The Sartorialist: Closer

Today's topic is a little review of the fashion of The Sartorialist: Closer, by Scott Schuman (see the accompanying website here). I'm a regular visitor to his blog and have been eager to flip through his newest book for awhile.

Schuman's goal in Closer is to get "closer to the type of character diversity [he] originally dreamed of when [he] created The Sartorialist" (4).  And, indeed, a variety of locales and subjects are photographed, from nomads in the desert to models in the streets of New York City.

What I really enjoy about Schuman's book's images is his willingness to capture people who eschew mainstream aesthetics, like in his compelling portrait of an androgynous-looking person (below).

Schumann's refreshingly flexible definition of beauty is also showcased in his image of a young Mennonite girl and her family (right). "Style" is not limited to the latest trend at H&M: confidence is key.

In fact, the photos that make my eyes linger also exude the most confidence. The image of the group of young Asian women (below) is so playful, so carefree, that you do not doubt their style choices; you realize that their style suits them, defines them.

 The best photo is of a woman with a shaved head and off-the-shoulder sequin dress (below). She would look beautiful with or without hair, a fact that makes her shabby-chic style all the bolder.

Of course, Schuman's subjects aren't always compelling. There are too many dresses worn with sneakers, full beards, and excessive layers, which appear again and again in his book (see below).

 

Perhaps it's these sort of choices that remind me that style is so very personal. Closer says more about the tastes of the man behind the lens than the subjects whom he portrays. Through our personal tastes we define who we are, what we think is beautiful, not who others are.