A Few Questions with - Chris Black
A Davide Sorrenti photograph, and why "Big Pants are a fad"
I’ve known Chris Black for close to 15 years now, and he’s one of the few folks I know who’s always been himself, a near impossible task these days. He’s also one of the folks in my life who’s helped me with my own career. From what to ignore and what to focus on. He gets it.
Chris has worked for years as a consultant and has helped countless brands understand “culture,” what makes sense in the ever-changing landscape of noise. He also hosts the cult podcast How Long Gone with his best friend, Jason Stewart, aka Them Jeans. Together, they chat up your favorite celebrity or tastemaker on their current takes from food, film, and more. It’s a great pod and from a person who has been making pods for nearly a decade, Chris and Jason cracked the medium because most people want to hear good banter, not press junkets.
I asked Chris to answer a few questions. Enjoy.
What’s a song you can’t stop listening to right now?
C.B. - Audrey Hobert - “Sue me”
What was the first album you bought with your own money?
C.B. - The Beatles - “Anthology” Double Disc
If you could only keep one record in your collection, what would it be?
C.B. - Whiskeytown - “Faithless Street” (Apple, Spotify)
Is there a concert or show that changed the way you see music?
C.B. - My first punk show at BLT’s in Atlanta, when I was in middle school.
What’s the oldest piece of clothing you still wear?
C.B. - A gray Old Navy pocket t-shirt I shoplifted in high school.
Do you remember your first big fashion splurge?
C.B. - Sharkskin Paul Smith suit from Barney’s, worn to the 2006 VMAs.
What’s an item in your wardrobe you’ll never part with?
C.B. - Vintage Big Star t-shirt.
Who do you look to (past or present) for style inspiration?
C.B. - Old J. Crew catalogs and New York City
Do you have a uniform or go-to outfit?
C.B. - I wear all the same shit every day—vintage jeans, polos, oxfords, a Macintosh coat, penny loafers, or boat shoes. I am not trying to experiment at 43 years old. I think I know what works.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about your work or craft?
C.B. Everything is about relationships.
What’s a book that has stayed with you?
C.B. - Pulphead by John Jeremiah Sullivan
Do you have a daily ritual or routine that grounds you?
C.B. - Going to the gym
What’s one object in your home that tells a story?
C.B. - A Davide Sorrenti photograph of Jamie King rolling a joint. It was a 40th birthday gift from my wife.
What’s something you believed about style when you were younger that you don’t anymore?
C.B. - Suits worn casually looked too formal. I realize now that it is not the case at all.
What was your favorite pair of shoes growing up?
C.B. - Vans Authentics in blue.
Do you remember the first piece of clothing that made you feel like yourself?
C.B. - APC raw jeans in 2002.
Who was the first person you saw and thought: That’s what cool looks like?
C.B. - Liam Gallagher, Chloe Sevigny, Refused, and Wesley Eisold from American Nightmare.
What’s a brand or designer you think people will be talking about in 10 years?
C.B. - Carter Young
What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t yet?
C.B. - Guitar, Figma, how to fix anything
If you could pass one piece of advice about style to your younger self, what would it be?
C.B. - Don’t have bangs, big pants are a fad, and smoking will always look cool.