🤖 AI Summary
Overview
This episode dives into the significance of Fashion Week and its broader implications for personal style, cultural trends, and the fashion industry. Hosts Gilbert Cruz, Stella Bugbee, and Jacob Gallagher explore the intersection of high fashion and everyday clothing, the evolution of trends, and practical advice for listeners navigating their own style journeys.
Notable Quotes
- Fashion is about how we like to be perceived out in the world and the messages we send.
— Stella Bugbee, on the deeper meaning of clothing.
- The pandemic irreparably changed the market for clothes. You can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.
— Jacob Gallagher, on the lasting impact of COVID-19 on fashion.
- You have to answer questions about yourself first, and then find the clothes that match your feelings.
— Stella Bugbee, on aligning personal style with identity.
👗 The Role of Fashion in Identity and Culture
- Stella Bugbee emphasized that fashion is a tool for self-expression, reflecting values and societal roles. She recalled observing distinct tribes
of style in Washington, D.C., from punks to soccer moms.
- Jacob Gallagher suggested reframing fashion
as clothes,
highlighting how even everyday attire carries meaning. He shared a personal anecdote about a hoodie from his cousin’s punk scene that symbolized identity and belonging.
- Both agreed that fashion is inherently tribal, with clothing choices signaling affiliations and individuality.
🛍️ Decoding Fashion Week and Its Purpose
- Fashion Week serves as both a marketing spectacle and a platform for designers to present new ideas. Stella explained its traditional role in previewing collections for editors and buyers, though Jacob noted its shift toward being a branding exercise.
- The panel discussed the tension between conceptual runway pieces and their real-world influence, with Stella recalling moments when shows challenged her expectations.
- Jacob described the experience of attending shows as akin to theater, where the setting and presentation can evoke strong emotional reactions.
📈 The Evolution of Trends and Their Impact
- Stella argued that trends often trickle up
from subcultures rather than down from high fashion, citing the influence of grassroots movements like punk.
- Both noted the decline of clear, dominant trends in today’s post-consensus
fashion landscape, where individuality and eclecticism reign.
- The pandemic accelerated the casualization of clothing, with comfort becoming a top priority for consumers.
👖 Listener Questions: Navigating Personal Style
- On dressing for age: Stella advised aligning clothing with one’s evolving sense of self, while Jacob suggested starting small by updating one item that feels outdated.
- For new mothers: Stella recommended investing in one or two pieces that feel good and wearing them often, while Jacob shared his own experience of rediscovering his style post-parenthood.
- On avoiding overconsumption: Both advocated for buying fewer, higher-quality items and focusing on timeless silhouettes. Stella highlighted the role of tailoring and repurposing vintage clothing.
🧵 The Psychology of Men’s Fashion
- Jacob encouraged men to embrace bold choices, like wearing suits, to stand out in a sea of business casual.
- The red sock theory
was discussed as a way to add subtle flair without overdoing it.
- The pandemic disrupted traditional dress codes, leaving many men in a muddy middle
of style.
AI-generated content may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon as a sole source of truth.
📋 Episode Description
This month kicked off the big four fashion weeks: New York, London, Milan and Paris. Each year, designers, brands, influencers and celebrities flock to these events to see and be seen.
On today’s episode, Gilbert sits down with Stella Bugbee and Jacob Gallagher, two of The Times’s foremost style experts and veterans of the fashion week circuit, to discuss clothes. They talk about what fashion week means in the frenetic fashion ecosystem of 2025, and they answer some listener questions about how to cultivate a personal style.
On Today’s Episode:
Stella Bugbee, the Styles editor for The New York Times.
Jacob Gallagher, a fashion reporter for The New York Times.
Background Reading:
Armani’s Influence on New York Fashion Week
Photo: Simbarashe Cha
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