The story behind The Tailorist

The blogosphere and street style are finding themselves in their zenith. There are many that use the web to share their visual story of style as they see it day to day, all around the world. One of the major exponents of this new genre and one whom most consider the reformer of street style, Mr. Scott Schuman, better know as The Sartorialist, has been the greatest influence; in fact, many have gone as far as to imitate him as they have become street/fashion style bloggers or hunters. In my opinion, I consider the father and pioneer of street style, without a doubt, Mr. Bill Cunningham, with his famous section "On The Street" in the Sunday print of the New York Times. However, I will not dwell in the peculiar details of style of this master photographer.

In 2007, trying to find a way to write about fashion and style, I opened a blog to try and help others see the trends of the moment and, with my meager knowledge, consult those who wanted to display and amplify their style (link to 1st post). By that time I was already an unconditional fan of the Swiss Yvan Rodic (the Face Hunter), who I would say, is my main influence for street style. Thank to Mr. Rodic and one of his posts, I learned of the now famous Sartorialist, and I do not deny my surprise when I realized that I had already chosen the name The Tailorist.

Where does The Tailorist come from? One day someone asked my opinion on how to alter one piece and I bluntly responded , "We must all have a tailor in us, in fact more so than a doctor." By that time I knew I wanted "tailor" to be the word that I wanted to use to be known as a consultant, but it wasn't enough since the word defined the profession of many, but did not characterize any single one person. When I had given up on finding a name, I was watching one of my favorite TV magazines, "The Flavorist," and the idea struck, I copied the idea and invented The Tailorist.

Many people on the street have asked if I imitate Sr. Schuman because of my chosen name, the truth is I do not. He has a style and objective that is very clear to what he wished to portray in fashion; I have very clear what I wish to capture in a photograph: an image composed of the person, their surroundings, the moment, taking advantage of the symmetries, and the spontaneity and creativity of the individual.

Although we are joined by the same passion, style and photography, I will have to live with the stigma that not only our names and endeavors are similar, but that they have a very similar meaning. Nevertheless, I leave it up to you and your eye the freedom to capture what makes us so different.