Celebrated New York-based writer Glenn O'Brien who has remained loyal to the traditional pieces of French brand Saint James, particularly their nautical Breton shirt and side-buttoned Breton Fisherman Sweater, for decades...
There's something fascinating about a person's trademark look. Think of chef Fergus Henderson's beloved blue painter's jacket; the late Steve Jobs' black poloneck-Levi's-New Balance get-up; acclaimed graphic designer Peter Saville's white jeans; or journalist Tim Blanks' favoured Hawaiian shirts. Perhaps it's comfort, or ease, or an obsession with said item's aesthetic or functionality. Or, with those working witin the fashion world, whose job it is to report on the look of the moment, perhaps it's simply more refreshing to settle on an item and rebel against passing trends.
Another example is celebrated New York-based writer Glenn O'Brien who has remained loyal to the traditional pieces of French brand Saint James, particularly their nautical Breton shirt and side-buttoned Breton Fisherman Sweater, for decades (see his Polaroid from 1969 below). To celebrate Saint James' latest collaboration – a special American inspired capsule collection created with Barneys New York – O'Brien was photographed by New York-based photographer Backyard Bill. Here, O'Brien discusses his love of the Breton and his love of French culture.
Do you remember the first Saint James piece you owned?
I guess it was the famous boatneck striped sailor shirt. I wore it with jeans but also as a sweater over a shirt.
"The French are completely underrated by Americans"
What do you like most about French culture?
The French are completely underrated by Americans. We would still be singing God Save the Queen if it weren't for the French. French culture is still quite cultured. It hasn't eroded to the degree that American culture has. I think it's that they don't have as many TV channels. And also the country isn't too large. They don't have anything equivalent to Kansas.
Your favourite French icon?
I could say the Marquis de Lafayette but I guess it's Belmondo.
Your favourite French dish?
Anna Karina.
Have you ever visited Normandy?
Yes, it's beautiful. I think I have roots there.
All of the Saint James garments are produced in the factory in the historical town of Saint-James, originally established by William the Conqueror in the 11th century. I gather you believe your ancestry to trace back to his?
I was watching a football game and an advert came on for ancestry.com. I was curious because I had gotten into genealogy a bit when I wanted to get an Irish passport, so I thought 'What the hell'. I had known that I had ancestors in America very early, practically on the Mayflower, but I figured we were probably in the brig. I really found out a lot. I mean the farther you go back the more chance there is for error, but as far as I can tell I am a descendent of Venus.
What's been your highlight of the summer so far?
I had a great time in Italy, in Puglia and Priano. And I got to play golf in Zurich with Dieter Meier.
Saint James x Barneys is available at Barneys stores in New York, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, and online.
Text By Laura Bradley
