The menswear OS, Part 1

Three scenarios

If the recent menswear S23 fashion week is any indication, looks clustered in three categories. These three categories have different value propositions, communication styles and prices.

The three categories are the Dream, the Trend, and the Lifestyle.

The Dream. In this category are looks that demonstrate a creative vision combined with skill and craftsmanship. These are collections that introduce a fresh notion of masculinity, test the balance between sophistication and kitsch, mix practicality and whimsy, and experiment with shapes and materials and push boundaries of newness. The Dream combines strong ideas with convincing execution, and their purpose is to innovate, assert a point of view and mix it with wearability. The Dream is the closest to the conceptual art and performance, made to work in the modern world. Items that belong to the Dream category are the purest expression of what the brand stands for. they are a brand’s North Star. Some brands, like Comme des Garçons, Junya Watanabe and Thom Browne operate exclusively in this category. Others use it to frame and elevate its entire offering. The looks in the Dream are timeless and timely: they are…