Josh Langston
Freelance fashion and lifestyle writer. Lead Vancouver contributor for The Social Life Magazine
Describe your style: In a word, eclectic. Im someone who dresses depending on my mood at the moment. I love to mix my favourite designer luxury items, with cool vintage and consignment finds. Im all about the push and pull of focus. Im a bit of a hardware addict and known as a Shoe Whisperer because of my ever-growing collection.
Where do you get your style inspiration: The London punk scene, Saturday morning cartoons, Japanese street style blogs, the runways and from the daily looks I see.
What is, and is in, your bag at this very moment? A 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Tote in black with gold hardware (this was over a months rent in Gastown and a months bills, but worth every penny). In it? MY LIFE. A few key items: iPhone 5 charger, DSLR Camera, random accessories to tweak my look throughout the day, five pairs of sunglasses (even in the winter), cologne/deoderant, business cards, Kiehls toning spray, a notebook.
Proudest accomplishments?
Being brave enough to go back to school to pursue my dreams in my early/mid-twenties.
Excelling so well in my program at Blanche Macdonald that I was selected as one of three students out of more than 100 to go to New York Fashion Week (NYFW) for the last season at Bryant Park on a internship through my school.
Covering the shows at NYFW as well as getting to go backstage before the shows and running into people like Coco Rocha, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington.
Making my mom proud.
Describe your personal power outfit? I would say sunglasses for me are the major confidence booster, like my Alexander Wang x Linda Farrow Metal capped cat eye glasses. Theres also something to be said about a great-coloured brogue moment.
Most sentimental wardrobe item? My Tiffany chain that I got for my Sweet 16 from my mom/vintage silk Pierre Balmain Couture blazer/Balenciaga leather and gold cuff I bought my first time going to New York for NYFW.
Where do you shop for everyday staples? I practically live at Jenny Fleur Loves because of its amazing selection. Top Shop, H&M for the basics, Timeline Boutique for luxury bags and accessories. I also got an amazing jewel-encrusted Alexander McQueen shirt from Vous Valet the other day for next to nothing! I also love going into Secret Location because they carry brands you will not find anywhere else, in a beautiful store.
Where do you look for that after-hours wow outfit? Holt Renfrew, BoysCo, Secret Location, Roden Gray.
Dream splurge item? A 40 cm Hermes Birkin in black, crocodile, with gold hardware encrusted in diamonds, with a Hermes scarf to tie around the handle, and a stack of Hermes cuffs on one wrist in various colours.
What fashion event do you look forward to the most every year?
I always look forward to Deighton Cup its such a well orchestrated event. This year I got to spend the day hanging out with and interviewing Miss America. It was surreal. The Diner en Blanc flashmob was another great event. Last year Vancouver participated with over 1,200 guests what a magical evening. I also always look forward to Jason Matlos fashion shows each season.
Fashion pet peeve? Leggings are NOT pants, nor should they ever be worn as pants I dont care how long your shirt is.
Favourite:
Drink: Alcoholic? Margarita on the rocks or Champagne. Non-alcoholic? Overpriced espresso drinks.
Food: I grew up eating sushi as my first solid food. I also am a slight bacon enthusiast. I have a killer sweet tooth as well.
Store: Holt Renfrew, Jenny Fleur Loves, Timeline Boutique, Vous Valet. Designer: Alexander McQueen, Jeremy Scott, UNIF, Balmain, Dsquared, Givenchy, Tom Ford, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Burberry, Comme Des Garcon, Proenza Schouler.
Perfume: Chanel Allure Edition Blanc, Prada Edition LHomme.
Blog/magazine: The Social Life, StyleCalling (Blog), Style Republic Magazine, Kenton Magazine, VMAN, Dazed and Confused, LOfficiel Hommes, GQ, Vogue (USA, British, Nippon, French, Italian).
Spot to people watch: Gastown, Robson, Granville, English Bay.
Local charity:Friends for Life, A Loving Spoonful, BC Cancer Foundation.
International style city? New York, especially during fashion week.
What was your first trophy as a kid? Not applicable, I was too busy playing with clothes and dyeing my hair crazy colours.
Something that surprises people about you? That from shower to out the door it takes me about 10-15 minutes to get ready for an event. I also make the BEST double peanut butter cookies.
Last time you cried and why? When I watched the video Amanda Todd made, the teen who just killed herself due to cyber bullying.
Whats your style/beauty life saver? I love Kiehls Acai Damage-Protecting Toning Mist. I discovered it in the H&M Tent at Coachella music festival last year and it was a life saver in the desert climate.
Finish this sentence: Even on my worst day, I wont leave the house without Sunglasses and business cards.
People tell you you look like: James Dean.
If you could have coffee with a fashion icon, past or present, who and why?
I am going to cheat and name my ideal lunch table. Alexander Mcqueen, Nicola Formichetti, Daphne Guinness, Anna Del Russo, The Man Repeller, Isabella Blow and James Dean.
You can follow Arts & Style columnist Kelsey Klassen on Twitter: @kelseyklassen
