JORDAN GOLDBERG
DC: IN AN ERA WHERE DIGITAL VIRALITY DEMANDS THAT EVERYTHING BE INSTANTLY DIGESTIBLE, DO YOU THINK WE ARE LOSING THE ABILITY TO APPRECIATE "DIFFICULT" FASHION? THOSE PIECES THAT REQUIRE TIME, CONTEXT, OR EVEN A CERTAIN DISCOMFORT TO UNDERSTAND.
JG: I'd say it's a bit of both. Once people get the hang of it, they go crazy for it. But it takes longer to get to that point. We often wait a bit longer to see how others perceive a trend before deciding. It's becoming more of a group decision than an individual one, in most cases.
DC: IF THE FASHION INDUSTRY DISAPPEARED TOMORROW, WHICH PART OF YOUR IDENTITY WOULD FEEL MOST LIBERATED AND WHICH WOULD FEEL MOST LOST?
JG: I would feel lost in terms of my sense of community. The New York fashion scene is much smaller than it seems, and I love seeing my people at all the fashion events every week!
I would probably feel more free to write about other topics that interest me, like lifestyle and beauty. I'm a die-hard writer, and right now fashion is my main focus, but that doesn't mean it always will be!
DC: MIUCCIA PRADA IS FAMOUS FOR EXPLORING "THE BEAUTY OF UGLINESS." IN YOUR CAREER, WHAT IS THAT "UGLY" TRUTH ABOUT THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU THINK THOSE INSIDE ARE AFRAID TO SPEAK OPENLY?
JG: How quickly people get fed up and become apathetic. We get so used to these incredible moments because they usually arrive so suddenly. It becomes normal: the front-row seat, the PR gifts... It's important to take the time to be grateful and realize that it's a privilege to be in those places. I often have to remind myself of that.
DC: BRANDS NOW HIRE CREATIVE DIRECTORS BASED ON THEIR "REACH" (FOLLOWERS) RATHER THAN THEIR "DESIGN PORTFOLIO." IN YOUR OPINION, IS THE ERA OF THE "GRAND COUTURIER" OVER AND HAS THE ERA OF THE "CREATIVE STRATEGIST" OFFICIALLY TAKEN OVER?
JG: I think we have to be realistic. Fashion is expensive, and there's too much competition out there. So, what better way to draw attention to your brand than by giving it a face that already has a following? I think we're in an era where people want to see individuality, and we can no longer hide behind the name of a big brand.
DC: WE'VE SEEN THE RISE OF "PREMIUM" BRANDS THAT MIMIC LUXURY BUT ARE MADE LIKE FAST FASHION. HOW DO YOU, AS A CURATOR, EDUCATE THE READER TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN A "TIMELESS GARMENT" AND A "TEMPORARY OBJECT" WITH GOOD MARKETING?
JG: I think a timeless garment is one that feels truly "you." You'll want to take great care of it because you always reach for it; you simply can't imagine your closet without it.
DC:BONUS— EVERYONE SEES YOU AS THE QUINTESSENTIAL NEW YORKER, BUT YOUR TEXAS ROOTS ARE STILL THERE. IF YOU WERE THE GUEST EDITOR OF A "24 HOURS IN HOUSTON" GUIDE, WHAT HIDDEN GEMS—THE ONES THAT DON'T APPEAR ON TYPICAL TOURIST MAPS—WOULD BE ON YOUR MUST-SEE LIST?
JG: I love it! I'd say vintage shopping in Montrose, a concert at the White Oak Music Hall, and a Dynamo game! Of course, eating Tex-Mex at El Tiempo, and if you can plan your trip to coincide with the Houston Rodeo, it's a must-see.