PORTRAYING POSSIBILITIES: WELCOME TO MR’S RETURN TO PRINT!

If you haven’t already gotten your copy of MR Magazine’s January 2023 issue, never fear! We’ll be posting every article right here on MR-mag.com over the next week or so. You’ll also be able to pick up a copy at most of the menswear trade shows coming up in January, but be sure that we have your name on our mailing list for future issues by completing the form at the link here.

With this print issue, our first in a very long time, we’re excited to bring back the in-depth analytical features, directional fashion, and industry personalities that we know you expect from us. We’re always listening, so let us know what you like, what you want to see that you don’t, and what you’d rather not see again. Of course, we’ll continue to bring you our daily digital reports to keep you current on industry news and all things menswear.
In this issue, our new Fashion Futures section features emerging brands and unique concepts that we believe will inspire you. For another round-up piece, we highlight the people, concepts, and trends most likely to impact men’s fashion in 2023.
To recognize the 150th anniversary of the legendary Bloomingdale’s, we interviewed EVP Dan Leppo and men’s fashion director Justin Berkowitz. Among the store’s historic claims to fame: in 1898, they were the first to install an elevator, and soon an escalator; in 1947, they introduced their famous model rooms showcasing furniture vignettes with guest curators like Frank Gehry and Federico Fellini; in 1959, Marvin Traub launched annual international fairs, bringing to 59th and Lex the fashion, food, art, and music of Italy, France, India, China, Spain, Japan… And don’t forget that in 1967, they gambled on a collection of wide ties, revolutionary at the time, from a gutsy new designer named Ralph Lauren, to whom they gave his own shop. How to stay on the cutting edge of cool for 150 years? Respect for the past with an eye toward the future, a strategy the talented Bloomingdale’s team continues to validate.
Baby, it’s cold outside! In this month’s outerwear feature, MR examines this trend- and technology-driven category from both retailer and vendor perspectives. The good news: never has the market looked so strong, with a plethora of beautiful vests, parkas, jackets, and the unexpected return of the topcoat!

But one question still plagues me: why must retailers mark down fall outerwear before the weather gets cold? Steep price cuts on Labor Day, Columbus Day, Black Friday… With demand for outerwear peaking first quarter, why can’t we as an industry work together to change the cadence and push
back the price promotions? It’s not a new question; what is the answer?
Finally, our January fashion shoot takes a fresh look at formalwear against the colorful, eclectic, and sometimes gritty energy of Times Square. Since most guys already own a classic tux, what might they add to their formalwear wardrobes to express some personality? Our goal is to portray possibilities beyond the predictable.
From our MR team to yours, wishing you a year filled with good health, caring friends, family harmony, ringing cash registers, and endless possibilities. —Karen, John, Lizette, Charles, and Michael