I think I also want to add that someone like Kendall Jenner is not WRONG for abiding by house codes. Her (my opinion) motivation is completely different than most people -- she is thinking about Internet culture and paparazzi photos and how they'll age over decades. Someone like her is motivated by legacy and taking a page from the CBK playbook to err on the side of timelessness because she is famous and knows her outfits will be dissected by her kid's kid's best friend's neighbor's babysitter. She knows exactly what she is doing! But the girl also breaks out crazy ass Mugler for a red carpet.
the whole genre of "if you like the row then you might like..." and then it's like, Neous and LeSet is fine. But if you *buy* the row then you might REALLY just be a vintage shopper waiting to blossom.
Jess, I worked for The Row as a tech designer doing spec and quality control and you just articulated something I wish more people understood about the brand. The minimalism isn't identity, it's infrastructure. Every piece is obsessively crafted, designed to last, built on inconspicuous consumption - the opposite of announcing yourself.
But when people treat The Row as identity substitute (I am a Row person = minimalist, refined, elevated), they miss what the brand actually IS: foundation for thinking about what you actually want to say with your clothes.
The Row teaches you HOW to think (precision, quality, intention). But if that becomes the entire thought instead of the beginning of the thought, you are not building a wardrobe, you are building a uniform. And now as a fashion psychologist I can firmly say that is when minimalism becomes a cage.
Your canvas metaphor is perfect. The problem isn't The Row, it's stopping there ♥️
I always say they’re a prime example of wearing vs styling. The Row provides a foundation, as you said, but the way they interpret it is entirely their own and personal taste cannot be replicated. Loved this!
That the Olsen twins don't wear the Row as starkly minimalist as it looks on its own is actually a really interesting point. I had never thought of that before. Minimalism makes me sad, but having seen the Row from close up in the shop I had to acknowledge how besutiful they were, and also how good they look when worn by the Olsens the way you describe. Now I'm off searching for images of MK & Olivier's home!
I think I also want to add that someone like Kendall Jenner is not WRONG for abiding by house codes. Her (my opinion) motivation is completely different than most people -- she is thinking about Internet culture and paparazzi photos and how they'll age over decades. Someone like her is motivated by legacy and taking a page from the CBK playbook to err on the side of timelessness because she is famous and knows her outfits will be dissected by her kid's kid's best friend's neighbor's babysitter. She knows exactly what she is doing! But the girl also breaks out crazy ass Mugler for a red carpet.
had to pause my reading to calculate 9% of 75 pairs of 400 jeans
hahaha
…and it’s only 2700 bucks! No one’s getting a new life on that 🙃
Instructive but not reductive is a line I am always walking, and I'm not sure if I fell off the wire here or not
Good style is always instructive.
This was GREAT. I like the baby birds comment and how the lack of friction stunts our collective growth. So. well. said.
Brilliantly said, as per the usual.
We all know I love The Row, but I really feel strongly it’s primarily an idyllic backdrop for vintage
I really feel they built it that way. How it’s been translated is another story…but the original intentions still hold true.
the whole genre of "if you like the row then you might like..." and then it's like, Neous and LeSet is fine. But if you *buy* the row then you might REALLY just be a vintage shopper waiting to blossom.
Jess, I worked for The Row as a tech designer doing spec and quality control and you just articulated something I wish more people understood about the brand. The minimalism isn't identity, it's infrastructure. Every piece is obsessively crafted, designed to last, built on inconspicuous consumption - the opposite of announcing yourself.
But when people treat The Row as identity substitute (I am a Row person = minimalist, refined, elevated), they miss what the brand actually IS: foundation for thinking about what you actually want to say with your clothes.
The Row teaches you HOW to think (precision, quality, intention). But if that becomes the entire thought instead of the beginning of the thought, you are not building a wardrobe, you are building a uniform. And now as a fashion psychologist I can firmly say that is when minimalism becomes a cage.
Your canvas metaphor is perfect. The problem isn't The Row, it's stopping there ♥️
🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝
🤝 ♥️
It’s content like this that makes it a pleasure to click and buy from the sole affiliate link on this page.
Damn that’s a good compliment
And a commission 💫
Reading this after work today… that photo of the Olsen twins is such a jump scare
LOL terrifying
I always say they’re a prime example of wearing vs styling. The Row provides a foundation, as you said, but the way they interpret it is entirely their own and personal taste cannot be replicated. Loved this!
You’re a prime example of taking the foundation and building something entirely your own
Loved reading this for your ideas and also your beautiful writing.
Loved your piece on their jewelry collections!
This was honestly a pleasure to read
Yes!!!
This was so honest & brilliant
This is so well written, and I found myself nodding along with everything.
That the Olsen twins don't wear the Row as starkly minimalist as it looks on its own is actually a really interesting point. I had never thought of that before. Minimalism makes me sad, but having seen the Row from close up in the shop I had to acknowledge how besutiful they were, and also how good they look when worn by the Olsens the way you describe. Now I'm off searching for images of MK & Olivier's home!
Shop consume chase, distilled perfect 🤌🏽