“As a kid, I loved comic books and the kind of outfits—uniforms, really—worn by the superheroes,” says Daren Bascome, founder of the Proverb branding agency, who now has his own uniform of skinny-silhouetted suits with dapper ties and pocket squares. “I had a rough time in high school, and clothes created a kind of protective armor. They allowed me to shift the narrative about who I was expected to be.”
His look in a few words: Given that I’m 6-foot-5 and thin, my body type is probably the first thing you’d notice about me. I like clothes that express my varied interests—travel, craftsmanship, design and certain kinds of tradition. I’m really busy and I’m kind of rough on clothes, so I also want clothes that stand up to the variety of environments I travel through. In summary, I guess you could say my signature look is: Tall. Varied. Well-crafted.
Early influence: I grew up in a really small place, a small island—Bermuda—where I’m a “Bascome” before I’m “Daren.” So there were preconceived notions about who I was. I realized early on that clothes were a way of sending a message that I’m not necessarily what people expect. I don’t have to fit a certain mold.
Sartorial epiphany: I had a transformational experience about 15 years ago. I’d basically stopped shopping because my girls were babies and they threw up on everything. But I was in Back Bay and on a whim I walked into Alan Bilzerian. After trying on three shirts that didn’t fit, the salesman asked me my measurements. And when I told him, he said, “No one makes that size.” Then he says, “Why don’t you let me make a shirt for you?” It was the first shirt that ever fit me. It was life-changing. There’s nothing like custom.
Number of pieces in his wardrobe: More than your average monk but far less than Imelda Marcos.
Style philosophy: I want to see myself in what I wear, and I think I’m true to that. There’s nothing more personal on a daily basis than what we wrap our bodies in.
Style Stars
Five local aesthetes sound off on their unique flair for fashion.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike | June 16, 2017
JORDAN PIANTEDOSI
“I like to feel fancy but also ready for action and fun,” says artist and designer Jordan Piantedosi, whose personal style is as colorful as her paintings, comics and textiles, which range from painted leather to prints adorned with octopi and ribald Disney characters. She’s a frequent collaborator with Project Runway champ Erin Robertson, but the often paint-splattered Piantedosi notes, “I don’t wear my own art because I’m kind of a slob.”
Her look in a few words: Gender blender fashion clown.
Sources of inspiration: Paintings, comic books and video games.
On her style vs. her art: Although the clothes I wear are artistic, they have to take a lot of abuse. They have to be wacky and kind of durable, usually with a busy and colorful pattern that will mask the paint that gets on me while I work. The clothes I help make are more like fine art.
Shopping philosophy: I don’t go for fast fashion anymore because it’s bad for humans, but I’m still thrifty. I like secondhand—good for my wallet and the environment too.
How people respond to her look: I refined my look carefully to appeal to women, children and those who are currently hallucinating. People are usually nice to me.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike
DAMON BASSFORD
Charles Street boutique Holiday has racks of fashionable finds, but the most stylish thing in the store might just be manager Damon Bassford, who also designs his own jewelry. “So many things inspire my look, including shape, color and texture, but most of all, my undying love of jewelry,” says Bassford, who can frequently be found in layered necklaces, stacks of bangles and a ring for every finger.
His look in a few words: It’s a mix of edgy/chic, gender-neutral finds enhanced by jewelry and accessories that inspire me on the daily.
Shopping philosophy: A piece has to instantly sing to me, not just merely hum. I am always on the lookout for new jewelry treasures that sing to me, especially during my travels. Being a jeweler myself, a lot of the pieces I wear are ones that I’ve created and didn’t have the heart to part with.
Fashion regrets: Sometimes I’ll look through my collection and think to myself, “What in gay hell were you thinking?!” Ha! When that happens I simply let the piece sashay away.
Words of wisdom: I always have a favorite quote running through my head from Gabrielle Chanel: “La mode se démode, le style jamais.” “Fashion changes, style remains.”
How people respond to his look: I’d say they react bewildered, befuddled, bemused, but always intrigued and hopefully even a little inspired.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike
VANESSA LUNDY
“My three questions: Is it good quality? Is it trendy or a timeless piece? Can I wear it multiple ways?” says Vanessa Lundy of VanaVain, a fashion stylist and blogger who deploys those questions when evaluating clients’ closets and her own wardrobe. From there though, this vintage aficionado’s breezy, era-mixing approach is anything but buttoned-up.
