Patrick O’Sullivan
@_osullivan
Architect. Style, design, soul. 1970s position.
I hit the vintage shops at least a couple times a week on the lookout for 1970s gems. A bit of patience and persistence, just keep showing up. I've seen men conceptualize shopping as a military strike: in and out. But this is unhelpful as it puts unrealistic pressure on any…
Men avoid shopping because they're bad at it. They're bad at it because they avoid it.
I just started an IG. Find me here: instagram.com/patrickmichael…
Composed. Control. Presence. Conservative yet unconventional at the same time. The cut of the jacket, obviously tailored for him. Strong shoulder; fluid lines drawing the eye from the sweep of the lapel down to the cutaway at the hem. Beautiful roll, parallel vertical front…
Beautiful, sensuous contours. Seduction was at the centre of the ethos of 1970s. 1970 Jaguar E-Type
The look starts in the mind. ↓ This energy intends to "draw in" not "dominate over." My article on the Refined Sensuality of the 1970s as seen in fashion, and design and vibe: osullivanpatrick.substack.com/p/to-look-like… Camel ad, Esquire Magazine, 1978
The Refined Sensuality of 1970s men’s fashion... Is rare today because the psychological posture behind that energy is rare today. Think feline elegance: Long, sleek, fluid, sculpted lines. New article: osullivanpatrick.substack.com/p/to-look-like…
Style conveys energy, a ‘vibe.’ Line, shape, pattern… every aspect of a garment or a look will carry some meaning. So how can we apply these aspects to capture the energy we want to project? Or to draw out an energy that we feel is already within us? How do certain design…
If you’re not wearing what you love, you’re working at odds with your soul.
New article: osullivanpatrick.substack.com/p/can-you-feel…
New article: How We Move in Clothes: The beautiful flow of 1970s suits. osullivanpatrick.substack.com/p/how-we-move-…
I wouldn't say that our culture rewards blending in. It's more that it doesn't punish blending in.
Ideally your style is personalized to the point where trends mean nothing to you.
Style offers a path to self ownership. And even reinvention. For those inclined.
Conformity is compliance. You know this is not right for you.
Over the next 5-10 years, we'll be going to a more soulful and personalized kind of dressing. We've already reached peak generic business casual, and though it was convenient, ultimately it's a deeply unsatisfying aesthetic than can't last.
There's an art to living. Hard to do in the wrong clothes.
A great deal of men dress in a personal uniform, I.e. variations on the same outfit every day. So do I. So is it a blessing or a curse? Depends on the uniform.