The Saturday Zeitgeist (Issue 3)
On josephine baker, good clothing recs, autumn playlist, fieldnotes, and a poll.
Some observations. Last weekend, I went to the Old Port—a touristy neighborhood in Montreal with really cool old European-style building façades and also fun for people watching—and took a long walk along the river. Only then did I noticed that the leaves has turned into different shades of autumn red and the weather flipped like a switch; the temperature dropped into the single digits. Layers and Jackets—it’s official, fall begins.
In this week’s issue of The Zeitgeist:
From the New World to the Old: Josephine Baker
Really good clothing recommendations this week: handmade items from William Burke, Uniqlo X JWA, GAP etc.
An autumn playlist filled with oldies and goodies, perfect for all
A new section, called “Fieldnotes.” Essentially lots of links and recommendations, minimal explanation.
A poll for you!
(Disclaimer: None of the product linked are affiliate links.)
From the New World to the Old: Josephine Baker
Recently, I’ve been going down a rabbit hole, reading of Josephine Baker.
Born in St. Louis, Missouri, she moved to France at the age of 19 during the roaring twenties to pursue a career in entertainment and to escape: the segregation of Jim Crow America and poverty. She established a life well lived in Old World Europe.
Outside the spotlight, she was a spy for the French Resistance during World War II, relaying messages across borders under the disguise of her stardom. She passed away in 1975, but in recent years, she was inducted in the Pathenon—known as the French Tomb of Heroes where distinct citizens are laid to rest (Victor Hugo, Marie Curie)—and became the first black women to do so.
What intrigues me about her relates to this idea of home and geography. Her decision to move across the Atlantic to France—an unfamiliar land—to pursue her dreams at 19 and rarely looking back. Then again, people in American society then didn’t appreciate her the way they do in Europe.
“In 1936, riding high on the popularity she was enjoying in France, Josephine visited the States to perform in the Ziegfeld Follies on Broadway. She had hoped to establish herself as a major star in her home country. Unfortunately, her performance was met with hostility and racism as New York theater critics were especially cruel in their reviews.” (CIA.gov)
In her later marriage to French man Jean Lion in 1937, she renounced her US citizenship and became a French citizen.
Are we bound by our circumstances or do we have the ability to choose who we become? It’s a basic question with a basic answer (of course the latter), but it proves harder to live it. Josephine, however, is a great example and that’s an inspiration. Although born into hardship, she was able to transcend borders and live beautifully. She found her way to a place, on the same planet, where they loved and appreciated her presence.
Maybe it’s difficult because we’re just bounded by some of the invisible walls and limitations we put up for ourselves, probably subconsciously. If we begin to believe in who we are, are we also able to become the person we want to be? Is a fresh start all we need? It reminds me of the saying “you are who you surround yourself with.”
Some reading and watches about her (in order might be most chronological):
“Josephine Baker Was the Star France Wanted—and the Spy It Needed” from the New Yorker - an article about particular moments of her life and career.
“First Tour of the Old World” from The Paris Review - she speaks in a 1930 interview about her experience traveling across various European countries to perform.
“Josephine Baker in conversation, 1971” on Youtube - This 10 minute interview with Josephine, who had a conversation (in English) with Erik Bye on Norwegian TV.
“Josephine Baker at the London Palladium 1974” on Youtube - a performance.
Her music is also part of my fall playlist below. I particularly enjoyed the dance-y La Conga Blicoti + the jazzy and slow-rhythmic beats of De Temps en Temps (translates to “From Time to Time”).
Now, for clothing finds!
Made in Kentucky: William Burke
I’m a fan of handmade items. Bespoke and custom pieces where bits of your personality are expressed are unmatched. My friend Jon over at SL Selects posted on instagram about this bag made by William Burke, and immediately I love. Shipped and all made-to-order from Kentucky, William also makes belts, thermals, and hoodies—from 100% cotton and YKK zippers (which are some of the best quality)—of interesting silhouettes. I like the Shelby messenger bag in particular! He documents the making of these products on his Instagram (@859will).
