Fashion

I first met Butch Stevenson years ago when I was starting the Art Institute of Seattle. Back then I was impressed by the knowledge he possessed in styling and fashion. Butch has worked in different downtown Seattle clothing boutiques for over 10yrs and has acuminated a lot of knowledge about the Seattle fashion scene. I recently reconnected with him at ian (Seattle boutique located downtown Seattle) and decided to interview him and share some of his knowledge with all of my readers.

                                                  All photos taken at  ian  1919 2nd Ave Seattle, WA 98101

Who are you and how long have you been with the shop?

My name is Butch Stevenson, manager at ian. I’ve been with the store for
 almost 9 years.

Why do you enjoy fashion?

I guess I’ve been interested in fashion since I was a kid, watching Style
with Elsa Klensch on CNN with my aunt Cauleen Williams. I would also design
clothes in my spiral binder at school.

I love fashion because it’s a way of self-expression. To see what a designer
is into that moment and see how they interpret it into a collection always
intrigues me. Some designers have a similar vision season-to-season but
reimagining it so it becomes interesting again. Ralph Lauren, Daiki Suzuki
of Engineered Garments, Junya Watanabe, and Brunello Cuccinelli are masters
of that and kill it every season. In the store I always look forward to what
Levi’s Made & Crafted does. This season was brilliant with the texture and
colorful prints.

I’m actually more interested in personal style and how people put things
together. It’s interesting when two individuals can have the same garment
and see it in a different way. I always love to see the end result.

I’m also really interested in ‘fashionless’ fashion. You know, the clothes
that people stray from because it’s not hip enough or too “out there”. You
know that red trench that was hanging in the sale rack that makes you wonder
who would buy it? Hi there! I love those pieces! I always find ways to make
it work; and if it doesn’t come to me right then, I keep it in the closet
until it comes to me.

How would you describe Seattle fashion scene?

Safe!!! I have to give props to some of those people, though for stepping up
their game and to those who always are never afraid to bring it (shout outs
to Liana Kegley and Joshua David Meacham at Barneys, Max Jarkow at Mario’s); 
but for the most part people here are afraid to go against the grain even a
little bit. But I do see it getting better…

Are there any trends shoppers should be looking out for?

Floral prints are going to be a thing this spring and I think you can do it
in smaller doses (ie. accessories) if you can’t picture yourself in a floral
anorak! My advice to people though is if you don’t want to be too trendy is
just make sure your clothes fit correctly. Fit is key. I see way too many
guys wear the wrong size (usually too big) thinking they’re hiding
something; but all it does is draw attention to what they’re hiding! Tighten
up!