dapperQ is back with a brand new edition of He Said/We Said (HS/WS) on Autostraddle, featuring the masculine-of-center genderqueer style of some incredible folks from our community. Since the cold weather is quickly approaching, we returned to Vermont to get some fall style inspiration from some fashion-forward New Englanders.
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.”
Learn more about HS/WS on the Huffington Post here.
Photographer Liz LaVorgna, along with Anita Dolce Vita, selected the Band of Outsiders Fall 2015 menswear collection as inspiration. Here’s what LaVorgna had to say about the inspiration and overall experience:
“Fall in New England is my favorite time of year. It has a mix of bright orange and red mixed with wonderful greens and rust. This collection and location are a perfect fit for fall. I fell in love with Scott Sternberg’s [latest] Band of Outsiders collection because it is fun and has wonderful pops of color and character. I instantly knew that this photo shoot had to be at an old abandoned mill building I had seen that was rich with color and texture. The building is NH’s oldest paper mill and is slated for redevelopment to bring jobs and services to the area.”
However, this inspiration is also bittersweet, as Band of Outsiders founder Sternberg recently announced that the company was shutting its doors. The Spring 2011 Band of Outsiders menswear collection served as the inspiration for dapperQ’s very first edition of He Said/We Said nearly four years ago. So, with that, dapperQ wants to send Sternberg and company off in style.
Inspiration
Interpretations
From left to right: Dr. Van Bailey, Alex Fischer, Hillary Boone, Ashley/Ash
Dr. Van Bailey
Age: 32
Occupation: Stylist; Collective member of bklyn boihood
Outfit: Blazer, Jos. A Bank. Pants, Asos. Shirt, Calvin Klein. Gloves, Ace Hardware. Hat, Pukka. Shoes, Alberto Fellini. Jewelry, Their own.
Outfit sobriquet: Black Boi Outsider Chic
Song that best describes your look: “Wale” by Slight Work
Whose wardrobe (celebrity or otherwise!) would you raid?
A$AP Rocky, Kanye (mostly for his shoes), Jay Z, Jaden Smith
Where are your favorite places to shop?
Asos, Topman, Marshalls, Thrift Stores, Sneaker Boutiques
What accessory/article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
Fitted caps and gold chains. I love adorning my head, it feels sacred and gold chains remind me that I’m regal. Never forget your bloodline. Never forget your ancestors were Kings and Queens.
Tell me about what it meant for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said.
It felt empowering to own my body and dress for style and comfort. When I first saw the line, it was clear that it wasn’t designed for my body. Instead of being discouraged, I felt it was necessary to show that style can be accessible to all bodies. For me, queerness and it’s intersections with Blackness are linked to my ancestors. Style has always been a part of my history and I wanted to maintain that with wearing all Black. I’m often in all Black, not just because it’s one of my favorite looks but it’s a part of my politics as a stylist. My style is rooted in my Blackness. As a full-figured boi, we might not get a lot of shine via mainstream media, but I’m here to prove that flyness comes in all shapes, sizes, and races.
Talk a bit about your favorite moment(s) from the shoot.
I’ve never really explored New England and being at the paper mill was a magical experience, surrounded by trees and a river. I loved being able to meet new people, while also feeling totally taken care of by Liz. It isn’t that often that a full-figured trans* person is given a platform to feel pretty, handsome, and fly all at the same time.
Alex Fischer
Age: 32
Occupation: Business Owner/Bookkeeper, Open Bookkeeping; Community Organizer, The Root Social Justice Center; Board Member, Green Mountain Crossroads
Outfit: Hat, knit by model. Glasses, Dharma Eyewear. Shirt, thrift store. Sweatshirt, Hanes. Fingerless gloves, knit by model. Overalls, Carhartt. Shoes, L.L. Bean.
Outfit sobriquet: Fall Work Party
Song that best describes your look: “Fingers to the Bone” by Brown Bird
Where are your favorite places to shop?
There’s only one thrift store in town, the Brattleboro Area Hospice Thrift Shop. Luckily, it’s the best. I’m also partial to tag sales in New England. They are great for finding flannels, belt buckles and good warm boots.