Uniqlo x JW Anderson FW 2024
As I’m writing this, I’m wearing a tan button up from a past collaboration of theirs and it’s the only button up I wear on the regular. Jonathan Anderson, the founder of his namesake brand—in addition to being creative director of LOEWE—has a long standing relationship with Uniqlo. This collection will drop October 17, titled “Elements of Land and Sea” and “draws its inspiration from the beauty of seaside landscapes. Elements from British classics and traditional fisherman’s garb have been updated for the modern everyday wardrobe.” I love the collaboration. Like many of Uniqlo’s items, they’re timeless and good for everyday wear. It’s versatile to pair with anything in the wardrobe. With Uniqlo items, they tend to fit true to size, and in some products, I might even say they’re more spacious.
Browsing through product range, I have my eyes on the Dark Orange flannel shirt and Olive gradation crew neck sweater. But I think the gem of this collection are the socks. The patterns are so good, I want to buy all of them. And they’re HeatTech, which is so good for the winter cold!
Other (great) clothing finds
I wrote of my favorite GAP hoodie in a past issue of The Zeitgeist. I mentioned that they do sales often and it’s worth buying it then. Well, now GAP is having a sale for their midseason event! The hoodie is 60% off, now priced at 47 CAD/ ~34 USD. Trust me, it’s so good. Also, it might go out quick. I was eyeing a pair of pants on GAP a few days ago, checked again the next day, and it was gone. I am sad.
I’ve always loved the New Balance 2002R silhouette and I know it’s been somewhat trendy for a while now, but I didn’t know they existed in this beautiful orange-blue colorway released in 2022, as a collaboration with Salehe Bembury. Man, if only I could time travel back a few years. They do resell in the $600+ range though, if you’re interested. Those and the 2021 New Balance x ALD in the brown-olive colorway. Rent-free in my head.
(Updated as of October 13) The Classic Lacoste Polos are on sale for 50% off right now (
$110 USD, now 59.99 USD). I think they’re a great staple piece in the closet. I love the shirt in Cream and Dark Green. 100% Cotton and runs small according to their site.
Tunes, Tunes, Tunes
I recently curated an Autumn playlist. From contemporaries to classics, you have two hours of good tunes to listen to. I demo-ed this playlist on my trips to the grocery store, running errands, cooking dinner, and on my walks, so rest assured—you’re guaranteed a soothing listening experience.
A special thanks to members of the community Common., Riley Furey, ozy, and rove for contributing—I appreciate your inputs!
Field Notes:
Midnight in Paris is a great movie; the opening montage with Si Tu Vois Ma Mere (in the autumn playlist) is amazing, the soundtrack throughout is perfect. Watch the movie trailer here!
This 3D render by Creamateliar of “The Miller House” in California is a dream.
onlyvisitonce.com - you can only visit the website once; read or leave inspiring messages.
I enjoyed this little fiction piece. The narrative—in the eyes of a sixth-grader and whose parents are divorced— is having a difficult time in school. her imagination is her escape.
gramparents - cool, eclectic grandparent style inspo on your feed. (most) grandparents don’t know Bottega or Loewe, they wear what they like and what they collect over the decades. Maybe the calmness and contentment and wisdom that they carry is the real accessory at pla here. an exception might be akiandkoichi.
I had a great conversation with thomas of Self Running last week about his NYC-based running brand. He recently announced that the V3 “SPRINT” caps are coming out October 15.
This little video might be the boost of motivation you need.
And lastly, a favor from you.
When I recommend products, I tend to list prices and link products in US and Canadian. I don’t know my demographics too well, so for future reference, I would love for you to fill out this poll to help me figure out how I could better cater the community for future editions. You help is most appreciated!
I hope you’ve enjoyed The Zeitgeist series so far. If you liked this, check out past issues:
Thank you guys! I actually really enjoyed writing this issue of The Zeitgeist. My ideas seemed to flow more easily, the curation of products are really great in my opinion, and I’m letting a bit loose on the writing format. Let me know what you think in the comments. Have a great day, and I’ll see you next week!
-CS
such a cool idea dude! couldn't recommend the liam brock track more
great read. feels like uniqlo is trying to gain some real estate from jcrew