Vladimir Nabokov

The Art of the Detail 

 ..., of the little thing which a man observes and greets with a friendly nod of the spirit while the crowd around him is being driven by some common impulse to some common goal. Vladimir Nabokov, Lectures on Literature.

This post has more to do with a key idea to self-styling than the personal style of its author.  In this wonderful passage Nabokov identifies one of the most important elements to great writing--the art of the detail.  Although Nabokov is talking about literature, the idea can be applied to other creative activities, including self-styling.  We think of the way Charles Eames wore his belt at the side, Andy Warhol's wigs, Dali's mustache, or Nureyev's hats. These details often become signature pieces of our subjects. It's what sets the "uncommon" from the "common," what separates the dress of creative minds from that of the rest of the world.