#419: Will Welch
👞 Church’s “Shannon” Derby Shoes, 🎵 Ekkstacy, 📽️ Aguirre, the Wrath of God, and more.
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Cool people like cool things, which is why we asked Will Welch to share a taste of his taste on Perfectly Imperfect.
Will Welch is the New York City-based Global Editorial Director of GQ, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of GQ U.S.A. Originally Atlanta born, Welch began his work in magazines as an intern at The Fader where he notably penned Kanye West’s first ever cover story before his eventual move to deputy editor. After taking over at GQ in 2018, he kicked of an era of “New Masculinity” for the iconic publication with a cover featuring Pharell dressed in flowing bright yellow Moncler gown/jacket hybrid and interviews with Frank Ocean and Ezra Koenig. The magazine has been on a tear ever since with cover stars like Brad Pitt, Robert Pattinson, and Future, and continues to excite with each new issue. Lucky for us, Will is here to tell us what he’s been into.
Without further ado
Will Welch (instagram)
🎵 Ekkstacy
My favorite young musician. The photographer Jason Nocito took me to see an Ekkstacy show in Brooklyn last year and it blew my mind: punk rock that incorporates all the best parts of Soundcloud rap (which itself borrows heavily from emo and punk… the circle is complete). Stacy has insane charisma, songs that are built like battleships, and miserable lyrics like “I walk this earth all by myself / I’m doing drugs but they don’t help.” And “sometimes I wish I was dead.” Perfect.
👞 Church’s “Shannon” derby shoes
This morning my friend Camilla texted a photo of me wearing sneakers to dinner last night and I was just like aw man ugh. I looked like a dork. I think it’s because, now that I’m in my 40’s, wearing “dad sneakers” isn’t a style move. They’re just sneakers. Please delete that photo, Camilla. I will wear my real shoes next time.
📽️ Aguirre, the Wrath of God
I’ll watch anything by Werner Herzog and his documentaries are especially great. But this feature starring Klaus Kinski is my favorite thing he’s ever made, and one of my favorite movies period. Like most Herzog the whole project is seriously demented and there’s an *Apocalypse-Now-*like doubling thing going on, where the making of the film was almost as insane as the story he was dramatizing. I just saw Herzog has a new memoir out called Every Man for Himself and God Against All. I mean come on, I can’t wait to read that.
🧠 The Wisdom of Isaac Mizrahi
Many years ago my friend Nico and I used to watch these videos Isaac Mizrahi made where he'd answer fans’ questions. A lady in the Midwest was like, “I live in a small town where nothing stylish ever happens, and I need a new look.” Isaac was like, “Here’s what you’re gonna do. You’re gonna find the most expensive hairdresser in your town, you’re gonna give him all your money, and you’re gonna let him do whatever he wants to you.” I think that is the best advice I’ve ever heard. It has really stuck with me even though I’m not a lady, I’m not from the Midwest, and I don’t need a new look.
Bonus recommendation for paid subs from Will below! 👖??
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