How Downtown Dressed After Sandy
Photo: Bek Andersen
Whether dressing by candlelight is a good thing or a bad thing seemed debatable to the people we met yesterday in the streets of downtown Manhattan. Some liked the intimacy that a phone-free world had enabled; some were missing their flatirons. Since electricity is still out for many and the temperatures have dropped, outfits were layered and hair was left unwashed. We met lots of people returning from outer-borough refuge to their homes, in search of clean underwear or contact lenses. A few subways are starting to creak and screech along. The skies are clear; the air is crisp. The storm’s over, but one thing was certain: As they emerged from their homes into the messed-up streets, many were still thinking about style — which we’re going to take as a sign of resiliance.
Editor’s note: Gothamist thinks this story is in poor taste. Others see the attempt to continue normal life in the face of hardship as inspirational. That’s the spirit in which it was intended, but Nymag.com has been covering Sandy from many angles. Here are a few other stories you may wish to read, in addition to countless rolling news updates on the relief efforts, which can be followed over at Daily Intel.
Five Ways to Help in the Aftermath of Sandy
How to Help: A List of Sandy Benefits and Relief Efforts Happening in New York
After Sandy: Here Are the Bars, Restaurants and Shops That Have Reopened
A Do-it-Yourself Sandy Response in An Isolated Corner of Brooklyn
Stories of the Storm: 16 Sad, Crazy and Uplifting Stories From Sandy
Scenes From Sandy: Lower East Side Survival
David Vo, student at Parsons; lives on Lower East Side "I lost power, so now I have to take cold showers. I have to shower. I freeze, but I ...
David Vo, student at Parsons; lives on Lower East Side "I lost power, so now I have to take cold showers. I have to shower. I freeze, but I do it."
What would be in your evacuation pack?
“A pair of fitted pants, nice boots, and a cashmere sweater. That's all I really need." Photo: Bek Andersen
Natalie Cantell, model/fashion editor How has the storm affected your style?
“I've been wearing these jeans for the last five days, wearing a ha...
Natalie Cantell, model/fashion editor How has the storm affected your style?
“I've been wearing these jeans for the last five days, wearing a hat, not wearing any makeup.”
What's the least practical thing you would pack in an evacuation bag?
“My boyfriend [Benjamin Sears].” Photo: Bek Andersen
Brion Isaacs, Owner, Creative Director, Principal, Rivington Design House, lives on the Lower East Side What’s the best storm accessory?
“A min...
Brion Isaacs, Owner, Creative Director, Principal, Rivington Design House, lives on the Lower East Side What’s the best storm accessory?
“A mini flashlight that hangs off your wrist. It's good for walking around SoHo at night so cars can see you." Photo: Bek Andersen
Ben Key, content development and programmer for Bedrocket Media Ventures; lives in Bushwick, but stayed in Manhattan, where he lost power "I...
Ben Key, content development and programmer for Bedrocket Media Ventures; lives in Bushwick, but stayed in Manhattan, where he lost power "I was staying with a friend in Manhattan, two blocks from the power station that exploded. We were poorly prepared for the storm. A lady on the floor below gave us candles. We lost power, so there wasn't so much showering. Glad it was just four boys.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
Thomas Hayo, freelance creative director; lives on the Bowery How have you done through the storm without power and good cell service? ...
Thomas Hayo, freelance creative director; lives on the Bowery How have you done through the storm without power and good cell service?
“Socially, it’s been very beautiful. Usually no one is really in the moment. But the one moment where you’re disconnected [from technology], you’re actually more connected to the people there at that time … The crazy thing is you literally can't go and ring bells. You have to leave notes. You have to make plans and stick to them.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Laura Stoloff, fashion associate at Barneys; lives in West Village and has no power or hot water “I’m camping out in Williamsburg u...
Laura Stoloff, fashion associate at Barneys; lives in West Village and has no power or hot water “I’m camping out in Williamsburg until the power is back on. It’s like a haven.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Estelle Bourdet, fine-arts student; visiting from Switzerland, staying in Manhattan without any power or hot water "Yesterday we went t...
Estelle Bourdet, fine-arts student; visiting from Switzerland, staying in Manhattan without any power or hot water "Yesterday we went to Brooklyn. They have everything there. And it was bizarre to come back in the dark. We couldn’t see any of the streets.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
Nico Padularrosa, waiter and bartender; lives in Lower East Side How are you doing after the storm?
“I'm a mess. I don’t have money, I do...
Nico Padularrosa, waiter and bartender; lives in Lower East Side How are you doing after the storm?
“I'm a mess. I don’t have money, I don't have anything. I'm going to Brooklyn to see if I can get cash out. I don't have heat or anything.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Deirdre Scott, real-estate salesperson; lives on 95th Street. “I was staying at my friend’s house because mine had no hot water or p...
Deirdre Scott, real-estate salesperson; lives on 95th Street. “I was staying at my friend’s house because mine had no hot water or power. I went back to get clothes. I brought tights, biker boots and this really cute blazer thing ... I spent the last few days cooped up with glasses, a retainer, and no makeup so when I came back to the city and after grabbing clothes I realized I had to get the energy up, stay positive and get a cute outfit.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
Jocelyn Saldana, actress; lives near Cooper Union How would you describe your storm style?
