Guest Post: Hendrik Pohl from Tie-a-Tie.net
While I frequently bring you articles about thrift store finds, shopping tips, and historical context to the style this blog is dedicated to, an esteemed reader, Hendrik Pohl, founder of Tie-a-Tie.net as well as the San Francisco based online neckwear brand Bows-N-Ties, reached out to me regarding another topic: current trends in menswear.
The conversation that resulted inspired the following post-- as we discovered that the "wear to work" uniform in offices of Boston and San Fran are quite different. Hendrik provided the lovely graphic below, and the following insight:
West Side (Palo Alto, San Francisco, Portland)
- Band of Outsiders Flannel - $190
- Google Glass Prototype ("borrowed" from the office)
- Patagonia Puff vest -$150
- Uniqlo slim fit jeans - $50
- Chuck Taylors - $60
- Apple iWatch - $750
- Sector 9 Longboard - $146
- Kale Juice (organic) 14oz - $9
Total: $1,355
East Side (Boston, NYC, DC)
- J. Crew Ludlow suit in navy - $425
- J. Crew Ludlow suit vest in worsted wool - $125
- Persol sunglasses - $250
- Silk Tie + Pocket square from Bows-N-Ties.com - $40
- Timex Weekender - $40
- Double Monk Straps from Allen Edmonds: $385
- Socks from The Tie Bar - $8
- Starbucks venti Latte - $5
In our example, both men earn the same annual salary, and live in a classy apartment in their city of choice. The two combinations also cost nearly the same amount of money upfront. The difference however, is in where each man is prioritizing his spending. The East coast man invests in his formality, while our Silicon Valley denizen invests in technology.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone that West style is much more casual. Ties are, sadly in Hendrik’s eyes, a rare sight in downtown San Francisco, and as a result Hendrik ships most of his orders to the East coast. While outfits in general are much more casual, and - as some might argue - “sloppy”, on the West coast, it is the way men prefer to accessorize that sticks out the most. The techy start-up scene, as Hendrik calls it, loves to show off the latest gadgets rather than expensive designer watches, fancy ties or sophisticated pocket squares. It is quite a common sight to spot a mid 20s man standing on a Boosted skateboard zipping through traffic at 25mph while simultaneously drinking fresh pressed kale juice and talking to his apple watch.
While this picture is somewhat of a simplification, there is an important message to take away; Fashion is no longer just about looks but just as much about convenience and function. If a designer wants to stay with the times, he/she needs to learn how to integrate gadgetry functionality without diminishing their brand’s aesthetics. In a world where our clothes follow the same basic designs as seen 50+ years ago, is this even possible?
I am talking about much more than just a blazer that has an inner pocket large enough to fit an iPad. Scientist in China, for instance, have been developing solar cells that are so thin and flexible that they can be woven into fabrics. Soon it would be possible to tailor a suit that can charge your cell phone or power your skateboard. LEDs are getting so miniscule that those too can be added to garments to display customized messages or serves as a safety tool when commuting to work on a bicycle in the dark.
Surely, many of these ideas may seem straight out of a sci-fi movie, but one thing that can’t be ignored is that the modern man does demand more from his wardrobe that just good looks and comfort.
What do you think? Will you continue to favor traditional styling taking root before twitter was abuzz and Google was a way of life? Or, adapt in a way that brings convenience and utility into your daily apparel? Leave your ideas in the comments!
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