AMERICANWAY

BRIEF: Q&A OBJECTS COURTESY EMILY SPIVACK H IDDEN AWAY in the back of most people's closets lies a treasure trove of memories. For some, it's a faded con- cert T-shirt. For others, it's a ripped pair of jeans or a sparkly dress two sizes too small. All, though, are impossible to part with because of the memories attached to them. Brooklyn, N.Y.– based artist, writer and editor Emily Spivack is so curious about these items that she created a blog on the subject called "Worn Stories," a project where people share stories associated with pieces of their clothing. She's also written a newly published book by the same name, featuring reflections from famous cultural figures and talented story- tellers . Spivack, who created and wrote "Threaded," a fashion-history blog for Smithsonian ma gazine, also scours eBay for garments with inter- esting backstories for her website, Sentimental Value. Here, she tells American Way about her passion for unearthing the secrets behind our attire. AM E R ICAN WAY: What inspired you to start the " Worn Stories" blog? EMILY SPIVACK: I've always been intrigued by the connections [some- one has] to a piece of clothing — and that clothing could be used as a storytelling device. You're learning about that person, the experiences that person has had, the way they think and the way they look at the world. AW: Why focus on clothing rather than, say, jewelry? ES: It's so universal — we all wear it. Whether it's a T-shirt or a gown, it's something we all can relate to. Also, clothing has a life span. You can see the wear, see it getting worn out — a T-shirt that is well-loved and has gotten thin, something that has a hole in it from being worn. It's harder to see that in a piece of jewelry. AW: What sparked your interest in clothing early on? ES: When I was in college [at Brown University], I started a nonprofit organization [Shop Well With You] that helps women with cancer im- prove their body image and quality of life by using clothing as a well- ness tool. AW : What is your goal with the blog and book? ES: To capture these stories be- fore they disappear. Clothing can be fleeting and so can the stories. I wanted to share these stories — they're fun, they're sad, intrigu- ing, shocking … it runs the gamut. I want people to think about their own clothing and what's really im- portant to them. AW: Why is it so hard for people to part with certain items? E S: The memories … the experi- ences they had while wearing them. They're reminded of them through those pieces of clothing. You look at that thing, and you remember what happened, and you're hesitant to get rid of it. AW: Do you have an item you just can't part with? ES: A basic pair of black rubber flip-flops, very nondescript, and somehow I've had them for 15 years — which is very unusual for a basic pair of flip-flops. I remember getting them with my grandmother, who has since passed away. It's a totally mun- dane object, but they have traveled around the world with me. Worn to Pieces Blogger and author Emily Spivack explores the sentimental stories behind our most treasured pieces of clothing. For more from Emily Spivack, visit www.wornstories.com and www.sentimental-value.com Photogr a ph y By Dustin Cohen By Mi a Geiger Looking Back Of all the people she's interviewed, these five stories stood out the most to Emily Spivack, because they cap- ture the essence of "Worn Stories." Artist Marina Abramović: the boots she wore to walk the Great Wall of China Musician Rosanne Cash: the purple shirt that belonged to her father Olympic gold medalist Brandi Chastain: the T-shirt she received after playing in her first soccer tournament Poet Kenneth Gold- smith: the suit he wore to read poetry to President Barack Obama at the White House Fashion designer Cynthia Rowley: the Girl Scout sash that informed her busi- ness acumen 3 8 O C TO B E R 2 01 4 A A .CO M/A M E R I C A NWAY

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