A Take on Fashion: Bruce Pask

Based in New York, Bruce Pask is the Men’s Fashion Director at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, a role he has held since 2014. He was previously the Men’s Fashion Director for T Magazine — The New York Times Style Magazine. 

In what ways are you seeing fashion adapt to — or be transformed by — the ongoing global and industry challenges?

I have been heartened by the resiliency of our global community and of the fashion business in specific. There has been great adaptation and innovation over the last year and a half, and we have allowed for a real shift in our perspective, finding the opportunity in the limitations we have experienced. We have overwhelmingly recognized the need for and appreciation of community. We have found unexpected ways to support and connect with each other while apart, while also recognizing the importance of being able to be together, wherever that may be. There has been an acutely heightened awareness and action around the necessity for more thoughtful production, for smart, sensitive use of global resources. This is an enormous area of opportunity for fashion and it is incredibly rewarding to see our industry really leading this charge for accountability and innovation. I think we have also found greater permission in fashion, a much needed amplified acceptance for individual personal expression. 

What is one trend or article of clothing that will define the coming year?

There are lots of contenders here, but I would say that occasion-based clothing is going to be incredibly important as we continue to see great increases in the opportunities to gather and celebrate with family and friends. These will be occasions to celebrate and we will want to dress for it. As Broadway reopens, concerts and performances start to return, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs start reopening and raising capacities we will show our appreciation and joy by stepping out and dressing up.  

What is something you’d love to see in the future — even if it is the stuff of fantasy?

The incorporation of thoughtful production methods in all of its many iterations will continue to gain prominence and more importance in fashion production. Traceability, sustainability, recycling, zero-waste production, artisanal upcycling – these and many other means to more sensitively produce garments and accessories will define the future of the fashion business.  I look forward to the day when it is no longer a conversation, but is simply an integral part of all global fashion production, a given.