Source: All Collaborations
I was in a sneaker store a few days ago and one of the sales leads asked me why I merely wear Jordans, although I buy so many shoes. He was looking at my COMUNITYmade City Discovery custom shoe and in so many words he said, “you don’t dress like an old dude.” For the record, anyone over 35 is an old dude to kids. The conversation began because the kid was saying that I always had nice shoes on, but I didn’t ever wear Jordans. I asked him if he would wear the shoes I had on, and he said emphatically “no”.
In Memphis, if a person says, “Clean, ain’t it mane.” They are giving you either a compliment, or it’s a sneak diss. Everyday, one of the young dudes says something like that to me and I initially thought it was a kid cracking a joke. I realized after a while, that in sneaker stores there is a tendency for old heads to try to look young. I still have Jordans… a lot of them, but I don’t wear them often. When I do, they are matched up with a basic look: denim, white tee/monochrome shirt. When old dudes walk in and attempt to dress on trend, and I’m in the store, the sales leads will ask me, “Would you wear that?” I always answer with the same comment, “Let that mane live.” Then there is laughter.
It would seem that dressing simple would be an easy thing to do. The fact is, a lot of men look at fashion the same way they look at everything else, for every occasion, season after season, year after year. As guys get older, they find it difficult to transition from young adult to a more mature, yet elevated look. The result is guys lose their edge. There has been a resurgence in fashion for men as blogs have grown and men realize that don’t they have to wear jerseys, baseball caps and Dickies or baggy jeans.
CLAE has taken the time to share their creed, so I’m sharing below. Take a minute to visit the site.
CLAE’s eMC – Elevated Minimalist Curated design
At CLAE, minimalism is a key concept of the way we design
our collection. We are convinced that a pair of sneakers,
handmade with high-quality materials in a palette
making it far more valuable than owning a wardrobe full.
Dope S--t I Like
for every occasion, season after season, year after year,
Bradley in black full grain leather.
