New York City and Philadelphia have a long standing rivalry. So, when NYC-based dapperQ decided to celebrate our 20th edition of He Said/We Said by shooting our first “City of Brotherly Love” HS/WS feature, Philly queers brought it and did not disappoint.
For a quick refresher on the HS/WS series, check out creatress mastermind Anita Dolce Vita’s plan behind the HS/WS magic:
“The models fashion their very own looks – I give the inspiration, they give the interpretation. They come to the shoot camera ready: hair, make-up, their own clothes, accessories and props. I didn’t want the series to reflect how to recreate menswear from an individual stylist’s point of view. It’s always a wonderful surprise to see what each model came up with and all of the different translations of the same inspiration.”
Photographer Sammy Munsch, along with Anita Dolce Vita, selected the Hardy Amies Fall 2014 menswear collection as inspiration. Here’s what Munsch had to say about the inspiration and overall experience:
The Hardy Aimes Fall 2014 Collection’s refined yet casual look caught my attention. I knew the models I had chosen would add great flare to the textured layers and the tailored look that the collection portrays. Since this is dapperQ’s first shoot to take place in Philadelphia, I felt it was important for me to represent one of our city’s most beautiful places. The architecture and the unique nooks and crannies surrounding the Philadelphia Museum of Art compliments the Hardy Amies fall collection and embodies versatility of Philadelphia.
I’m especially grateful to the models, thank you all for your creativity and time spent completing this challenge. Additional thanks to Kate Hinchey (IG: @veritatemdisaster), Sara Kelly (IG: @sakpublicrelations), and Garrett Olthuis (IG: @Garrettolthuis) for their assistance with the shoot.
Inspiration
Interpretations
From left to right: Nikki, Julia, Tiffany, Olivia, Andy, Jacqui
Julia Fahl
Age: 24
Occupation: Democratic Political Fundraiser
Outfit: Haircut, Talking Headz (Kali cuts my hair, she is a genius.) Glasses, Warby Parker. Women’s school boy blazer, J. Crew. Men’s half-zip sweater, Uniqlo. Secret wash gingham shirt, J. Crew. Dark wash toothpick pants, J. Crew. Shoes, Doc Marten’s Patten Classic. Navy Grant watch, Fossil.
Outfit sobriquet: The Brooks
Song that best describes your look:
“Put on your Sunday Clothes” from the movie Hello Dolly. Carol Channing is my idol.
Whose wardrobe would you raid?
Esther Quek. She does amazing stuff with bright colors and floral prints. She straddles the line of a masculine of center look with feminine articles of clothing. Plus her blazer game is unparalleled.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
J.Crew. Jenna Lyons gets me.
What accessory or article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
I never feel dressed until I’ve put on a watch. I buy watches to celebrate special occasions, like when I really kick ass at work. I have eight right now and I never leave the house without one on.
What did it mean for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said?
I was so glad to join this project because in my field very few people rock an androgynous style. To be a part of a group celebrating that style was a real thrill and gave me some new work fashion ideas!
What were your favorite moments from the shoot?
Our photographer Sammy was so on point! She made me feel simultaneously comfortable and badass.
Andrew Spiers / Andy Indiana / The Feverfew
Age: 32
Occupation: Co-Coordinator of the Trans-Health Information Project, a “by trans/for trans” resource and advocacy program run out of GALAEI (a queer Latin@ social justice organization) in Center City Philadelphia. I also moonlight as a musician, writer, dog whisperer, wedding DJ, and social justice activist concerned with prison abolition, HIV and the cure, ending the war on drugs, and fighting for trans* rights. Awards: Featured on dapperQ’s “100 Most Stylish dapperQs 2014” list. Facebook // Website // Twitter // Instagram
Outfit: Jacket, Charles & a Half. Sweater, H&M. Tie, thrift store. Button-down, J. Crew. Belt, J. Crew. Pants, Banana Republic. Shoes, Kenneth Cole.
Outfit sobriquet: The Robert Redford
Song that best describes your look:
“Feds Watching” by 2 Chains
Whose wardrobe would you raid?
