Simon Says: 'Do It With Passion'

Here at OC, we are struck by how often we end up in everyday conundrums. The ones that land you in the thick of semi (or full-blown) awkwardness, or maybe, the doghouse. 

So, we turned to Simon Collins, the dean of the School of Fashion at Parsons, who after six years in his plum perch, just announced plans to step down at the end of this year. Translation: More time to wax poetic on subway etiquette and relationships in old age.

Q: What's the polite order of giving up one's seat on a subway? Is this a dying art?

A: Far from being a dying art, it is in fact something you should actively seek to do on a daily basis. Once I’m on the train, my eyes continually scan for a carriage sighting. When I spot a likely recipient, I stand fully and indicate the seat is free for them. Simply asking if they want the seat doesn’t work as few want to feel obligated to a stranger. Rarely does the gesture go unnoticed, and while of course that isn’t the point, it is a good way to remind people that the age of chivalry is not entirely lost.

Practice Random Acts of Chivalry to complete strangers; it’s a wonderful tonic for our otherwise entirely selfish existence.


Q: How necessary is passion versus companionship?

Without passion what are we, really? I’m passionate about how much I hate Fox "News." I’m passionate about how much I love good espresso. I’m passionate about universal healthcare. The point is that if you’re going to feel anything, do anything, including being a companion, then do it with passion. What’s the point of being passive? If that’s all you feel then why bother in the first place? I’m passionate about being passionate. I see couples in their 80s walking down the street holding hands and it makes me so happy. Sure they’re companions, but I bet they’re passionate about it. The couple that recently died within hours of each other after being together for 62 years––imagine the passion there.