Stories worth reading. Stop indexing the internet.
Vintage Fashion Is Changing the Economics of Desirability
“The $289 billion and growing resale market is upending the carefully cultivated world of luxury” [Bloomberg]
High Highs and Low Lows
“My biggest take away after a year building wood boats on the Maine coast.” [The Next Thing]
The Secret Design History of Peanuts
“As a buzzy NYC pop-up exhibition celebrates the strip’s cultural legacy, AD explores how Charles M. Schulz documented the evolution of the American home, from iconic Eames chairs to ’80s chintz” [AD]
The Backlash Against Polyester Has Gone Too Far
“Clothing made from natural fibers isn’t always better.” [The Atlantic*]
The Quest for a Hangover Cure
“Scientists still aren’t sure what makes us feel lousy after drinking—but that hasn’t stopped companies from touting new and purportedly scientific remedies.” [New Yorker]
A shortlist of things we’ve got our eye on.
LEJ 1 Pocket Officer’s Shirt
De Bonne Facture Forest Jacket
Gramicci Multi-Tool Card
Drake’s Indigo Cotton Wadded Vest
Madewell Utility Pant
Bijan Shivali
Bijan is a longtime fixture in NYC menswear and the current Brand Director at Corridor. We’ve long been fans of his excellent vintage shop, Intramural, and were excited to speak with him about what he’s been up to at Corridor, his favorite pickup of the last year, and what defines his personal taste.
How do you explain Corridor to people who aren’t familiar with it?
Corridor is a Brooklyn based menswear brand that’s remained independent since being founded in 2013. Dan, the founder/designer of the brand, is inspired by traditional textiles, as well as the art and music of Folk Americana. You can see this woven into each garment and feel it when you step into one of our seven stores in New York and Los Angeles.
How does experience with buying vintage for Intramural still shape the way you approach your work at Corridor?
The vintage landscape is increasingly crowded, and so something that is always important to me with Intramural is making sure the perspective and messaging feels distinct and remains consistent. I always want to make sure the Intramural perspective is felt at every touchpoint, from the product curation to the way things are displayed/photographed to the brands I’ve partnered with. At Corridor, I approach my role as a steward of the direction the brand is heading and ensuring that it is felt wherever the brand is experienced.
Tell us about the new collection. What are you most excited for people to see?
The new collection is all about restraint. Throughout, you’ll notice a real focus on simplicity, with a quieter, more muted palette. The clothing feels lived-in with texture and color settling into a kind of natural harmony you can only get with time.
The pieces are easy to wear and I think everyone will be able to find something that will fit right in with their existing wardrobe. I’m really excited for people to see the outerwear and the alpaca-blend knits. There are pieces that I’m also excited about that just have the perfect wash and color like our zip hoodie in Blue and the Wide Twill pant in brown.
What makes a collection feel successful to you?
A successful collection is deliberate and cohesive. One in which you can mix any tops and any bottoms from the collection and it works great. From a more macro brand perspective, a testament to a successful collection is that it feels like a natural progression from the one before it. I think you want to see longtime customers mixing your current collection with past collections.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought this year?
The best thing I bought this year wasn’t vintage, it was a pair of black leather Clarks Wallabees. I find myself wearing them with everything. Instantly, the most versatile shoe in my rotation.
If someone wanted to understand your taste, what three things would you point them toward? A book, a record, a jacket, a building...anything.
