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Community Closet: Eric Swanson

July 20, 2021 — Interviews

Who are you? Tell us a bit about yourself!

Hello! I'm Eric (@slag.heap). I am an architecture student, getting my degree at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles. I loooove architecture, industrial design, fashion, and art. Always have! I’m a big thrifter, in constant search of that thing I’ve never seen before.

Person with short blonde hair and black oval sunglasses wears a black Obama and Biden administration t shirt. The person is wearing a silver dangly earring in their right ear and faces the camera. A set of white drawers is in the background.

What determines your style? Where do you find inspiration?

Men’s fashion is difficult to say the least. Not a lot of companies out there making interesting menswear. There is fear that men only want to wear basics. I find my inspiration in the found! Through sifting through clothes at thrift stores mainly. I like things that drape in an interesting way or are distressed. Big workwear guy.

Person in a power stance stands against a white concrete wall wearing a green military jacket with black cuffed jeans and black boots.
Man stands against a white wall with camouflage pants and green bomber jacket with a black fur collar.

Who is someone’s style you emulate?

Honestly, there is no one person. I get my inspiration from seeing people on my walks around LA! Lots of people trying new and interesting things!

Shirtless person leans on a thin canvas to create body art with paint in a concrete room.
Black white photograph of a painter setting up in their studio

First: David Hammons making a body print, Slauson Avenue studio, Los Angeles, 1974. Second: Agnes Martin setting up a new work in her studio.

What designers are you loving these days?

I will always love Issey Miyake’s line Homme Plisse but I have to say, Telfar is really catching my eye these days, as well as Eckhaus Latta. These designers are on the forefront of changing men’s wear.

A model wearing Issey Miyake Pants in red, white shirt, and grey cardigan.

Issey Miyake's Homme Plisse clothing line is a favorite of Eric's.

What is your favorite Noihsaf score?

This perfect pair of grey carhartt pants with paint splatter. I wore those things until they were destroyed.

Picture this: Your great grandmother passes. You never met her, and hardly knew anything in full about her life; you only have heard bits and pieces. It all sounds sensational, odd, curious; you chalk it up to family folklore. A few days after the funeral, a small man shows up at your door. He explains that your great grandmother has left you her entire estate in the country, along with her trove of treasures from places around the world, including her amazing and varied wardrobe. She even leaves you a motorcycle. You go to the estate, pick out an incredible outfit, and go cruising around town on that motorcycle. What are you wearing, head to toe?

Easy! 1950s red hunting’s jacket, pleated trousers, mesh shirt, and a pair of 2 toned Oxford shoes.

Person wearing a black and white sweater looks at the camera with a small gray kitten on his shoulder.
Couple stands in the street with arms around each other. Man wears a maroon sweater with blue collar peeking out.

What is playing on the stereo as you dress yourself?

David Bowie’s Diamond Dogs!

THANK YOU ERIC!
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