Prominent fashion blogger motivates students

Jace Lipstein, 2007 SPEA alumnus and fashion blogger, designer and buyer, returned to IU on Friday to speak with students interested in fashion. He spoke about how he used his blog, Grungy Gentleman, to break out in the industry.

“Social media is essential in fashion,” he said. “Find a niche and use it to connect with people.”

After graduating and moving back to New York, Lipstein said a series of chance encounters led him to register his website’s domain name, grungygentleman.com. After sealing his first interview, using an IU connection, he hired a web designer.

He focused on infusing personal flair with gentlemanly menswear, and it took off from there.

When well-known stylists Brad Goreski and Rachel Zoe endorsed his site on Twitter, his site became viral.

He recently designed a spring 2012 collection at Dickies and became the men’s fashion director at Singer22, a contemporary online clothing store. Lipstein is also a contributor for Refinery29.

“It’s interesting to see the mainstream fusion with fashion,” he said. “You can move into high-end fashion with experience.”

He advised students to take risks while staying true to their own unique personalities. He told them to take what they’re good at, whether it’s sketching, sewing or commenting on recurring themes — he doesn’t like the word trends — and hone in on it.

He suggested students reach out to IU alumni because they’re more willing to become mentors with that shared connection, he said.

Audience members were students entering fashion careers in design, business and journalism. Lipstein gave tailored, individual advice to students after the talk.

“What stood out to me was the laid-back and interpersonal way Jace approached the situation,” said senior apparel merchandising student Kayce Doogs. “He was approachable, and you could tell he really wanted to help.”

Lipstein stuck around campus to style a photo shoot at Nick’s English Hut for a new vintage-inspired T-shirt line at TIS and to hang out with students. He encouraged many to reach out to him again.

“As long as you have a voice and are passionate about it, people are prone to recognize it,” he said.
- Courtney Stiehl