"Could you fix yourself on the inside by shaking up what you wore"

April 5, 2017 6:22 AM

How Clown Pants Saved My Life

Hiroki Nakamura is A Japanese Designer With a Rugged Western Aesthetic, and the founder of visvim.

posted by the man of twists and turns (10 comments total)

The author's life was never actually in danger, but I guess "how high-waters helped me cope with some difficult shit" just didn't have the same ring to it.

I liked this, a lot.
posted by 41swans at 6:33 AM on April 5, 2017

It's interesting. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. So were both of my parents. Both of my maternal grandparents came here in the 20s when they were tiny babies. There are pictures of my grandmother in bloomers on Venice Beach. My grandfather was raised orthodox, so no bloomers. Paternal grandparents came in 1940.

Anyway, I am always fascinated by stories of newcomers coming to Los Angeles, a city I have always taken for granted as it is. Lonely or gaudy or sprawling or disjointed - I have heard all of these descriptors, but this is just my home, my birthplace. I have never lived anywhere else for any significant time. I am always curious to hear how other people see my hometown. I hope someday, he'll think of Los Angeles as more than a cultural wasteland.
posted by Sophie1 at 7:23 AM on April 5, 2017 [2 favorites]

Science fiction about clothing with strong emotional effects: The Garments of Caen by Barrington J. Bayley.
posted by Nancy Lebovitz at 7:36 AM on April 5, 2017 [1 favorite]

On a slightly related note, yesterday I found out that JNCOs are still around and they are as glorious as you remember them.
posted by mcmile at 7:57 AM on April 5, 2017 [2 favorites]

This was really beautiful. Thanks for posting it.
posted by Mchelly at 8:14 AM on April 5, 2017 [1 favorite]

On a slightly related note, yesterday I found out that JNCOs are still around and they are as glorious as you remember them.

I like that some of the models are looking down at the pants they are wearing and laughing.
posted by srboisvert at 8:46 AM on April 5, 2017 [2 favorites]

Somebody else out there must have a story called How Clown Pants Ruined My Life.
posted by lagomorphius at 8:48 AM on April 5, 2017 [2 favorites]

I loved this. There really is a special feeling when you're wearing something you really like, regardless of whether anyone else likes it or it's in style or even in good taste. I try to have that feeling as often as possible.
posted by fiercecupcake at 11:43 AM on April 5, 2017 [2 favorites]

How Clown Pants Saved My Life

Hey, if it worked for MC Hammer...
posted by Splunge at 12:10 PM on April 5, 2017

This is great! I wasn't aware of visvim before this but I just spent an appreciative hour looking through their recent collections. I can see why the pieces appeal - the beautiful draping and careful colour choices are really admirable. If any coat or pair of jeans could make you feel like you knew how to make good choices in life, it would be these.
posted by DSime at 4:00 PM on April 5, 2017