Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
One of the best things about American Vogue has always been Hamish Bowles, the magazine's European editor-at-large, one of the best-dressed men on earth, a brilliant writer, and possessor of one of the best senses of humor this side of the Milky Way.
Over the past couple of years, it appears that Bowles has been given the daunting task of trying something new every month—and we're not talking about saucing up an outfit with a pink diamond brooch or dabbling in the hottest new facial. No, Anna (Wintour) has put Bowles through the wringer by sending him to do everyday, sort of all-American things such as (gasp!) camping and surfing. It's sort of like The Simple Life, minus LA socialites, minus farm, plus British fashion person, plus civilians.
This month's installment of hilarity ensues when Wintour sends Bowles off to shoot a game of hoops with New York Knicks star Amar'e Stoudemire. Yup. You have to read the story, it is so good. Here's the set-up:
Suddenly there is an echoing emptiness, and I am totally alone in the vast white hall. I have changed into my Knicks uniform. “When you put your uniform on, you feel more dominant,” Amar’e tells me. “You feel ready to take over, have a great game.” I wasn’t quite sure about the ultramarine, orange, and white mélange, but when I put it on for the first time it’s giving me eighties Stephen Sprouse (although NBA regulations stipulate that the shirt is tucked inside the shorts, rather than worn Teri Toye–minidress style).The story only gets better from there.
· Hamish Bowles shoots hoops with Amar'e Stoudemire [Vogue]