Ben Talley Smith’s Favorite Things

“Books, our house is filled with books. And Bob Dylan has always been part of my life. He was my dad’s favorite musician and he even named his print shop where I worked as a teenager ‘Press On’ after the Bob Dylan song. I have great memories of driving down dirt roads in Vermont listening to ‘blowin in the wind’ in our blue VW bug.”

“Tumblr 2011. A time pre-instagram, this was my go to camera. I still use it to this day or G7. If i’m not shooting film I use these to get the best color shots. I have tens of thousands of photos using these cameras.”

“Being in the denim world, this jean is iconic. It was the leader in the raw jeans space. I spent years wearing the new standard jean in from raw to a few years of wear only washing once or twice. Now I’ve moved on to buying the APC butler jeans where someone has already worn them in and I often use them for wash inspirations for brands like Khaite or others.”

“I love everything Flamingo Estate. I’ve always loved the origin story of Chandalier Creative and how they landed their first Bloomingdales campaign. The house in Los Feliz is inspiring and everything is so well thought out.”

“These jeans are named after my wife … so they’re the best, just ask TikTok. Buy them for your wife, too.”

“I love a good statement swim trunk. We spend a lot of time in Arrowhead or Palm Springs or just in our backyard pool and these are a great addition.”

“Anything Polaroid is in my heart. I’ve always used a polaroid or version of it since I was very young. We converted by upstairs bathroom growing up to a darkroom so photography is in my DNA.”

“Margiela replica shoes. I have a number of pairs. I love the paint platterned versions as well. They are comfortable and durable and have character.”

“Vans 98’s reissue checkers—the year I graduated high school (not to date myself). I wear Vans most days in new and old colors. They are classic and casual.”

“Madewell polos. Or any casual shirt from Madewell is a vacation or casual evening out staple. Having spent two years designing the denim for the brand, I understand the quality and design ethos, it’s really great product!”

“I love a good hoodie. Gallery Dept. does some great work with really beat up sweatshirts. I see them being hand painted in the laundries in L.A. and know the work that goes into each one.”