The Meticulous Observer: Gay Talese's Obsession with Detail

Gay Talese, one of America's most celebrated journalists and a pioneer of New Journalism, has always been known for his extraordinary attention to detail. But perhaps his most fascinating habit is his meticulous documentation of people's clothing choices, a practice that has defined his journalistic style for over six decades.

Born into a family of tailors in Ocean City, New Jersey, Talese developed an early appreciation for clothing and its significance in telling stories about people. As a young reporter for The New York Times in the 1950s and throughout his career writing for Esquire and other publications, he became known for his detailed notes about what people wore during interviews and encounters.

Talese's note-taking system is legendary in journalistic circles. He writes his observations on shirt boards – the cardboard inserts that come with dry-cleaned shirts – and maintains a vast archive of these detailed records. These notes often include:

Precise descriptions of fabric types and patterns
Color combinations and clothing brands
How garments fit and move on their wearers
The condition and care of clothing items
Accessories and how they complement outfits

This attention to sartorial detail has allowed Talese to create richly textured portraits of his subjects, from Frank Sinatra to everyday New Yorkers. He believes that clothing choices reveal crucial information about personality, social status, and personal history – elements that have become hallmarks of his narrative style.

Today, at over 90 years old, Talese continues this practice, maintaining his position that understanding how people present themselves through clothing is essential to understanding who they are. His method has influenced generations of journalists and writers, demonstrating how careful observation of seemingly minor details can lead to profound insights about human nature.

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