What Caught Their Eye: Nico Lazaro, Editorial Manager, Buck Mason
Over the last few months on this newsletter, you have seen me share a variety of things I love, what I’m buying, and more. Well, I’m happy to be handing the reins over to someone else from time to time!
This is “What Caught Their Eye”, a guest edit section of my Substack to introduce my readers to executives, artists, creatives, and everyone in between.
Keep reading to find out more about my next guest, Nico Lazaro.
Introducing Nico Lazaro, Editorial Manager, Buck Mason
Nico Lazaro is a writer and editor living in Los Angeles. By day he manages Buck Mason’s editorial output, and on weekends he writes The Bengal Stripe, a newsletter with his personal musings on menswear and other interests. He was a founding member of Grailed, ran a couple of mildly successful now-defunct Tumblr accounts, and wrote an original #menswear blog where the moniker The Bengal Stripe originated. He has over a decade of experience working within the fashion industry in New York City and now lives in Highland Park with his partner Ruby and their two pups, where he enjoys gardening, thrifting, and making an earnest attempt to become a regular at every local bar.
Follow Nico: Here
What Caught Nico’s Eye
Dunhill Signature Rollagas Lighter
As much as he remains an enigma to me, my grandfather appeared to be a man of distinction. An Anglo-Indian orphan from Chennai, his resolution and charisma in his profession helped him create a legacy here in the US. While his wardrobe remains my greatest envy, it was all too large for me when he passed. What I did inherit was an old, gold Dunhill lighter that was gifted to him long ago by former colleagues. While the sentimentality is certainly part of the charm, there is something else to these private luxuries. It isn’t a lighter you might share with a stranger, but in those cherished moments of solitary reflection, it can serve as a memento of your “Rosebud” — your raison d'être, or simply a means of momentary escape.
Buy: Here
To-Go Ware 3-Tier Stainless Lunch Box
These are a staple in South Asia, but you don’t see them as much stateside. I have a 2-tier one that I use sometimes for work, but they’re also perfect for picnics and potlucks. The different compartments come in handy for keeping salads or other ingredients separate or packing a little dessert.
Buy: Here
Havaianas Top Men's Flip Flops
I have these in all-black, which goes with everything, but also adore the little Brazil logo ones. They’re not necessarily built for comfort but also not uncomfortable in the slightest, just exactly what a basic flip-flop should be. I got mine a couple of years ago, but apparently, they’ve become a chic fashion staple for women now. Mine have a solid foothold in my wardrobe as my house/backyard lounging slippers, but every so often, I’ll wear them out on weekends or for quick errands.
Buy: Here
Scars
I love when people include something non-commercial in these lists. I think scars are cool, physical or emotional. Pain is an unavoidable and necessary component of a full life, and the more you learn to come to terms with that, the better off you’ll be for it. Scars are a sign of a life well-lived, lessons learned, and hopefully bring with them some character and humility.
Living with Conviction
Remember being young and in love with the dream of making a better life for yourself when you grew older? I spent most of the past few years making amends with my younger self and realized it's punk AF to own who you are and what you want to be. No shying away or feeling like your moment has passed or that it's unrealistic to pursue your dreams. Do something today that would make 13-year-old you proud, however silly it seems. I’ll add on top of this that caring is cool. Even if there are a million reasons to dismiss a notion or impulse, I implore you to find ways to subvert that. Be intentional and rigorous with your decision-making, but don’t overthink it. Plan less and live more, share your ideas/motivation/love freely, and be the change you want to see in the world.