The hysterical article Up with Grups from last weeks New York magazine posits that there is less and less distinction between how we dress at the ages of 20, 30, 40 or 50. Everybody, no matter what age or gender according to the article, is wearing jeans, tee shirts, hoodies, sneakers and messenger bags. Hmm, I think, that sounds familiar. Oh my god, I realize, that's the perfect uniform. The gist of the article is that everybody is resisting aging and so we hold on to the costume of our youth for as long as we can. The only difference is that now we can spend a lot more on the particular jeans, hoodies and tees are wearing today Which makes the explosion of cashmere and premium jean market of the last couple years a little more understandable. Again, this sounds a bit familiar...
What's also interesting about the article is the idea that this is a pretty new thing. Rogan Gregory, the designer for Rogan jeans, is quoted as saying "it used to be that each stage of life had its uniform, from kid to teenager to fancy-pants. Now, though, that fashion progression has flattened out, and everyone just wears the uniform of his choice." My god, they even use the word uniform. We might be on to something.
But I have to make a call out here. I think the article misses an important and salient point about the perfect uniform. The fact of the matter is that at its core, the perfect uniform is comfortable. Purely and simply comfortable. It works because it allows you to focus on the business of the day without hinderance or constriction. It's easy to move through a modern life because the clothes are durable, softened with age (or faux aging), and loose fitting (or laced with lycra). In a word, the perfect uniform works. It's not denial of aging but rather a realistic and functional approach to the rigors of modern living. Or that's at least what I think....
....or maybe, just maybe, there is a bit of truth to what they're saying too and I protest a touch too much. You think? Naa.
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