#time 2023

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Area 'Crystal Embellished Gown' - $1,900.00

Just yesterday I commented on what I perceived to be Taylor's level of comfort and confidence to exude equal parts power, ease, openness, and femininity - her fashion being an extension of that and an opportunity for her to communicate that without saying a word.

This Time piece, the first proper sit down interview I feel we've had in some time, is the culmination of that. The feature is sweeping and possibly one of the best and fullest profiles we've had in some time that I'll be taking a lot of time to mull over.

Given how long the interviewer has spoken with her over the course of this year for this piece, I can't help but wonder if the usage of Area as a designer here is intentional as this brand has played a fashion role in a few of Taylor's most memorable outfits this year. First in the form of embellished butterfly jeans in a post-split pap walk. Second in embellished shorts on 'home' turf at a Chiefs vs Jets game at a stadium she's sold out three times this year.

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Alaïa 'Convertible Chenille Gown' - $3,320.00

An a-what-a?

The entire shoot feels this way to me, but this pose in particular coalesces to represent the ethos of the piece in one frame: Feminine power and artistry. I can't help but imagine though what this moment could have looked like if styled with the removable hood and asymmetric sleeve options that it was originally designed with. But ultimately the choice to have her curls as a defining calling card feel like the 'right' option for Taylor and to center her most identifiable human features for an inherently 'personable' piece.

Like all things, the 'accessory' choices (a fluffy cat, a coordinating black guitar) in this shoot feel highly intentional to me as symbols of Taylor's personality and work.

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Bardot 'Roll Neck Knit Bodysuit' - $69.00

I think we have all collectively lived so many lives within the Swiftieverse in the year 2023. This year has given us so much.

But the greatest gift of all? The editorial photoshoot debut of one Benji Button.

Onto the fashion! Given the high leg cut and pairing with shiny black tights, this look gives me very Madonna vibes. In other photos of her in this simple ribbed bodysuit, we see Taylor flexing her arms - to me a callout to the Eras Tour choreography for "The Man" and of course embodying her power and femininity.

I love that the shoot's team worked together to give a look that's pared back and a play on ballet femininity and strength (styled by Heidi Bivens) while also providing references to some of Taylor's most iconic beauty signatures like tousled curls (by Holli Smith) that feel closer to the natural texture of her debut era, and a bold red lip (by Diane Kendal).

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Wolford 'Velvet De Luxe 66 Tights' - $55.00

Taylor has been a longtime wearer of Wolford hosiery, dating back to 2013 through performances, candids, and photoshoots.

Thanks to the brand for confirming this particular style.

Worn with: Bardot bodysuit

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Ralph Lauren 'Cotton Utility Jacket' - $698.00

Over the years, Taylor’s been known to quietly take home items from magazine photoshoots. A pair of chunky Vetements boots from her Vogue 2016 spread, a cognac leather Mark Cross bag when she posed for Glamour in 2012.

So am I really surprised that we were Easter Egged on the eve of 1989 (Taylor’s Version) when Taylor was spotted out in NYC wearing this corduroy collared jacket by RL and come to find it’s the same one from one of the trio of covers via Time declaring her their Person of the Year?

No. No I am not.

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Ralph Lauren Collection 'Tuxedo Jacket' - $2,490.00

I love the combination here of polished three-piece tuxedo suiting with casual denim jeans.

By my eye, it appears Taylor might be wearing a cropped version of this RL Collection jacket.

Worn with: Ralph Lauren Collection shirt + vest and Polo Ralph Lauren jeans

Time 2023 Person of the Year | December 6, 2023

Ralph Lauren Collection 'Cadie Cotton Piqué Vest' - $1,290.00

Again, the usage here of a designer like Ralph Lauren is intriguing to me as it’s one Taylor has worn a lot over the years but she’s had a few notable outings wearing RL this year alone.

Including a field jacket in October on the eve of 1989 (Taylor's Version)'s release, a corduroy at her very first Arrowhead Stadium game, and a few bags while popping in and out of her favourite NYC studio. It’s a brand that feels quite aligned with the Miss Americana of it all so it’s cool to see it presented here in a great middle ground of RLfashion which I’ve always seen as embodying a utilitarian, timeless Americana energy.

Worn with: Ralph Lauren Collection jacket + shirt and Polo Ralph Lauren jeans