Just Checking In — with Geoff
A series of catching up with friends, near and far.
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Geoff has been one of my favourite people to follow on Instagram for years now. I originally stumbled upon his account showcasing his stunning photography work, and we connected over a shared interest in music, interiors, travel, etc. His more recent documentation of his personal style, with bits of inspiration and travel memories, is so refreshing and inspiring — and definitely worth a follow!
Hi Geoff! Where can we find you online?
@geo.hagg on Instagram
What’s your favourite morning bev?
Maybe I’m conditioned by childhood cereal commercials but I positively believe that the best drink in the morning is fresh squeezed orange juice!
Describe your style in 3 words:
Vintage, Amekaji (Japanese term for American casual), Colorful.
What is your uniform outfit?
These days I’ve fallen in love with wearing button up shirts with the sleeves rolled up. It makes me feel like I’m ready to draft schematics or run to an Anthropology 101 lecture. I especially love button up shirts with two front pockets so I can carry film, keys, earphones, and anything else I may pick up! I’ve mostly paired this with well-worn in jeans or wide patched up chinos.
“I collect a lot of photo books as well as vintage style magazines — they help influence my photography practice as well as my personal style".
A song/album you have on repeat:
A song I have on repeat is Stone by Cibo Matto, which is giving 90s Japanese R&B. Another song I’ve been listening to more sparingly has been Pure Michigan. It perfectly captures that feel of the end of summer, detailing the life of kids playing out in nature. It reminds me actually of the short film Reunion by Stella Blackmon which I highly recommend! It also is reminiscent of the new indie movie Janet Planet by Annie Baker! (I also recommend!)
Click to listen on Spotify or listen to the full Just Checking In playlist here.
What keeps you grounded?
My partner Niina! I trust her judgement on big decisions in life and planning our future and how to go about things in general! We bounce off of each other and influence/inspire each other! She can also let me know when I’m getting ahead of myself, and will probably proofread all of these answers haha!
Fav meal to make at home?
I love getting a bunch of unnecessarily fancy ingredients to make a sandwich that I will devour in 4 minutes.
How do you find inspiration?
I collect a lot of photo books as well as vintage style magazines. Using those as reference points, they help influence my photography practice as well as my personal style. I also watch a lot of movies and spend far too much time online saving interesting posts on instagram.
What’s one recurring theme in your life right now?
Quite literally Japan, my partner is currently living there, and I’ve been learning more about the culture and language so as to have a better understanding when I visit her and her family. As well as having worked for a Japanese company, and being really into 20th century Japanese movies, music, and fashion.
One little moment that brightened your day recently?
The other night I ran into this adolescent cat at the local florist/bodega and befriended her. Petting that cat really brightened my day!
What are you currently reading?
I’m currently reading Butter by Asako Yuzuki, which was suggested to me by Niina. I recently reread A Brave New World, which I appreciated a lot more this time around. I also finally read Ametora by David Marx, which felt like the final boss in my quest to understand the connection between American and Japanese style.
Photos via William Ellery
What was your introduction to secondhand/sustainable fashion?
I initially started shopping second hand in high school to try to find vintage Americana that was reminiscent of the lookbooks of brands like Visvim and Kapital. I also learned about the horrors of fast fashion at that time and felt like disconnecting from it was the best thing to do.
Fav vintage item you own?
My favorite vintage item I own is my 1960s Sears blanket-lined Type II jacket! It’s basically a cropped denim jacket that is perfect for the fall and for layering with hoodies, sweatshirts, and down vests!
Photos via @geo.hagg / William Ellery.
Thanks for checking in. <3