FLORENCE HERE WE COME!
Black and Paper coverage from the world’s biggest menswear fashion fair. See it all here.
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Part 2 of the Black and Paper interview with photographer Brice Hardelin on his exhibition L’Homme Couture: A Photographic Odyssey.
Brice and I had a good time talking about his work over a glass of white wine. His career is going forward in many directions. He had just completed a well received male firemen calendar. He gave me a tour of his collection displayed on the wall of the hotel before continuing our interview.
How did the W Hotel in Paris become involved in this project?
My agent called to ask if I wanted to be a part of Paris Artist. It is an association of 150 artists in the city. The Paris Artist asked if I wanted to exhibit at the hotel. I organized a meeting. I liked the style of the W. It is young, dynamic. When the association asked the hotel who they wanted, the team chose me. I know my pictures are provocative but the W Hotel was supportive of my work. There was no censorship.
What do you think of the artistic state of the world?
There are lots of things. It is too Politically Correct. It is more and more commercial and boring. . If you look at the big fashion magazines there are only places for big names and ads. There is no space for new people. And for the big brands would stay away from images like these on the wall in front of you. For them it is going too far. For me it is not far enough.
Is there a lack of freedom?
No! None! There is no freedom at all because they want the same pictures for their clients. I have nothing against it because they have beautiful products but when you are a person with a different vision who likes to mix things like an African Mask with a Cartier Necklace no magazine would publish it.
What do you think Instagram Photographers who are no considered professionals?
I understand the platform but I have a problem with the business they are doing because they are making people think they are famous. For me they are holiday, vacation pictures. It is nothing! (Laughing) It is reality television. On Instagram everyone wants to know what you are doing for lunch but no one really cares. A person sitting on the toilet then the viewer goes to another image of another person sitting on the toilet! MEANINGLESS! What is the purpose of having 50.000 followers and none of them can buy the product! I use it of course like everyone else.
I am an old fashion photographer. I like prints Internet in a way is the death of photography. I No one wants real pictures. They want one picture after another, quantity over quality.
What is your next project?
The exhibition runs until January. I have an exhibition in Belgium, then, I am looking for an editor for a book of my work. I have editorials but I am thinking about a shoot in Africa.
L’Homme Couture is on display at the W Hotel Paris until January 3rd 2018.
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Style is a Click Away
Outfittery is a successful Berlin based start-up company founded launched in 2012 by Anna Alex and Julia Bosch. With 300 employees and over 500.000 customers it has become a model of merging fashion and technology with premium customer service.
Black and Paper sat down for an exclusive interview with Outfittery co-founder Anna Alex at her office in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
The Interview
What inspired you to start Outfittery?
We were inspired by a trip to New York. A friend of ours, a successful business man, booked a personal shopper; it was common there but not in Germany. He was very happy with this experience. It took him a few hours. He was well-dressed and extremely satisfied.
We started to think how could we transfer this type of customer experience to the online world with the advantages of e-commerce.
Did you have a background in fashion?
No, we did not. We worked for Zalando. E-commerce was our background. The people with fashion knowledge are our stylists.
Why do people shop online?
In my opinion it is about convenience, easy, and fast. Our clients really appreciate the convenience. They do not have to shop or look over many blue shirts. We have the right shirt for them.
Who are your typical clients?
Busy business men who are between the ages of 30 to 50, many with families. They have one thing in common, they want to look good.
How do you compare shopping online to being in a brick and mortar store?
Outfittery is a creative shopping space. We do not see ourselves as an online world or a brick and mortar world. We combine the best of both words. We take the personal service and contact of the physical store and combine it with the convenience of the online world.
We do not overwhelm the clients like so many stores and sites. We provide what is relevant to the buyer.
Are there certain preferences your clients like?
Many of our customers are looking for an outfit for a particular occasion. We have a wide selection of looks from sporty to casual chic.
A quick word
Have you had demanding clients?
All of our clients are demanding. (Small Laughter) They should be! They have high expectations. In a certain way a friendship develops between the stylists and the clients. For the first box sent to the client, the selections may not be perfect, but by the second or third box everything is usually 100% right.
What has surprised you the most since starting this company?
We did not think men liked talking about fashion so we gave the stylist guidelines; all initial client calls should be no longer than 5 minutes. Then we got feedback from our clients. They liked the conversations with the stylists and wanted more time to talk about their preferences. For example; some said they played football and wanted more leg room in their pants. Our stylists learned many details in longer conversations.
Is Outfittery a tech brand or a fashion brand?
That is a good question. It is neither. Outfittery combines fashion knowledge with the support of technology and data.
As a woman has it been hard setting up a startup business?
Setting up a start-up is difficult regardless if the founder is a man or a woman. It is true, there are too few women setting up companies and there are a lack of role models. In the German and Berlin start up scene there are some strong women running their own companies. I am very happy about this and extremely supportive.
Who is your favorite fashion Designer?
I like Scandinavian designers and styles but I am always changing styles. At Outfittery we like to take on young brands. It is exciting discovery new labels and fashion designers.
For more information go to: Outfittery
During London Fashion Week Men’s I managed to ask Mr. Cabourn at his presentation about the collection, Anti-War was the theme.
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Black and Paper Pick
John Lobb Winter 2017 Collection.
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Black and Paper Pick
Italian leather crafts wear brand Serapian has a new collection this fall inspired by the seventies. I saw their pieces at Pitti Uomo in Florence. For a man looking for a luxury bag with style and details but without the brand markings, I recommend these bags for their craftsmanship and versatility; the looks can be both formal and informal. Of course all bags are Italian Made.
The 14 Capsule Collection is only available in 30 boutiques and Serapian Stores.
Go to Serapian.com
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Black and Paper Pick for Fall 17
Giuseppe Zanotti’s Fall Men’s shoes are based on his interpretation of dandyism, Footwear designs that are formal, athletic, and night life. I saw rich subtle with touches of bling in Milan, loafers, sneakers, slip-ons were the core items of the collection. Essentially it’s just shoes for men who want look sharp. Silks, suedes, velvets, were mixed in the form of hi-tops, moccasins, and low-outs. Zanotti does not push the envelope instead he makes a turn with his imprints of tassels and embroidery.
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A Dapper Touch
Hats have made a comeback in fashion the past few seasons. They have become style statements. There is a heightened interest in the dapper look that goes along with this fashion accessory.
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N. Hoolywood Menswear SS18
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