Dapper Deconstructed: Lawrence Schlossman
The Four Pins Editor in Chief shares his style know-how, boundless wit and sneaker tips in honor of the launch of the Todd Snyder for PF Flyers collection
Advertorial content:
Those with interest in men’s fashion will have most probably read (and laughed at) Lawrence Schlossman’s words. Serving as Editor in Chief of Four Pins—the most tongue-in-cheek fashion blog around—as well as co-hosting his own web series and with a co-authored book under his belt, Schlossman is never short of quips and opinions on fashion. Despite his sardonic tone, at heart, Schlossman is diehard admirer of fashion design. After meeting with the “blogfather” and agency-owner Michael Williams thanks to the Todd Snyder for PF Flyers collaboration, we caught up with Schlossman for a coffee and early morning stroll through Times Square to talk sneakers, snark and (of course) style.
How did you first get interested in menswear?
I guess I’ve been interested in men’s clothing for as long as I can remember, which, admittedly is kinda dubious since my memory is trash. Regardless, growing up, I was always into things where your style mattered—like playing music or skateboarding. While not necessarily menswear in the traditional sense, how you looked participating in such activities was paramount, especially since I sucked at bass guitar and heel flipping.
Has there been an increase in quality in the last few years with the rise of #menswear?
I’d like to think so, but such a blanket statement like this is hard to quantify. Like, are we talking well-made or just quality from a taste level perspective, you know? As someone who not only really cares about this stuff, but also deals with it for a living, I can only hope that consumers are more informed than ever and, in 2014, have an almost expert-like handle on what makes a product “quality,” whether that assertion is from a manufacturing standpoint or an aesthetic one.
Describe your personal style.
Lately I’ve been on a heavy cyber goth meets chill dad kick. I wish this was a joke.
What stands out about this collab for you?
You can’t go wrong with a classic silhouette that looks good with literally everything, plus the perfect colorway (navy and black for me) and ridiculously luxe materials at such a fair price point.
Instead of building your outfit from the ground up, maybe think about things the other way around. To me, sneakers are like the icing on the cake, something that tops everything off.
You seem like a sneaker guy without being a “sneaker guy.” Is there a right way and a wrong way to wear sneakers?
I mean, the “wrong” pants will ruin even the “coolest” pair of sneakers. Instead of building your outfit from the ground up, maybe think about things the other way around. To me, sneakers are like the icing on the cake, something that tops everything off.
Can you tell me a bit about your role in the fashion community?
Naturally, I ask myself this very question every night before I fall asleep. I guess you could say I am a #influencer who creates and curates #content through a variety of digital platforms. Just kidding, that’s what an asshole would say—I’m just a fan at the end of the day.
Four Pins strikes a hard-to-attain balance between making fun of fashion while showing love for design and the field. How do you manage this?
When you care about something as deeply as we at Four Pins care about men’s style, this kind of balanced reaction (ie: fan-boying out mixed with a healthy distrust) kind of just comes naturally.
What are a few of your essentials?
TWITTER. I LOVE TWITTER. YOU CAN TAKE MY LIFE, BUT YOU CAN NEVER TAKE MY TWITTER.
What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
Again, I am addicted to Twitter.
Any sage menswear wisdom for fall?
Just wear what’s comfortable, man.
Lawrence Schlossman is Editor in Chief at Four Pins, co-host of “Fashion Bros” and a dedicated Twitter user. This series is sponsored by Todd Snyder for PF Flyers. For more Dapper Deconstructed content, visit PF Flyers’ dedicated Tumblr.
Images by Hans Aschim
