The Obtainer - 3/8/23, Wednesday
↦ Style Strategies: How the Male Model Shops
Wednesday, March 8th Edition
Our guest today has created a community to help parents navigate parenthood, and he has one of the most recognizable faces in fashion. We caught up with Miles Garber to see what fatherhood has taught him, how his style has evolved and what he refuses to spend money on.
- Leon Hedgepeth, Shopping Editor ⋯ @leonhedgepeth
StyleStrategies
How the Male Model Shops
You’re no doubt familiar with Miles Garber’s face. It's on billboards, in look books and splashed across some of menswear's buzziest ad campaigns. The guy is handsome and has a nonchalant retro look about him that most of us couldn't achieve even if we tried. Besides his good looks and being one of the most in-demand male models, he's launched his own business called Call Me Dada.Miles created it as a forum while anticipating the birth of his child because he didn't know his father and wanted a platform for dads to help one another. “When I was having a child, I realized there weren't many outlets for men. It felt like the 'dad experience' was forgotten or saturated with very 'bro-ey' podcasts that didn't speak to how I felt. So, I decided to start my own thing and let my vulnerability lead me,” says Garber. In an era where oversharing is the new norm— and unsolicited advice seems welcomed—Call Me Dada is a breath of fresh air because the platform leads with vulnerability, transparency and building community through authentic conversations about parenting.It's no secret that parenting doesn't come with a how-to manual, so having someone create a forum to help each other through it is admirable. I have a toddler and hearing other men go through similar things as a “modern day dad” is refreshing. Whenever Miles isn't fielding questions about childcare, tips on traveling with a kid, or taking care of yourself as a parent, he's collecting vintage punk zines, shopping with headphones in, and saving up for the latest stand-up piano.
What are you shopping for at the moment?
A stand-up piano/Wurlitzer.
DDP-80 wooden style digital piano, $699.99 by Donner
What has fatherhood taught you?
Fatherhood taught me how to be patient—mostly with myself. I'm not perfect, my life is constantly evolving, but the one thing that stays constant is being a dad. As long as I can be a good dad, everything else will figure itself out.
DDP-80 wooden style digital piano, $699.99 by Donner
Elasticated twill pant, $99 by COS
Has your style changed since becoming a dad? If so, what do you find yourself wearing more?
Yes! I am much more comfortable nowadays. I wear baggy clothes and mostly am in sweats during the day. I used to be very buttoned-up, but I think that I've really relaxed since raising a child.
How have men responded to this forum, helping each other navigate through fatherhood?
I get a lot of messages thanking me—which feels good. I've also noticed that I have a lot of female followers—which makes me feel great. It seems to be speaking to everyone, not just dads.
What’s one item that every man needs in his closet?
A simple white tee from whatever brand works for you.
Three favorite brands, currently?
Cotton work shirt, $395 by Ghiaia
What’s one item that you cannot part with?
My Big Boys sweatshirt that I made in high school that's a hole-ridden mess.
Cotton work shirt, $395 by Ghiaia
A6 notebook, $24 by Postalco
What city has the best shopping?
New York, for sure. No taxes! I mostly buy notebooks or books when I travel. Or, if I'm alone, I'll buy my daughter something from whatever kids' store I walk by.
Do you shop more online or in person?
I mostly shop in person. I love going into a store, although I rarely have the time. I've noticed things fit poorly now, so I like to see and feel things before I purchase.
Ever buy things in multiples?
I collect old punk zines. I have way too many, but I'm addicted to them. I need to make a collage or something.
Which do you experience more: Buyer’s remorse or regret for not buying something?
Buyer's remorse! I'm a cheap ass and always feel guilty after I buy something.
Necessary extravagance?
Great wine and good food—I think it's worth every penny.
What is something you refuse to spend a lot for?
I dislike the price of gas here in L.A. and will go to great lengths to not fill my truck up.
Baseball hat, $45 by CMD x ATB
What’s one shopping hack that you can let everyone know about?
Put your headphones on, go into the store knowing what you want, and then get in and get out without any impulse purchasing. The key is to make it quick.
Drops to Watch For
Noah is collaborating with Lavenham, a heritage British brand that makes the quintessential quilted jackets. They teamed up to reinterpret the brand's signature Denham jacket and a quilted crewneck, pulling inspiration from '90s hip-hop and '80s American sportswear.
Thursday, March 9 at 11 am ET
The sales and discounts our team is currently watching.
The Valet. team swears by this umbrella, which can protect against 55 mph winds. Grab one while it's on sale.
$84 / $62.97 by Weatherman
A made-in-USA work jacket is an ideal transitional weather piece. Cut from a cotton twill with two waist pockets and another on the chest, it's also perfect for traveling.
$370 / $222 by One of These Days
Crafted from a powder-coated iron for maximum durability, this aesthetically-pleasing fruit and veggie basket adds a tasteful element to your kitchen countertop.
$75 / $55 by Areaware
Early 2022 for @ghbass_eu
January 27