077: GRAY BRODERICK
lives in Adidas track packs and Extreme Cashmere.
For this week’s letter, I spoke to Gray Broderick. An elusive figure whose name popped on my radar while reading Magasin. Laura had described her “clever friend” as someone who “almost exclusively wears The Row and some Extreme Cashmere.” Chic, I thought to myself. A Habiter woman, perhaps? Naturally I did some digging.
Gray maintains the kind of sparse online footprint that feels rare today. An Instagram with four posts and a newsletter of sharp, philosophical reflections. Of course, this only made me more eager to speak with her. Discretion is, after all, the last true luxury.
I asked Gray for a bio and she said this: “I’m a strategy consultant. I specialize in phenomenological research and strategy—using philosophical frameworks to understand the unconscious shifts that drive culture forward, and helping brands understand what that means for them, grasp the broader implications of their actions, and devise plans of action with this knowledge. I also have a small baked-goods company and make furniture and objects with artisans in Japan.”
So, yeah, I want to know what she’s wearing. Don’t you? Well don’t worry, I asked. It’s a delightful mix of yes, The Row and Extreme Cashmere, but also Adidas and her dad’s big old t-shirts. Read on.
Describe your personal style. What are you living in right now and why?
I don’t really know what my personal style is! I’m a very sensitive person so how I feel in my body in that moment dictates what I wear. Somatic dressing, so to speak. Sometimes I need the feeling of a close knit, almost maternal; sometimes really wide and light cotton to have some space. As you may imagine, I change a lot during the day!
I’ve been living in this vintage Nine Inch Nails 2005 tour t-shirt. It drapes really nicely and is incredibly soft.
How often do you shop?
Inconsistently and rarely. I “shop” quite a bit for work — seeing what’s on the market, how stores are merchandising, etc. — but rarely buy anything. I’m stubbornly specific and loathe buying something for the sake of it. I tend to dwell for months before buying to have an immediate gut reaction. If it lingers, it’s worth it.
GRAY’S MOST WORN
Extreme Cashmere tees and sweaters
Adidas track pants (I love how slinky they are and they remind me of tuxedo pants)
Where do you shop the most?
I shop a lot on Vestiaire Collective and I wear lots of sportswear or loungewear because I like the cuts. Athletic apparel or technical wear make me feel agile, and I love the drape of certain pajamas. The Row and Extreme Cashmere are staples, as well.
Best buy of the last year?
For clothing, a Phoebe Philo dress. The textile is a little bizarre, so heavy. Like a coarse French terry. I love finding things that challenge you or make you think differently about how you feel in your body. How it changes your disposition. That is fashion to me. Otherwise it’s clothing.
More generally, I created chairs with artisans in Japan. It’s been a privilege to be able to work with them, for them to give their time and expertise.
The Row mesh slides. My friend designed them. She’s an absolute genius.
The Gala Pant from The Row (specifically the cut from five years ago. They’ve changed it since)
Vintage Phoebe Philo era Céline bucket bag. Perfect for traveling
What are you currently searching for?
My Supreme X Umbro SS22 light blue jersey was accidentally donated so I’m on the hunt for a replacement.
What’s your go-to bodega/coffee/grocery-run outfit?
Loose pants and a giant sweater or tee shirt, sneakers or mesh slides depending on the season. Something with pockets to carry a canvas tote and credit card.
Does your style change when you go to work?
100%. My projects vary a lot and require different kinds of labor, sometimes philosophical writing, sometimes baking. I get very particular about my environment when I write — the music, light, texture, scale, the taste of espresso — so everything is dictated by what I crave or feel most “right” wearing in that moment.
Wide leg pajama pants
Giant cotton tees that I discovered via my dad (they’re his sleep shirts) ed note: I’m linking to some big tees that have been recommended to me… more to come on that soon!
Vintage leather Hermès coat. A very lucky find.
What’s your go-to out for a night out?
I love having long dinners with a close friend or two. That could be very casual, like Dimes and a stroll with ice cream, so a giant button up and drape-y pant, sneakers or flats. Or something more lush like closing out The Grill; throw on a blazer if I feel suave or maybe lipstick if I feel a little feminine.
I think that elegance comes from elongating how you feel in your body, what feels strengthening to you right now. Do you feel more feminine or masculine? A little grungy and boyish? Do you want to feel sharp and agile, or grounded and safe? Specific fabrics, volumes, and silhouettes help to perfectly articulate that sensibility to its fullest extent.
What clothing item or accessory do you always travel with?
Wallet, of course. Within that I have a bracelet that was given to me as a blessing by a monk in Burma when I was 17. I’ve had it with me ever since.
Do you change your accessories or wear the same ones?
I don’t accessorize much, but wear a few rings and earrings in rotation to balance the femininity or masculinity of what I’m wearing. Also, catching a glimpse of something sparkly always straightens my posture, makes me feel more composed. Makes my fancy pajama dressing a little less casual, haha.
Gray is the best ❤️
I have the same feeling about the track pants, specifically Needles ones