I wrote an essay for RealClearPolitics’ Books and Culture section about the ideological pressures plaguing the fashion industry. I also talk about class a fair amount in the piece, more than I ever have in a previous article. Here are some excerpts:
What about an aesthetic and cultural magazine, then, for people who wish beauty to take precedence above all else? For style mavens who don’t prefer their fashion content served with a side of propaganda? Must every creative sector bifurcate and balkanize, as no one can claim neutrality any longer, or even wants to? What about a Glamour for disgruntled leftists or libertarians?
Many people love fashion and beauty — the way a luxury fragrance interacts with the body, for example — because they exist in a realm beyond the reaches of punditry and analysis. The erotic allure of a fine fabric is sensual, not virtuous.
Current publishing maintains economic stasis and speaks of pop culture; a new vision of publishing should be economically populist and aesthetically elitist. It’s common for magazines (those that still even exist) to obfuscate their exclusion of working class perspectives with a display of how down-to-earth they are in their interests: See, we cover trashy lowbrow stuff like Korean boy bands and thongs that stick out of your pants! But a real refreshing of the cultural press would necessitate aggressive openness to artists who are economic outsiders and an unapologetic embrace of high culture.
I hope you will read it and enjoy.