Daniel George - Custom Suits
“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing”
-Oscar Wilde
The runaway materialism that we see today is perhaps the logical conclusion of “technological progress” in manufacturing combined with the unfortunate general consensus of wanting less skin in the game. People no longer need to worry about taking care of a few precious items - anything can be replaced and will arrive in the mail tomorrow.
As newer generations have become increasingly more amnesiac about America’s reputation as the forefront of innovation and excellence, proxies suffice as principles. The most disappointing element of all - this mediocre materialism of the 21st century is not identified only by the permeation of cheap goods everywhere, but cheap goods with a shoddy complexion.
The paradox of progress may be that in order to make a meaningful step forward, one is required to look back. In this maelstrom of cheap goods and cheap talk, there are principles and traditions that have stood the test of time. Many ideas that were once regarded as bedrock have been diluted and miss the mark.
There is no shortcut to luxury in its ultimate essence - hand craftsmanship, luxury materials, and the designer’s quirks that give the piece life. However, the ubiquity of approximations masquerading as luxury, calls for a reckoning in consumer complicity. If convenience is degrading the standards and values as a whole, the individual is left alone to ask difficult questions and make intelligent decisions
Many suits we see on the streets are ill-fitted, cheap, or both. What gives the suit its aura of masculine civility and dignity? Surely the standard is not merely a coat with a lapel and a matching trouser?
What can explain the fact that in our era of allegedly heightened fashion consciousness that identifying a well-dressed man is so few and far between? Silicon Valley tech culture has renounced the suit as an unnecessary and dated form of signaling. While the sentiment of stoicism and refusing luxury-for-luxury’s-sake can be appreciated, this philosophy won’t hold water. There is an element of this sentiment that conveniently denies an aspect of our nature to respect recognized power and an attraction to a decidedly foreign presentation.
The irony of the Silicon Valley philosophy and the common mindset amongst our Millennial and Gen Z men, is that traditional menswear has been endowed with an element of subversion. Now, to be the best-dressed person in the room is, to a degree, radical given the current attitude towards sophistication and elegance. How exciting!
Style and taste are both a form of intelligence. Furthermore, personal style should be developed and intentional; all issues of proportion and design should have a logical explanation. Whether one is aware of it or not, fashion sensibility bespeaks an attitude towards oneself and the world. The mere act of deliberately selecting high quality clothing and accessories that are fun and flattering to wear is an optimistic expression in and of itself.
A great example of this philosophy realized is our ambassador, Michael L., shown here looking stylishly dignified in a subdued but elegant pinstripe suit. Michael is not a professional model nor a businessman who needs a suit, but rather an Indiana firefighter who understands that there is a time and place for sophisticated menswear. When the occasion arises, he has the desire to be the best dressed man in the room.
Contrived is a compliment in our world.
Quality is quality is quality. The best value, in general, is often somewhere in the middle of two ends of the spectrum. One should be suspicious of paying too little or too much for a product or service. Across industries, there is always a threshold where the premium is only backed by a label. Daniel George prides himself on commandeering and revitalizing this middle ground.