Joshua Cogan, photographer

Loves:
"My favorite thing always is when a woman modifies, curates, augments, or otherwise puts personality into her wear. The more handmade, the better; the less off-the-shelf, the better. I find that D.C. is a place where people live their ethics, and that extends to clothing — consciously consumed, fair-traded, sustainably manufactured are all big pluses in my book. I also feel like there is generally a level of detail and craftsmanship in these brands that draws my eye.

Loathes:
"I don't consider myself much of a man of fashion, but as an artist who often works in more corporate circles, I do often notice how uncomfortable most people look in their workwear. I like for people to be comfortable, and — having ironed a few shirts last-minute to go to Capitol Hill — I know when we are retrofitting ourselves [so as] to not make waves in D.C.'s somewhat confined fashion palette, and that always gives me shivers."
"Don't straighten your hair [or] put on too much makeup — [being] a little disheveled doesn't make you a hot mess, it just makes you human and approachable."

Bellezza Lumino Ceramic Flat Iron, $68, available at Folica; Nicole Miller Indego Africa Shorts, $65, available at Nicole Miller.


Photo: Courtesy of Joshua Cogan