Style Stalker

I finally got around to reading a book I had no doubts I would love: The Sartorialist by Scott Schuman.  The instant I saw it being displayed at the library, I scooped it up in one swift movement without a second glance - I was that sure I wanted to read it.

I love street style, and I love Scott Schuman.  To me, he is one of the best street style photographers of our time.  He goes beyond photographing fashion; he photographs personalities with a keen eye for how to best capture them in an instantaneous, incidental and intimate way.

Schuman is the only street style photographer who can present speckled painter overalls like it's the greatest fashion statement one can make.  What Schumann photographs is real street style.

I am an undying lover of street style because it never ceases to amaze me how remarkably unique personal style can be.  In Canada, we have a very conservative, casual, suburban style.  As much as it is nice to go out and never have to worry about being underdressed, I often yearn to see Canadians be more daring with how they dress.  While dressing up may leave you the odd one out in Canada, believe me, you will have all my respect.

While my love for street stye played a big role in how much I enjoyed flipping through this book, I also adored Schuman's commentary throughout.  I was so enthralled by his behind-the-scenes peek at each of his subjects, I almost wish he had provided commentary for each and every photo (despite him explaining explicitly why he refused to).  Although Schuman's commentary may at times seem frank and somewhat ignorant, you will come to realize that he writes with a tinge of humour and honesty.  He digs up truths about the complementary or conflicting nature of style and personality.

Surprisingly, there were very few outfits which I liked from head-to-toe, but page after page, I was still so absorbed in each of the looks.  Schuman demonstrates exactly the age-old idea that it's not what you wear, but how you wear it that matters. 

I am eagerly awaiting The Sartorialist II, which is set to be released in September 2012.  I have no doubt many will be waiting to snap up the book with eagle precision to see which lucky street style setters have made it to print this time around.  Mario Testino does not exaggerate when he calls The Sartorialist "The place to be seen".

Image Source: Cover, Style1, Style2, Style3, Style4, Style5