Photographed by our fearless lensman, Patrick McMullan.
Yes, we know what you’re thinking: What the hell is he doing here? Certainly no-one in their right mind would call larger-than-life art world provocateur Julian Schnabel well dressed, but you’ve got to admit he’s got a lot of style—inimitable and even unenviable as it might be. When he first started wearing pajamas in public we were more than a bit skeptical; but when he threw some cashmere on top we started to see the light.
He not only owns this look (like anyone else wanted it), but he’s really making the mad genius thing work. Watch The Diving Bell and the Butterfly if you’re not convinced; and who else could pull off a Pepto Bismol-hued practical joke like the Palazzo Chupi?
That takes arrogance, brass, and yes, style. This snap is from the other night’s National Board of Review awards gala; Schnabel sported his trademark purple pajamas with white piping, worn under a tan cashmere sportcoat and a black double-breasted cashmere overcoat. Black framed sunglasses with bright yellow lenses and a pair of black and brown Vans completed the picture. Not exactly pretty, but actually pretty great.
—J.P.S.
