Timeless Design versus Popular Fashion (a.k.a. The Architects' Dress Code)

Architects, as a rule (I’m not going to call it a sterotype, because I think it’s true), love to dress in black.  If not black, then at least solid colors.  (Never mind that black is probably the worst color for flattering pale skin – and it’s no secret that most architects spend waaaaay too many sunny days bent over the drawing board.)  My theory as to why is that it’s our fear of falling prey to gimmicks, to “fashion.”  Reasons for this:

• we are notoriously socially awkward, and probably too clueless to catch on to the latest trends in hem lengths.
• we are not as well paid as some might think, and keeping a wardrobe current can be pricey – especially when one has high-quality taste.
• It’s a sales job, and every aspect of our presence – from our business card to our eyewear – sends a message to clients about our design sensibilities.  We need to look like a solid investment of their design dollars.

But I think none of these are the real reason.  Deep down inside, I think we’re afraid of looking dated.  Architectural design has been around for millennia, and let’s face it:  some buildings definitely age better than others.  Metallic wallpaper, anyone?  We’ve all seen buildings that look horribly dated, and not in a good way.

And yet this fear of obsolescence is countered by the desire to be “cutting-edge.”  Modern, hip, and a leader in our field.  Here, by the way, is why in fact we keep falling into the trap of designing buildings that age poorly…  Metallic wallpaper was exciting new technology at one point, after all.

Hence, this teeter-tottering between white picket fences, and corrugated metal siding.  On the fashion front, what is analogous to solid wood detailing, something we can all get behind?  Basic black.  “It’s the new black.”

No bold florals or glamorous paisleys, no ruches or ruffles; those will look “SO last week” next week.  On the flip side, no happy yellows or stable plaids either; can’t blend in with the masses -- after all, that doesn’t scream “Design With A Capital D,” does it?  So we’re left with black.  Dependable, timeless, yet still edgy and urban.  We’re trapped.

Comments

[Jeremy S.]

I don't hear anyone in fashion decrying the "little black dress"