Every week a different FADER staff member will pick a clothing item or accessory that he or she has lately been spending a lot of time with—or would like to—and write a little love letter to it. We would’ve done a column on who we’re dating but that seemed a little bit much. This week Alex talks about his Jansport Denim Daze.
I have a lot of backpacks. The other day, Schnipper asked me how many and, embarrassingly, I couldn't count. To be honest, I have so much everything. My friend/astrologer Emily says that Geminis like me are supposed to have messy rooms, but you should see mine. The floor can't be found. About once a month, I have a nervous breakdown and sit in a pile of cotton, smoking a cigarette, face in a sad-clown frown about ready to cry, and I think, anyone who has this much stuff, who is this disorganized, will never amount to anything in his life, will never get it together. I start pulling at the ends of my hair and whining to my roommate. I take a garbage bag filled with sweaters to Beacon's Closet. I drink a whiskey neat. My life can often be a series of near-breakdowns, but cleaning my room makes me feel especially like Sisyphus, pushing that balled-up rock of socks and underwear up a mountain only to have it fall back down and crush me.
But I loved this backpack, you know? I couldn't resist, I'm a sucker. People keep asking me if I DIYed the tie-dye, but I didn't! I'm not even that kind of resourceful, just a wasteful person who buys stuff I don't need. But look at this thing, though. It's a beaut! Goes with everything! Stands out in a crowd! I don't even remember the backpack I had before it. It sits, empty, somewhere in the canyons of cotton on my bedroom floor. It was purple, I think? I'll let you know, if I find it. But who cares, really. I'll rock my new favorite. I can feel it: this one is in it for the long haul. I'll never need to buy another. This bag is gonna last...until it doesn't.