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Craig David Long
Personal Blog:http://thecommodified.blogspot.com
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About Craig
In general, I would probably consider myself a passionate, sensible, postmodern guy. I like to crack lame jokes that make people groan because I think it comes across as endearing, although they may disagree. I spend a lot of time perusing magazines and the Web for inspiring cultural and fashion references, and then rummage through my closet, trying to recreate my favourite looks. My clothes always end up in a big heap, but at least I emerge looking good. Serge Gainsbourg is one of my heroes.
Who is your style icon and why?
I would definitely cite Hedi Slimane and Raf Simons as the two primary sources of inspiration for my current sense of style. Hedi Slimane’s work under Dior Homme completely challenged common perceptions of the male physique, making the slender man raw and edgy and sexy. For that I am grateful (although I probably don’t live up to any of those adjectives). I love Raf Simons’ work, both independent and under Jil Sander. The way he juxtaposes volume and structure to create new silhouettes season after season amazes me. I like that he does so with a sense of a classic masculinity.
What’s your favourite item in your closet?
My most prized possession would definitely be the pair of vintage 1970s YSL sunglasses I found at a thrift shop for under $5. When I pair them with my belted safari shirt, I feel a bit like Yves himself (circa Rive Gauche). I like to honour him in this way.
What was your favourite childhood outfit?
I once wore a silk, paisley, collarless dress shirt to a piano recital. Looking back now, it sounds pretty awful, but I felt like the GQ Man of the Year at the time.
What’s your worst outfit ever?
I’m definitely guilty as charged for wearing a Hawaiian-print dress shirt to a high-school picture day. The evidence is clear; it’s framed in my mother’s living room. She was not happy with my clothing choice that day, but I guess she has since come to forgive me. At the time, I may have said, “One day I will look back on this picture and be happy to see the clothes I actually wore.” I was wrong in so many ways.
Name a current celeb whose style you admire and tell us why.
I recently went to a concert by Lykke Li and El Perro del Mar. Although neither of these musical acts is that big of a celebrity (yet), their entire lineup of band members really had me infatuated. I think it was the whole vibe they had going on. I’ve always found something appealing about a carefree state of dress. Furthermore, I think this reaffirms my belief that Sweden is a major contender in the world of fashion.
What’s a trend you hate?
I’ve never really understood the hype around the kaffiyeh, or desert scarf.
Why do you love the shopping/fashion scene in your town?
Vancouver isn’t one of those cities that lays it all out on the table for you. You have to scratch below the surface. In surveying the city with my street-style blog, The Commodified, I’ve come to learn that when you have your eyes open, you find some really incredible and inspiring people living in this city, contributing to its fashion scene. I think the most fascinating aspect about the Vancouver aesthetic is that it renews itself organically within its communities. Local entrepreneurs and designers, artists and musicians, appreciators of fashion and culture...These are the people who are dictating the trends in this city.
