While the stereotype of a Boston College student would be a J.Crew-clad, preppy teenager, a walk around campus might prove otherwise. That's why Alex Lee, A&S '14, sought to give those students who break from the norm some credit for their style.
His Tumblr, The Sartorialist of Boston College, publishes his photographs of the unique fashion choices of students around campus. Inspired by the original Sartorialist, Scott Schuman, whose blog The Sartorialist publishes similar content; Lee's blog is a showcase of distinctive outfits.
Lee, who transferred to BC this year from Syracuse University, said he had the idea to start a similar blog there.
"I had been a follower of the original Sartorialist when I was at Syracuse," he said. "I told someone to do it [at Syracuse] but it just never happened."
When he arrived at BC, he had the idea to start the blog here, especially after noticing the shortage of "artsy" students.
"People think [BC] is all preppy kids, but [when I got here] I saw people doing something different," Lee said. "I thought they deserved some recognition."
Lee has no particular criteria for the individuals he chooses to feature.
"[I'll choose] anything that catches my eye, anything that I think is unique," he said. "I like when you can tell that they put some effort into it."
Lee, though he said he doesn't consider himself a fashion expert, hopes to work in fashion after college.
"Hopefully I'll end up working in fashion, whether it's managing my own brand or something else," he said.
Photography, too, is something that he had to pick up in order to make the blog a success, buying a Canon camera specifically for the purpose.
"I'm just settling into photography because of [the blog]," he said. "I'm learning to take better pictures, but it's something I'm going to stick with no matter what."
The blog, which had its first post on Sept. 21 of this year, has nearly 4,000 views.
"I'm starting to hear people talk about it," he said. "Originally, my roommates thought it was creepy, and they had no faith in it, but I got some business cards and starting leaving them in random places. Friends tell friends and [its popularity] went from there."
"People are starting to come up to me and recognize me," Lee said.
When he started The Sartorialist of Boston College, he said didn't know how it would take off.
"I was hoping it would be [successful], but I wasn't sure what to expect. I just followed through and did it," he said. "My goal for it is to be a staple at BC, for people to want to be in it—I think it has that potential."
Lee tries to post updates almost everyday.
"I try to take at least one a day, but sometimes if I won't if I have a test," he said. ♦
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