Since I am sure that our paths will cross again to continue our nice conversation, I decided to open a new page for “The Sartorialist” in my web site.

Now, I want to share with you all my enjoyable conversation with Scott during breakfast at Hyatt Regency Minneapolis on May 19, 2007 :

Ayla : When I look at your pictures in your blog, I see the whole image not only the dress; a style combined with the individual personality or life style. How do you decide whose photo to take ?

Scott : I go with the moment and the flow. For me positive attitude is everything. When I feel that, I take the photo. I take pictures of the interesting people, not necessarily the most stylish people. Everyday, I take the photos of two women and two men. My eyes search for the “YES” attitude of open minded, attractive people.

Ayla : My perception in your photos is that those people are self-confident with a strong personality ?

Scott : Positive attitude is in parallel with self-confidence. Their eyes attract me. You can say strong personality perhaps but not necessarily the strong persona.

Ayla : What attracts your eyes more: dress or the person ?

Scott : The person puts the dress together and I see it as a total package. My photos are different than the Paparazzi. I see the person and the personal style; not necessarily the high end brands only.

Ayla : I guess you have some pre-assumptions about the people based on your first impression such as who they are, what type of job they have and what is their personality style. How accurate are you based on your first impression ?

Scott : I try not to make any pre-judgment. I am a very positive person and I take the picture of the “YES” attitude. That is more important for me than what they do for living. I am starting to write about each photo in my blog, that makes the photos more special and personalized. I try to see and capture the best of them

Ayla : Who is the driver for new styles: the fashion designer, image consultant or real people on the street ?

Scott : They all go hand-in-hand in a cycle. The fashion designer creates the style, the image consultant applies it to the life standard, situation and location. The people mix and match the different designs and styles to express their personality and feelings.

Ayla : You also worked in the corporate world many years. Do you believe that people should dress by the dress code of the job or by their personality ?

Scott : Dressing for the requirement of the job or position is important. By saying that they shouldn’t feel restricted to express their personal style in a way, maybe as simply as with an accessory. For instance, I am a romantic person and I like to dress as I dressed this morning.  However, my job requires more casual dressing during my work hours and I am in my jeans while I am working. Each position in life also has self expression and the person who carries this position should express it accordingly.

Ayla : How balanced is your wardrobe between work and social life ?

Scott : I don’t have a big wardrobe; instead I have a small and functional one that allows many variations. I know my personal colors and invest in my wardrobe intelligently. I always have navy, gray and lavender colors in my wardrobe.

Ayla : Fashion and image consultants can easily create a totally new, sharp, intelligent look for a person in business life, though this person may not actually be the correct person to fill in this seat. Do you see any danger on this?

Scott : If the person is not qualified for the position, soon or later it will come out. The competency comes ahead of how he/she looks. On the other hand, high level dressing for the high level position creates positive energy, power and confidence.

Ayla : Is the corporate world “inside the box” or “outside the box” ?

Scott : From my experience it’s still inside the box and it’s preferred to be like that.

Ayla : Fashion magazines are showing to the real people the “perfects” of everything. You know too many young kids and even adults try to be like the fashion models in those magazines. Sometimes, they may jeopardize their health in these situations. What can be done to prevent that ?

Scott : There is a misunderstanding by the reader. The fashion magazines and fashion web sites show the best possible combinations as an example. Self awareness plays a big role; each individual should interpret and fit it into her/his life style, body type and personal taste.

Ayla : Do you see big difference between Europe and North America in terms of fashion ?

Scott : In North America, there are too many choices; that is sometimes overwhelming and confusing for the user. In Europe, the choices are fewer and it’s more refined and so there is less confusion.

Ayla : You stepped outside of the comfort zone and initiated a totally new concept. How did you decide to do that ?

Scott : I don’t like to complain about a situation. I would rather do something to change it.  I like to take the risks, try new things and see the bigger picture. This is my way of personal growth.

Ayla : What is your next vision ?

Scott : A retail concept. In my blog, all I do is to sell the right emotions, no particular style nor fashion and my blog is one of the top blogs. I want to continue my concept in retail with new ideas.

“The crucial challenge is to find our own voice and inspire others to find theirs. This is the 8th Habit”  describes Dr. Stephen R. Covey – the author of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit books.

Scott Schuman is a great role-model for the 8th Habit with his passion and very humble personality.

Scott, I believe your retail concept will also inspire many others to find their own voice. I do look forward to seeing you implementing new ideas.

I wish all the best success and good luck in your all endeavors.