"I just wake up and put on whatever I ca...
Jocelyn Saldana, actress; lives near Cooper Union How would you describe your storm style?
"I just wake up and put on whatever I can find, because we're just seeing things with candles. Literally."
If you had to evacuate, what would be in your going away bag?
“My journal, a couple of books, and this hat. People call it different things. Some people call it a conductor’s hat.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Oliver Stumm, owner of Cafe Select How is life without electricity?
"It reminds me of camping. Like, you don't shower, and you use ...
Oliver Stumm, owner of Cafe Select How is life without electricity?
"It reminds me of camping. Like, you don't shower, and you use a flashlight." Photo: Bek Andersen
Henric Olsson, clothing designer Are you dressing differently since the storm?
“It's cold so it's more layers all the time. But I like i...
Henric Olsson, clothing designer Are you dressing differently since the storm?
“It's cold so it's more layers all the time. But I like it. Not for too long but I like the change. You invite people over and sit and talk with candles. It's a completely forgotten way of communicating." Photo: Bek Andersen
Aisyah Payne, art curator visiting from Switzerland; staying in Manhattan without power or hot water “Now we are five days in the dark, no ...
Aisyah Payne, art curator visiting from Switzerland; staying in Manhattan without power or hot water “Now we are five days in the dark, no light, no electricity, no network. It’s kind of spectacular.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
Ben Fink Shapiro, fashion photographer; lives on the Lower East Side “I evacuated on Monday. Once I spent a day without power I was like, Fuck th...
Ben Fink Shapiro, fashion photographer; lives on the Lower East Side “I evacuated on Monday. Once I spent a day without power I was like, Fuck this, and went with ten friends uptown. We were sleeping on aerobeds making nice dinners. I’m just coming home to get my absentee ballot to vote. And maybe some underwear and spare contacts, then go back uptown.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
Alex O'Neill, manager at Cafe Bari; lives in Soho How has the storm changed your style?
“Right now, I’m getting dressed by candlel...
Alex O'Neill, manager at Cafe Bari; lives in Soho How has the storm changed your style?
“Right now, I’m getting dressed by candlelight. I went deep into the depths of the closet and picked this out. This was the weekend I was going to go out and buy new things, but pretty much what I’m wearing is what was clean in my closet while this was happening.”
How are you doing without electricity?
“I’m in iPad withdrawal, flatiron withdrawal, and I was only just able to charge my phone.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Ryan Lamb, fashion marketing coordinator; lives in Soho What are the essential items you’d need if you evacuated?
“My motorcycle le...
Ryan Lamb, fashion marketing coordinator; lives in Soho What are the essential items you’d need if you evacuated?
“My motorcycle leather jacket. I couldn’t do without it. And always my sunglasses. Always. Even in a blackout.”
What did you wear during the storm?
"It sounds very unfashionable but my Northface jacket, a pair of wellies, but gloves as well." Photo: Bek Andersen
Nadine Strittmatter, model; lives in Manhattan. “We lost power and warm water. I actually bought an old phone and plugged it into the...
Nadine Strittmatter, model; lives in Manhattan. “We lost power and warm water. I actually bought an old phone and plugged it into the wall. It works. It’s a miracle.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
J. McNamara, public-relations intern; lives in Greenpoint and walked into the city to explore “This is the first time in a couple of days I got d...
J. McNamara, public-relations intern; lives in Greenpoint and walked into the city to explore “This is the first time in a couple of days I got dressed to go out. The first days after the storm, I didn’t give a shit. Nobody gave a shit. Especially in Williamsburg — it was like a national holiday.”
Photo: Bek Andersen
Alicia Polmanteer, public-relations manager for SoHo Grand and Tribeca Grand Did you dress differently for the storm?
“I ended up going ...
Alicia Polmanteer, public-relations manager for SoHo Grand and Tribeca Grand Did you dress differently for the storm?
“I ended up going out in snow hiking boots, zig-zag pants, and a seventies suede cost with faux-fur trimming ... I looked like a raving Eskimo or something. I don’t know why those were the things that I pulled, but I think just about everybody on the streets looked a bit crazy.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Heather Andersen, Pilates instructor; lives on the Lower East Side Have your fashion standards changed in the storm?
"...
Heather Andersen, Pilates instructor; lives on the Lower East Side Have your fashion standards changed in the storm?
"Yes. There are certain circumstances where fashion sweatpants are acceptable."
How do you do your makeup?
“I have lots of light in the apartment, so doing my makeup is fine in the morning, but at night with a candle is a whole other story.” Photo: Bek Andersen
Tommy Saleh, Vice President and Creative Director for GrandLife Hotels What did you take when you left the city to stay in Williamsburg?
“...
Tommy Saleh, Vice President and Creative Director for GrandLife Hotels What did you take when you left the city to stay in Williamsburg?
“I took five black t-shirts, three black jeans-- an Acne and an April 77-- and this APCc thing I’ve been wearing every day. And this jacket. This is Miu Miu.”
How has the storm impacted you?
“I don’t want to say that I suffered that much. The worst was that I left for Brooklyn, got a room and stayed there.” Photo: Bek Andersen
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