The Commonwealth Times: How did “Dirty Richmond” begin?
Brian McDaniel: Me and my friend Betsy, we were just talking about it over the summer; how it would be really awesome if there was a fashion blog for Richmond.
The CT: Who are the members of the “Dirty Richmond” team?
BM: It’s just me now, because I guess I’m pretty hard to work with. I was always like ‘We got to go outside everyday and take pictures.’ I would always call her and tell (Betsy) like, to take me places and stuff like that. So I guess it was kind of my part. I was really demanding of her. So it kind of didn’t work out between the two of us. But we’re still friends though.
The CT: You could have done anything, why did you decide to start a blog?
BM: I had this really good friend from France, and I wanted to show her what people dress like, because I was the only person there who was wearing skinny jeans and stuff like that. And I was like, when I go home, everyone else is wearing the same things I wear, and there’s nowhere really to show her-to go to. So, then I was like well, ‘I like blogs in general,’ because there’s a lot of fashion blogs I follow-so that’s basically how it started.
The CT: How do people usually respond to you asking to take their photo?
BM: (Some people) are weirded out, yeah. At first a lot of people were telling me ‘No.’ But maybe I guess, because people know what it is now, they’re kind of accepting of it. But when that one person tells you, ‘No’ it does ruin your mood. It’s a bummer too because you really wanna take a picture of them. But when they say ‘No,’ all you can really do is smile and walk away. But for the most part, people are really friendly about the idea of being photographed.
The CT: How do you feel about the recent rise in street style? Because, traditionally, with the fashion industry, the “gatekeepers” and designers tell people what to wear. But what we’re wearing now kind of dictates how the industry moves.
BM: Yeah, I did read that. A lot of designers are becoming more interested in it, and stuff like that. I think it’s good in a way. It’s like, ‘We the people.’ We get to have more of an input in what gets designed. I don’t know, I think it’s just good over all, in general. I can’t see anything bad about it.
The CT: Scott Schuman’s “The Sartorialist” was named one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Design Influences. Do you think the trend will continue?
BM: I really think so. I follow a lot of fashion blogs. But “The Sartorialist” is probably my favorite blog. I go to (it) every single day. The people you find on there are so well dressed. And it’s interesting, I met him too and he’s like a really nice guy. But I really think so. I really love the work that he’s doing. If everything else fades out, I think his is probably the most lasting blog.
The CT: When did you meet him?
BM: He did a book singing in D.C. I guess a month ago and my friend was like, ‘I’m going anyway,’ and I was like, ‘I have to go with you!’ so we all just went. It was like in some little bar in D.C. It was a really nice signing too. He was so nice. You go sit down with him, and he wants to like talk to you and stuff like that. My nerves were getting the best of me. But, I did give him a card for “Dirty Richmond.” And he was like ‘I’ll check this out.’
The CT: What other blogs inspire you?
BM: Richmondwise, there’s “RVA Mannequin.” And then, there’s “Face Hunter,” that one’s really good. There’s “Hel-Looks,” “Jack and Jill” and “Sea of Shoes” -I’m in love with that girl. There are so many now.
The CT: Who are your fashion influences?
BM: I really like Ralph Lauren a lot. That’s my favorite designer. It’s funny people like those over-the-top people and stuff like that. But Ralph Lauren, that’s a good staple. I like Tim Gunn because he wears a lot of suits. And I want to start wearing suits. And I just like the classy style in general. I just like the older generation’s style-just when people dressed up, just to go places.
The CT: What are your future growth plans for “Dirty Richmond?”
BM: I think about that a lot actually. I’m going to start (to) get people to submit pictures for the blog. That’s going to be over winter break because I probably won’t be carrying my camera around as much. We’re also going to have a party too; a “Dirty Richmond” party in December. I also need to go more places to shoot, but I’ve been lazy.
The CT: What about the Web site graphics? Why did you choose them?
BM: Well Betsy’s the one that did the layout. But I told her I just wanted something simple. A lot of times I go to blogs, and Web pages in general and it’s so cluttered. It’s like a sensory overload. I can’t even think. But with the white background, you get to see the pictures really well.
The CT: What is fashion to you?
BM: For me personally, I feel like – I think armor sounds cheesy – but (my armor) brings a lot of confidence for me. I remember listening to this interview with Brandon Flowers (The Killers) and he was saying that before every show, he puts on his Armani suit and it’s like his armor. And ever since hearing that . I get a lot of confidence from it. I feel like the way I dress represents who I am. It’s a good cover. It’s like a book cover to the way people are.
The CT: How do you choose who to photograph? What’s your process? Is it what you see and what you like?
BM: People ask me that a lot. A lot of times, I try to take myself out and not base it on what I like. But it’s hard. But it’s really someone who catches my eye-either somebody who you can tell put thought into what they’re wearing or somebody who’s proud of what they’re wearing. People who are kind of different from what everyone else is doing.
The CT: Do you think Richmond style is definable?
BM: I think it is. I haven’t been to many places, but I think there’s definitely a Richmond look. Just because of what we have around here. When I ask people where they shop, they generally always say Rumors, Need, or American Apparel. Those are the top three. So, because we have those places, people tend to shop there. Yeah there is a Richmond style, for sure. It’s funny because it’s a small city, so you’d think it really wouldn’t have its identity. But, I have friends that are from other places, and they’ll look at my blog and are like, ‘People dress really well in Richmond.’ It’s nice to hear. There’s definitely something in the air.
The CT: How would you define it?
BM: I think when people think of Richmond style, they would say ‘Oh skinny jeans and flannel shirts, ‘ but I think it’s just more than that.
The CT: Why do you think Richmond style has grown it to what it is? Is it a cultural thing? Is it where we hang out?
BM: There’s a lot in Richmond, cultural in general. (In comparison) to other places in Virginia, there’s so much in Richmond that we have. We have the stores, we have the staple restaurants that everybody goes to, the art scene is really strong with ‘First Fridays’-all the artists in the city in general. It’s all that combined, just like mingling with each other, just creating what it is.
The CT: How much of your life is dedicated to “Dirty Richmond”
BM:(Laughs) I really have time to do other things, but it’s kind of a big part of my life right now. Based on all of the time I spend sitting outside taking pictures, or editing pictures, and thinking about it, it’s a really considerable chunk. Now that I think about it, it’s maybe a little too much right now. When I’m not thinking about school, actually when I’m in school, I’m thinking about it. But it brings me a lot of pleasure. I’m really proud of it. I really enjoy doing it.