A Letter from the Editor
Every month, the Men’s Interest section at newsstands around the world witnesses a new cycle of sharply suited celebrities, muscle-bound athletes, and a lot of machined metal (both the gasoline and gunpowder variety). Oh and, lest we forget, that plastic-wrapped row in the back.
As amusingly cliché as it is, capitalism has proven that the modern male will still pay money to lust after expensive suits, Nurburgring-ready supercars, and pictures of half-naked women grasping their breasts. And so, while no one is claiming that Hudson News is the arbiter of modern masculinity, their version of “Men’s Interests” gives me pause when referring to Classfare as a men’s publication.
Don’t get me wrong. As a longtime subscriber of many men’s magazines, I’ve found much to be enjoyed and admired. The existence of our publication is due in part to inspiration from those who have come before. And within the pages of Classfare, you’ll find plenty of style guides and seasonal product features just like the iconic publications we’ve come to respect (albeit with more wallet-friendly prices).
What I’m trying to get at is this: after reading my ten-dozenth interview with a designer-clad megastar (the one that’s opposite the bikini-clad supermodel), I’ve found myself wondering if our overt fascination with celebrity and sex and machismo has gotten in the way of better stories. If we, having attenuated to the chase of stardom (and $4,000 suits), have forgotten that just outside of town lies an expansive world full of adventurous makers, paving their way under an inky black sky full of stars.
In this month’s issue, we got out of town (quite literally) in search of open land, clear skies, and inspired maker stories. Stories like that of Mr. John Ashworth who, through apparel design and activism, is hard at work helping the next generation discover his first love: the game of golf. Or stories like Catilin Cimino’s, a designer and metalsmith who ventures into quarries, mining for rocks that are later fashioned into jewelry from earth and stone and metal.
And while we were out searching for such stories, we sought to create some stories of our own. As such, we ventured into the hills, documenting the age old rituals of making fire, drinking whiskey, and cutting things with an axe.
No surprises there. We’re still a men’s magazine, after all.
Ian Deming, Editor-in-Chief