Inspired by Patti Smith's Fierce Androgyny

Publish date: 2024-04-21

I have been an ardent fan of Patti Smith’s music and style since 1975 when her album “Horses” was released. I devoured her first memoir, “Just Kids” about her youth in New York City with Robert Mapplethorpe a few years ago, and I just ordered her latest, “M Train,” in hardcover, which I almost never do, nowadays. Her writing is something to savor.

Patti’s androgynous look in this photo is in keeping with the current zeitgeist. Models such as Jamie Bochert and Edie Campbell have channelled her cool, undone thrift shop vibe and it still seems edgy 40 years later!

This army shirt, tied to expose the midriff, and jean jacket, around the waist, could have come down the runway at Versace’s recent Spring 2016 show.

I had the privilege of crossing paths with Smith at a fashion industry event not too long ago. She was with her daughter, who appeared to be about the same age as mine. I hesitated before introducing myself and asking if I could take their picture. I wondered if she would be annoyed or think I was ridiculous. She couldn’t have been more gracious and—guess what?—the opposite of cool...warm.

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