Lauren Sherman's Fashion Proust Questionnaire
The incisive Puck reporter on big luxury, big hair and the perfect pair of black trousers...
Lauren Sherman knows fashion.
She knows it in a different way than the rest of us. She knows who is doing what before they do. She keeps tabs on fashion’s power players with the stealth of a CIA agent. (A CIA agent who is really good at puns.) She’s got more scoops than my kid on a day out with Granny.
Don’t take it from me. Lauren’s been described as one of the preeminent fashion journalists of her generation and if you subscribe to her weekly Puck newsletter Line Sheet, it’s not hard to see why.
Yes, Puck is a named after the mischievous and highly influential mythological fairy in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. And yes, fashion’s big dogs had better believe it if they’re planning on getting up to any mischief of their own.
Lauren’s first book, Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unveiling of an American Icon, which she co-authored with The Cut features writer Chantal Fernandez, is out now and I’m psyched to read it over Christmas. Though I will have to brace myself, having conducted my own fair share of backstage angel interviews in my day. (A truly bizarre experience.)
Anyway! I’ll snap out of it and serve you today’s treat. Here is Lauren Sherman’s Fashion Proust Questionnaire:
What is your idea of a perfect outfit?
Broadly, anything where the proportions are exactly right. Specifically, my uniform in Los Angeles is straight leg jeans, t-shirt, blazer and a small heel. Everywhere else it’s a black blazer and black pants. Not a suit-suit, but…a suit.
What is your greatest fashion fear?
Being underdressed.
What, in hindsight, is the worst outfit you’ve ever worn?
Oh man, so many! When I look back at old pictures, though, the thing I really notice is the bad hair of my 20s. (Trying to force it straight with harsh Japanese and keratin relaxers.)
What is the worst outfit you’ve ever seen on someone else?
I’m always very embarrassed for people when their clothes are too tight.
Which living person’s style do you most admire?
Stefano Pilati.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Buying very expensive clothes—especially coats—on a regular basis.
What is your current state of mind with regards to the fashion industry?
It’s splitting into two industries. Big Luxury (expensive things sold en mass) and Fashion (expensive things sold to enthusiasts). One isn’t better than the other, but they are not the same business.
What do you consider the most overrated style virtue?
The idea that it’s good to always add something “unexpected” to your look. It often appears forced instead of inspired.
On what occasion do you lie about someone’s outfit?
I don’t like telling people whether they look good. Too often, that’s code for thin. What matters is that you feel good.
What is the quality you like most in a man’s outfit?
Neatness.
What is the quality you like most in a woman’s outfit?
Ease.
Which fashion trend do you most despise?
Cropped jeans.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse when describing fashion?
Chic.
Which runway collection in history was your greatest love?
Marc Jacobs Spring 1998.
When were you happiest with your own look?
I’m always happiest in the moment. I like how I look and dress right now.
Which designer’s talent would you most like to have?
If you could change one thing about your wardrobe, what would it be?
I still don’t own the right pair of black trousers.
What do you consider your greatest achievement, career-wise (so far!)
Not quitting!
If you were to die and come back as a fashion item, what would it be?
A red Kelly bag.
Where on earth do you get the most style inspiration?
The Paris metro.
What is your most treasured possession?
A money clip I bought at the Fairfax High School flea market in Los Angeles in 2006.
What do you consider the lowest depth of fashion rock-bottom (ie. Karl’s sweatpants).
Classic Uggs.
What is your favourite fashion-related occupation?
IP lawyer.
What is your most marked style characteristic?
My big hair.
Who are your favourite fashion writers?
Not all strictly fashion writers, but: Kennedy Fraser, Dana Thomas, Susan Orlean, Leandra Medine, Judith Thurman, Holly Brubach, Amy Spindler, Bernadine Morris, Teri Agins, Jacob Gallagher, José Criales-Unzueta, Rachel Tashjian, Laia Garcia Furtado, Nicole Phelps, Tavi Gevinson, Sally Singer, Tim Blanks!
Who is your style hero in fiction?
Anne Shirley, Samantha Parkington, Patrick Bateman.
Which historical figure’s style do you most identify with?
Georgia O’Keefe.
Which individual that you know (or have known) personally most influenced your style?
My grandmother.
What would you like to wear to your own funeral?
Nothing, I want to be cremated!
What is your style motto?
Hold out for the thing you want. The lesser option will never feel as good when you’re wearing it.
Weekly Recs!
I am going to go ahead and humbly suggest this pair of black trousers to Lauren. The closest to perfection I’ve ever come across. Plus they never seem to wrinkle.
This fun stool by Danish designer A Seat in Sienna has added a bit of jazz to our hopelessly démodé 1980s bathroom. Great for tiny-person toothbrushing purposes.
Lauren’s book will make an excellent addition to the unsexy crochet Christmas stockings of industry sleuths and retired angel-gazers alike.
Love the Samantha Parkington reference. Makes me want to go practice french braids.
I have two pairs of black trousers and they are both Toteme. They are magic!