FROM OUR JANUARY ISSUE, FASHION AND FRIENDSHIP: TWO QUINTESSENTIAL ANTI-DEPRESSANTS

The entire MR team is proud to present our January 2024 issue. Haven’t gotten your copy, yet? Feel free to page through a digital copy at  Issuu, and we’ll continue to post individual stories on  MR-mag.com. If you haven’t been getting MR in print, be sure that you are on our mailing list for future issues by completing  this form.

Maybe it’s the deteriorating state of world affairs or the animosity in our dysfunctional Congress. Or perhaps it’s the family, financial, relationship, and/or health problems that are an intrinsic part of being human. Whatever it is that’s causing the increased anxiety and hopelessness so many of us are experiencing these days, remember this: we in the menswear business are lucky to make a living from two quintessential anti-depressants—fabulous fashion and genuine friendships. The connection that so often evolves among business associates in our industry is unique and truly joyful to behold.

As we kick off this January ’24 print issue and our 34th year (how is this possible?) projecting trends, profiling success stories, uncovering emerging talent, and analyzing business, let me first express gratitude to the many loyal advertisers who have supported us over the years and the retailers across the country who continue to share their successes and concerns. We wouldn’t be here without you and truly appreciate your votes of confidence.

As I search for the right message to begin a new year in decidedly troubled times, I can’t help but think of industry leaders who are no longer with us, but whose memory still inspires and brings hope. Raffi Shaya was one such innovator. Although he passed six months ago, his spirit and optimism still ring loud and clear. From a post-pandemic interview in MR, Raffi reminds us that a career in men’s fashion is far from inconsequential. “In many ways, the pandemic was a wake-up call, not just a reminder to celebrate life but also a cry for new fashion options: new yarns, new models, new colors. You know, fashion is hardly a frivolous pursuit: the way you look very much affects the way you feel. If you’re not happy with the person you see in the mirror, it’s hard to be happy with anything else.

“And so I advise people: always show your best self. When I can get a guy into quality fashion in current models and fresh colors, I often see a total change in his personality. And seeing this type of transformation is what drives me to keep creating.”

Happy New Year to all our readers and friends from all of us at MR: Lizette, Charles, John, Michael, and me. May it be a year of creativity, connections, prosperity, and peace.

Photo, top, Gladson Bamboo at the Tailory, photographed by Rose Callahan.