A Letter from the Editor
Since Classfare launched six months ago, I’ve been asked “why fashion?” more than few times. And in light of the visceral reactions to Elisabeth Vincentelli’s recent article “For the love of God, stop dressing like crap”, it’s a worthy question. While the fashion industry continues to grow, it feels like the general public pays less attention every day. And I think that divide is due to a central misunderstanding at play.
For many, the concept of style is beleaguered by rules, regulations, and, in a word: pressure. Pressure that comes by way of airbrushed models, oh-look-I’m-in-Santorini-again bloggers, and 18-tips-for-a-perfect-life listicles. Amidst the chaos, many are left either struggling to manufacture some “perfect life”, or simply abandoning hope altogether (and writing hate mail to the internet while they’re at it).
But I think there’s a third way. The world doesn’t owe us some sort of framework by which to judge our lives. We do. So let’s simply define where we’re aiming here. The pursuit of “perfection” is a misguided goal. Rather, we’d all be better off focusing on the nobler and infinitely more accomplishable pursuit of “better”.
All throughout history, humanity has prevailed when we’ve refused to do “what we’ve always done”. What I believe to be inarguable is that these start with someone saying “This is not good enough. This should be better.” What is arguable, however, is what “better” actually means and where to apply it. I would suggest you begin by defining “better” for yourself. And then apply it liberally to every area of your life (not just your golf game). And as you do so, remember that the pursuit of “better” shouldn’t create inferiority or elitism. Rather, it should create passion. Progress. Beauty. The Model S.
So, “why fashion?” Well, it’s one area among many in men’s lives that we think could be much better. And we’re particularly interested in exploring how.
This month, we have the privilege to present a few brands that are the result of individuals attempting to do things better. Not only in the quality of the goods they manufacture and the brand identities they’ve formed, but in the thoughtful and intentional ways they impact the world. Victor Athletics and Apolis are each unique in the way they are building better brands. But they are, inarguably, both pursuing them with fervor. We’re excited to share their stories with you.
And beyond such stories, we’re introducing a new category this month we’re calling The Investment. Every month, we’ll bring you something that requires a bit more resources than you may be used to, be it money, time, and/or energy. Some things are worth upgrading, be it a great fall jacket (like we discuss this month) or finally taking the time to improve your culinary skills, learn a language, or volunteer (we’ll explore those later).
Be it in our mind, on our person, or in our many spheres of interest, there are innumerable ideas and objects alike that warrant improvement. And as we foster this pursuit of better, the natural byproduct is to become more considerate in the thoughts we think, the relationships we form, the habits we pursue, and the objects with which we surround ourselves. By making small, meaningful changes to these things, I think our lives can become more full. More interesting. More excellent. More…better?
Ian Deming, Editor-in-Chief