What accessory/article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
Living in New England, where it’s cold six months out of the year, it’s important to have some really good wool items. My favorite accessory is a large wrap-around triangular scarf I made of all local un-dyed wool. It’s extremely versatile, warm and fairly gender-ambiguous.
Tell me about what it meant for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said.
I feel conflicted about being involved in this type of queer fashion project. Since the rise of trans-masculine fashion, I’ve noticed myself being more self-conscious of how I present my gender because now there are expectations and ways to be. It’s also hard to be part of something with so little recognition of trans-feminine folks within the scene. On the other hand, it’s been really great to be a part of something that is taking mainstream notions of fashion – which are inextricably linked to gender – and making them more accessible to a variety of body sizes, gender types and financial statuses.
Talk a bit about your favorite moment(s) from the shoot.
The group shots were a lot of fun and felt cohesive. During the individual shots, everyone was being supportive of the other models.
Hillary Boone
Age: 30
Occupation: Organizational Specialist at the Marlboro College Center for New Leadership by day, Stand-up Comedian by night. www.hillaryboone.com, www.hillaryboonecartoons.blogspot.com
Outfit: Hat, Burton. Sweatshirt, American Apparel. Thermal, American Apparel. Shirt, Bindle and Keep. Pants, Bindle and Keep. Shoes, Gravis.
Outfit sobriquet: Outside Outsider
Song that best describes your look: “Jenny” by the Mountain Goats
Whose wardrobe (celebrity or otherwise!) would you raid?
Janelle Monae
Where are your favorite places to shop?
I love Uniqlo; the clothes fit.
What accessory/article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
I’ve got a great Nixon watch. It’s gun-metal grey, compliments any outfit, and keeps me on track without having to pull out my cell phone to check the time.
Tell me about what it meant for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said.
I carry a lot of baggage when I get dressed up. Feeling great in what I am wearing comes at the cost of looking different than most other people: getting funny looks in the bathroom or on the plane, getting the hairy eyeball at the family wedding. The He Said/We Said project was an opportunity to explore fashion and gender in a safe way, and reinforce for me that I can be myself and look good doing it.
Talk a bit about your favorite moment(s) from the shoot.
We had a great time at the shoot. My favorite part was getting to know the other models through exploring the abandoned factory. It was a little spooky, a lot decayed, and a great setting for an adventure.
Ashley/Ash
Age: 25
Occupation: Therapeutic Mentor and Graduate Student; Second Place for Miss Lesbian RI 2014
Outfit: Hat & Scarf, unknown. Hurley Jacket, TJ Maxx. Button-down, PacSun. Vest, Old Navy. Watch, Vince Camuto. Reversible Belt, JCP. Slacks, H&M. Shoes, Clark’s.
Outfit sobriquet: “A” for Authentic
Song that best describes your look: “Beautiful Now” by Zedd
Whose wardrobe (celebrity or otherwise!) would you raid?
Lance Bass, Pharrell and Ellen
Where are your favorite places to shop?
TJ Maxx, American Eagle, PacSun , and Express
What accessory/article of clothing can you not live without? Why?
I almost always wear the same rings and necklace that were given to me by my father and grandfather because the sentimental value is invaluable. I also love having a versatile watch or bowtie.
Tell me about what it meant for you on a personal level to be involved in a project like He Said/We Said.
Developing my professional style has been a continuous work in progress. Learning what masculine brands, sizes and cuts would best fit my figure and double as appropriate work attire required a positive attitude and determination. Representing our community and having an opportunity to share that process and success with other individuals is a privilege.
Talk a bit about your favorite moment(s) from the shoot.
The other models in between shoots: We were all having a blast supporting each other, conversing, smiling and giving each other thumb’s up. [Also] exploring the location: I was fascinated by the building and its history.
Credits:
Photographer: Liz LaVorgna
Photo Assistant: Davida Carta
Stylist Stasia Savasuk for thrifting ideas
Now I have a mighty need for Carhartt overalls and a college sweatshirt. Thanks for the style inspiration!
SO WELL DRESSED!
Everyone looks so amazing and cozy and I’m over here in California like “at least it’s only getting up to 86* today…”