A quick Q&A with style icon and writer Ty Gaskins

These days, the lines between shopper, brand, creator, and consumer are all blurred. Ty Gaskins straddles each of those arenas, so we reached him to learn a bit more about what it’s like to work in and around fashion editorials and brand-building in 2021, what it means to be a style icon, and what’s next for fashion post-COVID…

Q: First off, give us a brief bio. What drew you to fashion and fashion journalism?

A: I am a publicist, writer, stylist, and creative director (somewhat of a jack of all trades). Merging my passions of brand and influencer relations and editorial development, I recently launched a creative agency called PlainSight with my business partners.

I began my career in fashion at Paper five years ago at the age of 19. My writing and styling work has been featured in V Magazine, ODDA, L’Officiel USA, and currently Harper’s BAZAAR and The Manual.

I’ve collaborated with numerous fashion icons like Bella Hadid, Ellen Von Unwerth, Rihanna, Virgil Abloh, and more. I’ve also served on several style panels discussing the importance of BIPOC creatives and Millenial and Gen Z-ers in the beauty and fashion space.

Q: How have your opinions about fashion changed over the last few years?

A: As most, when I first started in fashion I was excited by all the glitz and glamour. That quickly changed after working in the fashion closet. What kept me in fashion was my love and passion for it as an art form. Fashion is an expressive way to show your personality and create storylines, that part of fashion has stayed the same since the beginning. 

Q: When not under quarantine, what does a typical day look like for you?

A:  It’s so hard to even think about life pre-COVID now! A typical day for me would start with a matcha (which still happens now lol) before heading into the office which would probably consist of a few in-office or on-site meetings. Then I typically head home for a quick change—sometimes I would change in the office—before heading to a work event or dinner with friends.

Q: What’s the thing you’re most looking forward to post-COVID (or at least, when we are allowed to gather again)?

A: I’m honestly really excited about the fashion! I’m envisioning a Roaring 20’s 2.0 era! After being locked in the house in sweatpants and tees for over a year I feel everyone’s going to want to dress up and get creative with their looks once we’re all allowed to get together again.

Also, very much looking forward to the events that these glam looks will be worn too. I’m such a social person and miss being in a room meeting and engaging with people.

Q: Fashion has changed remarkably over the last year, but also in many ways, still cyclical and fickle. As a style icon, what trends are you loving right now?

A: I’m loving utilitarian wear. I’m BIG on structured, clean cut looks so this is definitely a trend I’ve been happy to see circulating on the runways. The safari Jacket obsession is back too! Dior, Gucci, De Fursac and so many brands are really creating a high fashion update to this classic look and i’m loving it.

Q: Tell us about some pieces you like from italist and why you picked them.

A: When selecting pieces from italist I took in account SS21 trends that we saw on the runways back in September and are starting to see in the street now that the weather is warming up.

I’ve always loved a good bermuda short so to see them popup in collections from Gucci, Casablanca, Givenchy and Bottega Veneta, I obviously was super excited when I saw this pair of shorts from Givenchy on the site. 

I remember seeing them on the runway and saying to myself “I must have these!” Bermuda shorts are a fun versatile piece for SS21 for when the days aren’t too hot you can pair with a chunky boot or transition to full on summer with a running sneaker or sandal—the possibilities are endless.

Q: How would you describe your personal style? What’s your approach?

A: My personal style is very clean cut and minimal. I get inspired a lot by the fashion runways and street style in Paris. I wear mostly black and neutral tones, I dabble a bit more with bright colors in the summer but as accents to add a subtle pop.

Q: As a style icon, which new and emerging designers are you watching?

A: Christopher John Rogers is one of my all time favorites right now, I did a profile on him for L’Officiel USA last summer and not only are his designs stunning, he is an incredible person and creative with a clear vision. I also love Peter Do, De Fursac, and Jacquemus.

Thanks to Ty Gaskins for his candor and time ❤

Explore more Style Icons: Xavier LeBron, Hollywood Stylist; John William Barger, Gay Pride Edit; Q&A with Josh Liu, celebrity hairstylist.

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About the Author

Alex English is the Head of Content Marketing at italist.com, building on a lifelong passion for fashion and luxury. After publishing a lifestyle blog for nearly ten years and obtaining an MBA in Milan at SDA Bocconi, one of Europe’s top business schools, he joined the italist team in 2019. His work since then has focused on upper-funnel messaging, brand storytelling, establishing italist as a thought leader in the space, and enriching the customer experience on the platform. Find him on LinkedIn.