“Lately, I’ve been indulging in some nostalgia for my own heydey in the mid/late 2000s.”

We’re creating tastemakers for the new regime.

Here’s how it works. Twice a month, I’ll feature someone with impeccable tastes. They’ll talk about why they like the things that they do. We’re influencing the influencers, so get ready to feel terrified. First at bat we have Theresa Tallien. Take it away, Theresa!

What has been captivating Theresa lately?

Theresa Tallien: Lately, I’ve been indulging in some nostalgia for my own heydey in the mid/late 2000s. This minidress from the ’25 Resort collection from Cavalli—grungy, muted zebra print in a glam, metallic texture—looks like something Kate Moss would wear to a Libertines show. The black shades and bejeweled statement bag are perfect; this look is only missing a pack of menthol American Spirits and a can of Sparks.

Speaking of the late 00s, this is one of my favorite runway shows from that period. This look was the absolute pinnacle of layering and pattern-mixing. The stately, column-like silhouette recalls an elegant early 20th century gown, but the color story is straight out of the late 1980s. Disney channel teens would have to endure ridiculous outfits composed of poorly matched H&M gear for the next half-decade because of these trends, but I think it was worth it.

What has Theresa being enjoying on Substack?

1. Some Preliminary Notes on God by Noah Kumin for the Mars Review of Books

2. Yes, There Can Be a Completely Digital Counterculture! by Katherine Dee of Default Blog

3. The Hentai Figurine – short fiction by Girl Insides

4. Everyone is Now Middle Class by Isaac Simpson of The Carousel

5. Make Wealth Extra Again by Sam Venis, originally for Dough Magazine

An Announcement from Theresa

I guested on the Ashkenazi papi Ancient Problemz’s podcast this week. We chatted about pheromones, physiognomy, vodka, and Death From Above 1979.

Ancient Problemz

There you have it! Thank you for reading my first installment of Culture and Couture. I plan to run more of these because they’re lots of fun. Also, let’s great real. Most people have horrible tastes and it’s time to show them something better.

If you’d like to become a tastemaker for the new regime, email me at theculturalfuturist@gmail.com. Whether it’s fashion, art, music, architecture, or a period in time that has inspired you, (maybe even all of these things) I’d love to hear from you about some of your favorite things.

Theresa Tallien is a Chicago-based freelance culture writer interested in social trends and aesthetic shifts. You can follow her Substack where she writes about literature, history and identity.

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