3 Minute Thread: Louis Cheslaw

"I’m both helped and haunted by my mum’s advice growing up: Don't leave the house wearing more than two colours."

In April last year, Substack royalty laura reilly anointed Louis Cheslaw as Magasin’s menswear prince. Since then, he’s been writing missives on all the things we should be watching, wearing and buying (you can also find his byline in all the great media acronyms: GQ, HTSI, WSJ and NYMag).

In Laura’s words, Louis has the innate ability to “speak to a lot of different scenes, without being beholden to them.” Today, he’s letting us peer into his scene:

Who are you?

Louis — a professional noticer, for better or worse.

What are you wearing?

An old jacket, an old T-shirt, and some old shoes, but with new bits in the mix too: Jeans made by Keith Henry, my good luck necklace from The Ouze, a silk Kaptain Sunshine shirt.

Why did you choose this outfit?

I think it shows the mix I feel most comfortable leaving the house in. On the one hand, I’m lucky that my work brings me into contact with a lot of ultra-talented designers. But I also feel a little unmoored if I’m not anchored by a few pieces each day that I’ve worn for years and years. I also dress a lot out of nostalgia for eras I wasn’t even alive for — I think elements of this outfit show that too.

Where did you wear it?

This was just a normal working day with some friends. But I’d wear something like this anywhere.

What’s the best style lesson you’ve learned over the years?

I’m both helped and haunted by my mum’s advice growing up: That I shouldn’t leave the house wearing more than two colours.

One person you think has great style?

Sam Shepard for denim, Leonard Cohen for suiting. But I do think so much of their stylish power comes from the quality of the work they made, paired with the great clothes.

Best life hack?

Oh god — allocate four hours for work that requires two!

Your favourite person to follow?

Right now, this guy.

One recommendation to read/ watch/ listen/ see or do?

Watch (or, I hope, rewatch) ‘Silver Linings Playbook’. That movie rules. Though if you’re really going through it, listen to episodes from the first couple years of the This Jungian Life podcast. Then cheer yourself up with some Jiminy Glick.

Follow Louis on Instagram and read his writing over on Magasin. Subscribe to Threads of Conversation for more interviews, essays, podcast episodes and more.

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