INTERVIEW #90 ROBERT WALDRUP

Name: Robert Waldrup

Based in: New Orleans, Louisiana

Occupation: Attorney

Get inspired by: Tiki drinks; classic French films; Coltrane’s saxophone; and Baldwin’s pen

Instagram: @vernonvalentine

Why we love him: Robert has one of those closets that we’d like to LIVE in, and get styled by him everyday, of course. There is certainly a lot of creativity and sense of style in Robert’s daily dressing situation. He really knows how to put together smashing and outstanding outfits - we are so inspired! 

Tell us about yourself?  

My brain usually explodes when I get a question like this because it’s difficult, if not impossible, to not then force upon myself the existential question: “who am I?” Perhaps it needn’t be this difficult but finding the words—the right words, the appropriate words—to “communicate” myself to the world is often an anxiety-inducing task. Being unable to find the words when I need them most causes me debilitating bouts of self-doubt and self-loathing. But, when my tongue fails to be an effective advocate, I retreat to style as a communicative safety net and a tool to coax the courage to say something, to do something, to “be” me; whatever that is.

What’s your relationship with clothes?

Clothes are the notes and chords I use to create sartorial-jazz. I don’t mean to be pretentious when I talk to this way, but to me jazz is simply a synonym for “free.” Jazz is bound only by the musician’s imagination. It expresses moods. It challenges conventions and assumptions. It mesmerizes and captivates. It speaks.

I can’t play a trumpet like Miles, a saxophone like Coltrane or a Piano like Herbie—though I do try from time to time.  But, I can emote, I can challenge, and I can speak with my clothes. Like a jazz musician that experiences and experiments with freedom via the notes under his fingers, I like to experience and experiment with freedom through the mode of sartorial self-expression. 

 How would you describe your style in 3 words?

Free; bold; dynamic

Any favorite items? As in what pieces am I saving before my house burns down? I’ll give you four: (1) my Code West snakeskin cowboy boots from my brother Sam (@sparrowsandwolves); (2) my 1930s Stetson wide-brim western hat, also from Sam; (3) my Santo Domingo Battery Bird from my darling Lauren (@friendsandloversvintage); and (4) my 1940s Sportclad jacket from my friend Jason (@machineagedisco).  

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration from places you would expect: clippings from old magazines/catalogues; old photos; other style blog accounts on the gram; etc. I try not to rely too heavily on just replicating what others have done, though. Usually when I’m looking to mix things up I’ll aim to pair dissimilar items to create a novel look. 

I also draw a remarkable amount of inspiration from just talking to the sellers I buy from. I haven’t been wearing vintage for too long, but I feel very much at home in this community. I have met some incredible people who have taken a genuine interest in me as a person, not just as a client or customer. Insane ideas start to flow when I talk to other people who are just as excited about clothes—and infinitely more knowledgeable about them—as I am. I’d be remiss if I did not shout some of those cats out here: Justin (@solid.goods.vintage); Sarah (@american_reboot); and Matt (@rebelsrogues).

Do you have a style icon, if yes, who?

I recently read this book called “Black Ivy.” It explores how Foundational Black Americans adopted a style made popular in the halls of institutions designed to lock them out. Then, they not only adopted the style, but adapted it, reinterpreted it, reimagined it, and repackaged it in the personification and sartorial expression of “cool.” It’s no surprise that much of the pictorial exemplar of the Black Ivy style represented in the book is derived from black jazz musicians. Their style and their music were an exercise of freedom and a rebellious response to America’s brand of anti-black racism. Those individuals are not just my style icons; they’re my heroes.

Favorite stores/brands to shop from?

I shop almost exclusively from small businesses. I’m not necessarily averse to fast fashion; it’s just not the energy I’m in right now. All shops I mentioned previously would qualify as favorites for sure. A few others deserve mention: Juliana (@pricklycatsalvage); Luke (@lukehailevintage); Manny (@thegoodyvault); and Ben (@konagoods).

What is a sustainable closet for you?

I should go look at my closet and reflect on that. To be honest I can’t say I’ve ever given that question serious consideration but I do think this: Your values are a reflection of how you spend your money, how you spend your time, how you think, and what you do. If it means enough to you to be a good steward of the environment in some other sphere, then perhaps there’s a way to put those same values to work in your wardrobe. For me personally, a sustainable closet has an environmental impact but also a historical one. I personally love the one-of-oneness of an old garment. Of course it wasn’t the only one of its kind manufactured, but it is the only one that can tell its specific story. Being able to curate, wear and preserve that history (and the planet) is significant.

What do you think about the fashion industry in general?

I don’t have too many reflections on the fashion industry. I honestly can’t recall the last time I bought something non-vintage that wasn’t either custom, workout gear, or underwear. My bend has always been more toward style, not fashion. That’s a very personal thing. 

What can one do that seeks to create a more sustainable closet?

First, shop from all the small businesses I mentioned earlier. Second, adopt sustainable practices in other areas. Being value congruent in all phases will necessarily translate into a sustainable closet.