Her look in a few words: Vintage, eccentric, fun.
Sources of inspiration: I have a forever love for the 1940s and the 1980s, ever since I was a kid. Those are the eras when style was actually new and never done before.
Shopping MO: Most of my pieces are from thrift shops, consignment boutiques and occasionally Zara and H&M. I have to love something. The color, texture or style has to make me happy instantly, or else it’s a no. That’s how you get a cluttered closet: by buying pieces you don’t love.
How people respond to her look: I don’t pay attention to reactions, because I dress for myself. However, those who do mention it will often say they love how “fun” and “effortless” it is.
Style philosophy: I don’t plan outfits, so it’s always fun to dress on the spur of the moment and see what I come up with. I’m naturally spontaneous, so the process reflects that.
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike
KAREN ROTENBERG
“My individual approach to attire and adornment does provide me with a mild sense of accomplishment, a delicious form of escapism, and best of all, it often starts an interesting conversation,” says arts patron Karen Rotenberg, who founded the bygone craft gallery and boutique Alianza, a Newbury Street stalwart for 40 years. Today, she remains an avid collector of contemporary studio jewelry—and a walking canvas for artful adornment.
What catches her eye: Recently, I’ve been inspired by the skillful use of alternatives to gold and silver—such as paper, plastic and recycled materials—by studio jewelers. Their sculptural forms and dramatic scale provide an opportunity for me to present fashion and jewelry as equal partners. A compelling marriage of fashion and studio jewelry is also currently on view at the MFA in Past Is Present: Revival Jewelry, an exhibit that features a striking mannequin attired in an Alexander McQueen gown and adorned with a 96-inch titanium snake by the Swiss artist David Bielander.
On Boston’s sense of style: When I arrived in Boston, “style” seemed elusive. A trip to New York to shop with Mom was a seasonal necessity. Happily, the local scene has changed dramatically. Aside from several major department stores, Boston now has excellent specialty shops and galleries.
Favorite treasure troves: Newbury Street has always been a good starting point for me, but for exciting contemporary studio jewelry, I head for Mobilia in Cambridge, the Society of Arts and Crafts in the Seaport District or Sienna Patti in Lenox.
Shopping philosophy: I am not a fan of internet shopping. “Up close and personal” is my motto. How is it made? How does it feel? How does it move, and how does it compare to alternative options?
By Jonathan Soroff | Photo Credit: Holly Rike
DAREN BASCOME
“As a kid, I loved comic books and the kind of outfits—uniforms, really—worn by the superheroes,” says Daren Bascome, founder of the Proverb branding agency, who now has his own uniform of skinny-silhouetted suits with dapper ties and pocket squares. “I had a rough time in high school, and clothes created a kind of protective armor. They allowed me to shift the narrative about who I was expected to be.”
His look in a few words: Given that I’m 6-foot-5 and thin, my body type is probably the first thing you’d notice about me. I like clothes that express my varied interests—travel, craftsmanship, design and certain kinds of tradition. I’m really busy and I’m kind of rough on clothes, so I also want clothes that stand up to the variety of environments I travel through. In summary, I guess you could say my signature look is: Tall. Varied. Well-crafted.
Early influence: I grew up in a really small place, a small island—Bermuda—where I’m a “Bascome” before I’m “Daren.” So there were preconceived notions about who I was. I realized early on that clothes were a way of sending a message that I’m not necessarily what people expect. I don’t have to fit a certain mold.
Sartorial epiphany: I had a transformational experience about 15 years ago. I’d basically stopped shopping because my girls were babies and they threw up on everything. But I was in Back Bay and on a whim I walked into Alan Bilzerian. After trying on three shirts that didn’t fit, the salesman asked me my measurements. And when I told him, he said, “No one makes that size.” Then he says, “Why don’t you let me make a shirt for you?” It was the first shirt that ever fit me. It was life-changing. There’s nothing like custom.
Number of pieces in his wardrobe: More than your average monk but far less than Imelda Marcos.
Style philosophy: I want to see myself in what I wear, and I think I’m true to that. There’s nothing more personal on a daily basis than what we wrap our bodies in.
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