Fashion Week On The Streets With 'The Sartorialist' Style Blog

Style spectator sports like Project Runway and online boutiques such as Etsy.com point to a new trend in fashion: democratization. Although there's still nothing like sifting through a clunky brick of Vogue, the style zeitgeist of late has been to look around for inspiration — to be innovative and creative even if on a dime. That's the spirit of Scott Schuman's blog The Sartorialist, something of an anthropological study of street wear.

After 15 years in the fashion industry, Schuman has grown to prefer the trickle-up trendsetting of ordinary folks. Camera in tow, he wanders the streets of New York, Milan, Paris, etc., photographing strangers and dispatching daily inspiration — from snug Italian suits to high-top sneaks and studs. Just in time for New York Fashion Week, which starts today, we caught up with Schuman about his new book. The Sartorialist, published in August, is a stout, coffee-table look book of Schuman's blog content.

But Schuman's interests surpass the sartorial. He said in a phone interview that he considers himself first a photographer, then a blogger and style connoisseur. His photographs, especially in book form, become less of a shopping list and more of a lens on self-expression. Much like his documentary predecessors August Sander and Mike Disfarmer, Schuman finds intrigue in the quotidian.

The cover image to Schuman's book, courtesy Penguin Group.

From his book we can learn a lesson about what we wear. Take a second look at that hoary-headed hobo on the street, Schuman instructs; it might actually be a creative director at Ralph Lauren. Think twice before chucking your mom's frumpy wool sweater; it could pair well with those plaid pants you thought you'd never wear — if you're confident enough to give it a try.

Schuman is under no pretense that his blog — or that blogs in general — should replace fashion magazines and the styles introduced by designers. He's simply giving a voice to those who take fashion seriously outside of the magazine world. During this week's events at Bryant Park, he said, he'll give equal heed to both the runway and the surrounding scene. It should be interesting, he said, to see how the recent recession has informed the designers. Check his blog for potential updates, and to learn more about his book.

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