prodigal-punk asked: Is their a growing rift in #menswear? I am noticing a bit of a backlash towards some of the menswear bloggers that seem to have turned into fashionistas. I feel like the movement that attracted me is being tainted by corporate shills and a NYC Frat in double breasted sport coats with camo pants and "Fuck Off" pocket squares. Thoughts?
I don’t know about a rift in #menswear, but I do think that there is a need for more diversity of voices and increased independent thought. Both style and fashion are highly subjective, and no one is ever actually right (except Vox Sartoria).
The problem lies in the fact that Tumblr is at its core, a social network, and a small coterie of “cool kids” carry undue sway. That in and of itself is not problematic except for the fact that it serves to make them the de facto arbiters of style. When members of that inner-circle have relationships, both professional and personal, with retailers and design houses their objectivity has to be called into question…but it isn’t. They present their opinions, and those posts are re-blogged ad nauseum by followers seeking approval or merely enamored with pretty pictures.
There are a lot of bloggers out there doing good work, both as hobby and vocation. It’s easy to tell when someone is really putting in work, and far be it from me to tell them not to monetize it. Can’t knock the hustle and Blog Warz aren’t going to help anyone. I can only hope for more transparency and independent thought in the world of #menswear.