Jay Z for street wear, Joseph Gordon-Levitt for office attire, Bruno Mars and Justin Timberlake for formal wear, and Kendrick Lamar’s 2014 Grammy Awards suit. Otherwise: Brian Davis, proprietor of Red Hook Brooklyn’s Wooden Sleepers. Jonathon Linaberry, musician who goes by the moniker The Bones of J.R. Jones. And Laura Kanaplue, aka @girlinabowtie on Instagram/Tumblr.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
J.Crew, Levi’s, The Tie Bar, Macy’s, Gap, and JackThreads for shoes and accessories like bags and hats.
What accessory or article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
I’m currently obsessed with my new Red Wing Heritage Moc Toe boots, but my Timex Weekender has been getting steady compliments ever since I purchased it three years ago and it’s way classier than looking at your phone when someone asks for the time. Other staples: a worn-in pair of slim cut jeans, black leather moto jacket, white t-shirts, and a classic denim trucker jacket.
What did it mean for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said?
Visibility as a queer trans person is hugely important to me. Participating in a project with dapperQ and Autostraddle, who consistently write about and highlight the experiences of queer and trans individuals was just a great opportunity to have fun while expressing myself and championing the vision of queer media purveyors that I respect.
What were your favorite moments from the shoot?
All of the models were pals of mine prior to the shoot, except Jacqui Barnes (who is my buddy now, obvs). So the highlight for me was getting to hang out and laugh with a bunch of my friends who I might not otherwise see all that often. It was also hilariously cute that every ten minutes or so, you could hear one of the models saying to another, “Oh, I have that duffel bag in black,” or “Oh, I have that exact jacket,” to the point that it was just kind of amazing and ridiculous. Didn’t hurt to have a crowd of femme babes telling us all how hot we looked either.
Olivia
Occupation: Grant writer / part-time mountain and photo hobbyist / full-time dog dad
Outfit: Overcoat, Jones New York. Blazer, Macy’s (boys section!). Bow tie, Men’s Wearhouse. Shirt, Uniqlo. Pants, H&M. Shoes, Target.
Outfit sobriquet: Runaway Groom
Song that best describes your look: “Manhattan” by Ella Fitzgerald
Whose wardrobe would you raid?
Harry Styles, probably. Hate if you have to but that boy looks good.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I don’t shop all that much, but when I do it’s usually in Center City Philadelphia. H&M, Uniqlo, Men’s Express and Buffalo Exchange are all conveniently close and it’s nice to walk around down town. I used to shop at Urban Outfitters, but they keep messing up, so they’re dead to me now.
What accessory or article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
My favorite jacket is this black faux leather motorcycle thing. I really like it and wear it all the time. My least favorite thing about summer is not being able to wear this jacket, and I’d be sad if something happened to it, but hopefully I would live to love another.
What did it mean for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said?
I was flattered that someone finds me stylish enough to be a part of this project! All of my most expensive clothes are from REI and I own about 10 pairs of jorts, but I can clean up okay I suppose and it’s nice to have that noticed!
What were your favorite moments from the shoot?
Standing in a lavender patch for one of the group shots was a highlight for me.
Tiffany Thompson
Age: 33
Occupation: Director of the Youth Health Empowerment Project (Twitter: @YHEPphilly); Brown Boi Project Cohort March 2012 / BBP Training Team
Outfit: Hair, Kenya from Brownstone. Blazer, Gap. Cardigan, Uniqlo. Dress shirt, Express. Tie, Brooks Brothers. Jeans, Levi. Boots, Double H.
Outfit sobriquet: The Professor
Song that best describes your look:
This was hard because I was giving off two different looks: “Don’t Stand So Close to Me” by the Police and “Hot for Teacher” by Van Halen.
Whose wardrobe would you raid?
First thought, Ellen DeGeneres. I love her style and that she can rock some sneakers. If I could wear sneakers with every outfit, I would! Also Julie Goldman and Lea DeLaria because some butches have curves!
