08.06.24
New York City Profiles: Ron Norsworthy, artist/designer
Thomas Pink took a trip to the Big Apple to photograph a group of New Yorkers in our shirts. Here, Ron shares his insider tips on his former neighbourhood, Harlem, and why he believes challenges make life interesting.
Where do you live/work?
I now live in Litchfield County, CT with my husband and two wire fox terriers. I work all over the place… I go where my work takes me! But my bases of operation are studios in Connecticut and New Jersey.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same. By design.
What do you love most about your job?
I love that I get paid to explore my ideas and bring them into reality.
And what are the biggest challenges?
Challenges are really just disguised opportunities. Within measure, they can make life interesting.
What are your favourite things to see/do in New York?
I love spending time in my original neighbourhood of Harlem and seeing how it’s changed and stayed the same. The Edge, Minton’s Playhouse and Red Rooster are a few of my favourite restaurants there. The Sugar Hill Creamery [ice cream shop] is beyond good. And I love to people-watch: the random sightings of fashion and style in unexpected places. The streets of the city are the sites of endless fashion spectacle. I can’t get enough.
How would you describe New York in three words?
Dynamic, stimulating, never dull.
How would you describe your personal style?
Elegant without being boring. Effortlessly cool. I’m a gentleman with a touch of irreverence. And always ready to mix high and low.
How has your taste in fashion changed over the years?
The constant is that my taste is always changing and evolving. I do appreciate beautiful tailoring, fine fabrics and old-school details.
Who are your style icons?
Baldwin, Belafonte, Bowie, Bryan (Ferry)… Those are just the Bs. Oh, and always Halston, of course.
What do you look for in a shirt?
I love a Windsor collar, a very tailored fit, brilliant colour and gorgeous buttons. Invariably I wear my shirt tails tucked, so long tails are a plus.
