What I Wear Now: Raven Smith
In this new series, stylish men reveal everything they know about clothes
Raven Nicole Smith - author, 5-063 Substack curator, and Vogue columnist - is as known for his wit as he is for being the world’s most flexible party guest.
Smith is also stylish, and has great taste, making him a good first subject for What I Wear Now, my new interview series where the world’s most fashionable men share the clothes, accessories, and items that matter most to them.
This new column will be dropping in your inbox with a new face, every other Sunday.
What are you wearing at this precise moment?
Well, Tekla pyjamas in orderly blue. Long sleeves, and shorts. Sleeping in the nude feels desperate.
What is the most treasured item in your wardrobe and why?
Oh, I commissioned two raw silk shirt-and-trouser sets in brown and blue. The fabric is regal, but the cut is more day-to-night. They’re in constant rotation in different configurations of Casual Prince.
What is your first clothing-related memory?
Some peppermint and white vertical striped trousers I had when I was maybe five? I looked like I owned a sweet shop. I should get an adult pair.
Which outfit do you wear when you want to feel powerful?
I have this sleeveless Jil Sander raw silk vest I bought in New York. It was kinda minidress length but I lopped the bottom off with kitchen scissors.
Which outfit would you wear for an interview?
Depends on the job. People mostly employ me for the injections of personality in my writing, so my hire-me outfit would be signature - minimalist bottom, maximalist top
Which outfit do you wear when you want to feel sexy?
All my clothes are sexy without being sexual. Does that sound super horny, it’s not meant to. I always like to show a bit of skin - arms, usually, maybe a bit of the male word for décolletage, just a peep of foot in my Mary Janes. I hate being completely covered from neck to toe.
What did/would you wear to your wedding?
We were skint so I wore a suit, not a very expensive one, in black so I could wear it to funerals too. I recently got a brown bespoke suit from Drake’s that’d be good for my second marriage.
What’s your go-to date garment?
This grey cashmere jumper I rarely take off if I’m not going out out.
What’s your go-to in-front-of-camera outfit?
I’m always sitting down on camera so an interesting top. I do love a corsage but you have to use a corsage sparingly because of Carrie Bradshaw. Same with a brooch.
What is the best outfit worn by any man in history and why?
I rarely remember or crave full looks, most of my inspo is in the details. Jean Cocteau’s Cartier pinky rings spring to mind. And a picture of a naked model drinking a martini on a pink velvet sofa in Venice has been on the mood. board for centuries.
Who is the most stylish man in history and why?
Bob Marley when he was living in London in 1977.
What do you wear in bed?
Tekla. I wish I’d said something sexy like Celine Reptile, but smells trigger my migraines.
Favourite underwear brand?
Calvins, but proper pants. I don’t like boxer briefs. Gag.
Favourite socks?
Best menswear shop?
Ebay again. Sorry but I like stuff to feel a bit rare. That’s harder to affordably achieve off the peg of a website.
Favourite pair of shoes?
Hereu mary janes.
Favourite suit?
I’m a sucker for eBay blazers. A brown Prada one is a fave atm. Still looking for the perfect JPG vintage ties to go with.
Best vintage shop?
Ebay, but be fucking specific about your search.
Favourite pair of jeans?
Saman Amel did me a bespoke pair after my order was stolen by local package thieves.
Favourite brand (and why)?
Bottega Veneta at the moment, for the colourways. I want a tonally harmonious shirt and tie. Prada is still extremely covetable. Jil Sander slaps.
Current item you’re coveting (and why)?
This iridescent seafoam-y suit I saw from Dior. I’m tired of black, blue, and grey for men. I also want a hat, but I don’t know what hat. The right hat must find me.
What’s the clothing item you’ve spent the most on? How did you justify the purchase?
Black suit trousers from The Row. Suit trousers go with everything. No regrets.
How many pairs of shoes do you own?
Oh like 40? Mostly black. Coloured shoes feel clownish.
Do you have any rules around shopping? Any limits or one-in-one-out policies?
I only buy stuff I’d be jealous of if I saw someone else in. Otherwise, I’m frittering cash on additional Heat Tech. I only buy things I truly covet.
If you could own one garment from any point in history, right now, what would it be?
Do you remember Vincent Gallo in Purple magazine? The fashion is hit after fucking hit.
What do clothes mean to you?
Everything and nothing. I find great clothes are communal, as much about the wearing as the being seen in.
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