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Express! The shirts fit good without looking boxy. And, they send out a lot of discounts and sales — I never pay full price.
What accessory or article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
My chain that is clipped to my keys. It is something that I have been wearing for over 10 years and despite having a pretty preppy style, I always see myself as a punk motorcycle rider. My chain is like the little sneak peek into who I really am.
What did it mean for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said?
It was an honor because I really didn’t consider myself to be that dapper, but I have always took pride in making sure my outfit was on point! But mostly it is important to see masculine brown boi’s who are as fashion role models. I am a curvy person with a large chest and what looks good on some people does not always look the same for me. I have learned through trial and errors the tricks that make me feel sexy, comfortable, and stylish and I hope that someone else will see my pics, see something in themselves and get inspired!
What were your favorite moments from the shoot?
What I loved the most about the shoot was hanging out with some badass and super fashionable masculine of center folks. We spent the morning getting dressed and exchanging different tips for how to wear men’s clothes with different bodies. I realized that it’s a conversation that I had rarely had with more than just one person.
Nikki Bright
Occupation: Customer Service Specialist in the insurance industry
Age: Dirty 30!
Outfit: Coat, JCPenny. Shirt, JCPenny. Sweater, Uniqlo. Pants, H&M. Shoes, Zara.
Outfit sobriquet: Autumn Crush
Song that best describes your look:
“Follow Me” by Usher
Whose wardrobe would you raid?
I would have to say Lenny Kravitz is the style I most covet. He just keeps getting better with age.
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I went to Uniqlo recently and I’m really into it. I also love shopping at H&M for stylish bargains and hip basics.
What accessory or article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
I’m a watch person! You better believe I always know what time it is. I also love sweaters and sweatshirts with hoods. I get cold very easily and need instant access to warmth. Is Chapstick considered an accessory?
What did it mean for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said?
I really loved the opportunity to be part of such a diverse group of individuals representing ourselves in a creative way. It was fun to showcase that Philly swag.
What were your favorite moments from the shoot?
My favorite moment from the shoot was probably the directions from Sammy to look down and on the count of three look up for that deep, sultry model face. I am now even better at giving good face.
Jacqui Barnes
Age: 27
Occupation: Non-Profit Program Administration
Outfit: Trench Coat, H&M. Suit, ASOS. Button-down, Kohl’s. Tie and Tie Bar, Kohls. Watch, Michael Kors. Belt, Coach. Shoes, Clarks.
Outfit sobriquet: The Borgart
Song that best describes your look:
“Uninvisible” by Medeski Martin and Wood
Whose wardrobe would you raid?
RuPaul Charles (suit closet)
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Kenneth Cole, H&M, ASOS, Kohl’s, Banana Republic, Uniqlo.
What accessory or article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
Clothes tape — do yourself a favor and acquire some for $9 from CVS.
What did it mean for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said?
When I was 19, I was sloppy. I had no idea how to both dress myself to look good and satisfy my comfortability requirement. I found myself struggling when going on job interviews, to family functions, and even dressing for simple things like a nice dinner out. Eventually I started taking mental notes of pieces of different strangers’ clothes as I adventured more in the city and figured it out. He Said/We Said would have been a perfect resource for my 20-year-old self. I imagine that there are queers out there of all ages who are struggling with formalwear and business casual attire. Knowing that this could help at least one person literally gives me life.
What were your favorite moments from the shoot?
Before the shoot, we all met up at Sammy’s to get ready and we had a clothes tape tutorial. Some of the other models had never used it. When rocking ‘menswear’ with any curves, it is essential. I’m pretty sure lives were changed.
Credits:
Sammy Munsch – Photographer
Kate Hinchey – Photography Assistant
Sara Kelly – Styling
Garrett Olthuis – Hair Styling
ya’ll are lookin super foxy.
Looking good, everyone. Way to represent Philadelphia in style!
Bam! Looking super sharp and smart. Also, I would like all of Jacqui Barnes’ outfit now please, thank you.
Olivia and Jacqui Barnes:)
I keep coming back to this because of Olivia!! wow :)