We love Swagger: New York. Seriously, we've become addicted. It's easy to see what sets Swagger apart — their contributers actually make a connection with their stylish subjects, getting their muses to share something about themselves, their look and their influences. We caught up with founder Sian-Pierre Regis to talk fall trends, street style, and why connecting with their trendsetters is so important.
Sian-Pierre hooked us up with two of his favorite summer subjects, Legacy and Paola, who modeled their picks from the new Loeffler Randall fall collection and we are loving their looks. See more from their walk through the West Village as well as their styling tips on Swagger: New York.
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Swagger started in Paris. What similarities or differences do you see in each culture's style?
Sian-Pierre Regis: When it comes to style, I go to Paris for inspiration, and hang in New York for excitement. The style in NYC is shocking — bright colors, odd fits, a sense of freedom — while in Paris, the culture is a bit more traditional — classic fits, neutral tones sexy conservatism. When I lived in Paris and started Swagger: Paris, I really learned the importance of cut, and how to embrace one's figure with clothing choices. New York's style mavens are much less concerned with fit but rather make sure they can translate how they feel inside, outside. But, both are intimate; people make a concerted effort to think about what they're wearing, neither culture is cool with just throwing on any old threads.
What are some of your favorite places for a style stake-out?
SP: In New York, the Swagger photogs are everywhere. But we love the SoHo sidestreets to spot chic, and the East Village stoops for a little vintage grunge.
What trend in fashion is inspiring you this fall?
SP: The colors are really sexy this fall. They're deep and vibrant at once — mustard, vivid reds and blues. As the wind starts to gust, people seem to be layering with a thought to colors, not textures...which is visually exciting, especially on the streets.
Why are shoes important?
SP: Shoes can make a woman's mood. A sexy heel can make a night on the town that much more fun while a supple leather boot can make her feel super cozy, even in this huge city. Her shoes are often the first thing a woman talks about when we take a photo; it's like a secret, strong bond.
We love how you have integrated music into the site. Tell us how this came about.
SP: Unlike other street style sites, we try and represent more than just the fashion of our street icons, we try to embrace their lifestyle as well. Music is a huge part of who they are, and what they wear. The people we photograph really are trendsetters, but not just in the fashion sense, in music, art, nightlife and culture. So every day, we share our fave songs, Swagger music interviews and videos that speak to the up-and-coming artists our style mavens adore, like Lykke Li, Florence and the Machine, Cults, Toro Y Moi, etc. We do street style, after all, not street fashion.