In all the years I’ve been futzing with Classic Timeless Menswear (over 50 now), I’ve never heard a more succinct way to describe the art than Antonio’s Style pyramid. As a perpetual student of CTM I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to complete his course which articulates the concepts I used to sell half a century ago. I wished he had told me about the three terms when I started, but then again I probably would have had a hard time understanding very young Antonio in the late 1970’s 😏 👴 Fit, as Antonio states is certainly king and should alway be the first focus. A very close second is the function (knowing when to wear what where). Fabric sometimes gets relegated to merely a function of the temperature and time of year. But as one gets longer in the nose on the CTM journey fabric can become the esoteric factor that separates a blazer for example that merely suffices in a dress up situation to becoming a trusted garment that one truly enjoys wearing for decades. My friend @John Witvoet a couple of years back scored a beautiful RL Doeskin weave thrifted Navy Blazer. This luxurious soft (usually Merino Wool) brushed weave is an iconic fabric that is timeless. As time goes on a half canvas or full canvas coat will conform to one’s body and it’s fit and fabric become a go to for multiple functions. The same could be said for a suit coat or a sportcoat or a blazer https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/en/the-iconic-doeskin-two-button-blazer-264003.html?srsltid=AfmBOopsmHeXdioTIs7MNPCGeNz8p6ULMev1oiyjNGixWtx-x9ceC5ev Learning the “hand” of various fabrics. Understanding how different fabrics take dyes and how they hang and drape is an intermediate step and enjoyable part of delving into the world of quality Classic Timeless Menswear. In other words, like in other gentlemanly pursuits, the beauty is in the details and tiny refinements.

Warning- This might be an uncomfortable post for some. I’ve been pondering this question, after an especially good sermon about pride today: For a man of faith, who also desires to look his best and feel good about himself, where does the line of pride get crossed according to the Bible and Christian teachings? Here is an AI (Grok) answer: The line of pride is crossed when outward appearance becomes the primary focus, source of identity, or means of seeking validation, superiority, or worldly approval—rather than stewarding the body God gave you with humility, gratitude, and a focus on inner character. I do feel the body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and as such, should be well groomed and properly “adorned”, and every effort given to keep it healthy. I’m tired of wasting money on cheap clothing that ends up getting donated to charity, yet I’m conflicted about spending hundreds on some of the finer quality items. I’m currently not really in the buying stage as I’ve got a few lbs left to lose. I welcome your input.

Casual Saturday afternoons call for two things: comfort and just enough style to make it look like you didn’t accidentally become well-dressed. I decided to leave the short-sleeve linen shirt untucked, because sometimes relaxed elegance deserves a little breathing room—especially in Texas heat. Paired with another set of my new 34 Heritage jeans, which may very well be the closest thing to socially acceptable pajamas ever created, the outfit strikes that perfect balance between polished and effortless. The white Allen Edmonds leather sneakers keep the look crisp and modern while adding just enough refinement to elevate the casual foundation. And of course, the straw fedora and sunglasses step in like the finishing touches of a gentleman who may or may not have plans involving a patio, good conversation, and something aged in a bourbon barrel later this evening. Oh, and to top it off, a couple of spritzes of Le Jardin De Monsieur Li EDT by Hermes finishes the outfit with a chef's kiss.