothes that i can't see going the distance as wardrobe workhorses.
this is why i love brands like Everlane, Vince, Emerson Fry, and (even though i can't afford it) The Row. real clothes for real life – now that's something worth paying for.
what do you think of the nexus between comfort/style, and practical luxury? do you find yourself struggling with the balance?
what do you think of the nexus between comfort/style, and practical luxury? do you find yourself struggling with the balance?