Source
r/malefashionadvice•
Classiest

Why is MFA stuck in 2009 sufu style era?

I love MFA, but I feel like this reddit has themes and ideas very similar to sufu/sf but a little late. It's sort of how 4chan's memes eventually move into the mainstream but there's a lag time until they trickle down. That's not to say that I think sufu is amazing, they're lacking in certain areas.

I feel like there's a lack of designer runway discussion and way too much desert boot recs here.

I hope you guys aren't offended and just downvote me because you disagree with me. I'm trying to point out some problems, start discussions, and hopefully make this community a better place.

Posted Dec 4, 2010, 9:11 AM UTC

3347
[deleted]•

I don't know what sufu is, so I Googled it.

Top result: Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU).

I still don't know what you are talking about re: sufu.

34
roboduck•

Personally, that is where I take all my fashion advice from. Does anyone know where I can get stirrups and latex gloves for a reasonable price? I have a Christmas party coming up.

9
MrSnoobs•

Vets? Wait until someone brings in a horse. Steal some latex gloves and put them on. Greet the horse owner and with the gloves, you will appear as a Vetinary doctor. Examine the horse while nodding and agreeing with yourself. Tell the owner you need to walk the horse around a bit, and maybe they can go get a coffee. Once alone with the horse, ride it away to a local pub. Sell the horse to a drunkard. You can know afford stirrups and latex gloves.

1
Misanthrophobe•

Close, but incorrect.

It's short for superfuture

8
wishinghand•

Hurts my eyes!

1
L1nden•

This is r/MaleFashionADVICE, that is, for people who don't know how to dress. We aren't going to recommend that the first outfit you go out and buy is something off the wall and interesting, it has to be something basic that looks good on anybody so that people understand the basics.

I'm not opposed to a subreddit for people who don't need advice (though i will point out that the WAYWT subreddit is pretty much dead, so I'm not sure the demand is there), I just don't think it belongs in this subreddit.

Also, if you looking to discuss runway fashion, the people of r/fashion would love to have a chat with you.

26
oneyorkshireman•

Yes, the subreddit is named MaleFashionAdivce, but like it or not this has become the subreddit for men's fashion, not just giving out advice to beginners. r/fashion has been taken over by women.

6
Waven•

I don't know why you'd say r/fashion "has been taken over by women" to be honest as the womenswear market is so much larger than the mens it dwarfs it many times over. Menswear only represents a small part of business for most fashion houses and designers compared to womenswear.

The problem is more that there is a lack of knowledgeable people both when it comes to womenswear and menswear on reddit. r/malefashionadvice is mostly just very basic discussion for people that just wan't to dress a little better, there really isn't much quality discussion of menswear here either.

4
wishinghand•

Would you be opposed to wider fashion ideas, runway or not, being discussed on MFA? As in how to evolve past the general advice all of the links on the right suggest when one arrives here for the first time?

1
ptrb•

Designer runway (couture) discussion is basically uninteresting to people not in the industry, and it's made that way by design. I mean if it turns your gears more power to you, but I think there's not really an audience for it here.

Desert boots are a fad and totally seasonally inappropriate right now. I'm with you on that one.

20
ClassiestOP•

Desert boots are a fad and totally seasonally inappropriate right now.

I always see people here taking pictures of their Suede desert boots in December.

It just seems like MFA wears the SAME thing all the time. There's no real variety or fresh ideas, I don't see wywt or any sort of interesting styles. It's all generic pseudo-stylish street wear that's entry level. Like every single person on here wears dark levis, apc, nudie/desert boots/and blank shirts. This is by no means a call to wear anything expensive, it has nothing to do with prices. I'm looking something different.

Style isn't about being a carbon copy, the whole point is being YOU. Expressing yourself through your clothing. I don't see a lot of identity on here.

Why are sartorialist pictures so interesting? Because the people in the pictures are stylish, fashionable, AND their expressing themselves. They're not trying to be a Mad Men character, or an anime character, or "look" stylish. They're blending colors and playing with their styles.

The wearers display, character, genuine character that's not simply created or chosen by someone else.

18
ptrb•

The problem is mostly that the Bunch Of Internet Nerds who make up Reddit think that "expressing yourself through your clothing" means finding the perfect Indiana Jones fedora to go with their thrifted waistcoat that's two sizes too big (or too small).

It's better—there is a greater benefit to mankind—to yell at a thousand dorks playing dress-up about how stupid they look, than to congratulate someone who generally has their shit together on how good their accessories look or whatever. If that means the trend here is getting everyone in the Not Particularly Awful Reddit Uniform of dark jeans, decent boots, and a well-fitted OCBD, then so be it. It's vastly preferable to the alternative.

I see the mission of this subreddit more as building the coherent fashion foundation upon which people can build themselves, and less as helping each individual maximize his personal expression. The latter is something that you shouldn't really turn to an internet community for, anyway.

36
ClassiestOP•

finding the perfect Indiana Jones fedora to go with their thrifted waistcoat that's two sizes too big (or too small).

I must say, this was gold.

The latter is something that you shouldn't really turn to an internet community for, anyway.

I agree, but I'd like to see some of that originality here. I would like see discussion on how you wore something different one day, or how you matched two unconventional things and made an original outfit. How you found two unique items and wore them to create something interesting and novel. Maybe some new finds you found at some store. Something other than 30% of overpriced express shirts. Or something that demonstrates some sort of variety,

I have no problem with helping others. It's good to provide some basic foundation of beginers. This reddit provides the basics to "starting" on being stylish and gives tips on what not do. I have no problem with that.

I just think that there should be more than that. More variety. I definitely didn't imply that this place should be one to insult others of their tastes, or faux pas. There's nothing wrong with trying to learn something, and no one should insult you for it.

8
project2501a•

hear, hear, updressed

3
ShadowX22•

While I wholeheartedly agree with this, there is a sort of caveat. A majority of Reddit as a whole is college students, we typically don't have too much money lying around. So when I can get 2 quality dress shirts that last for $22 each (BOGO and $30 of $75) I'll go for it.

Now when I first got into fashion, I started at Express and Levi's. It was a good foundation to get my tastes whet. Now I've been moving past but having little money in my budget to play dress-up with has been rough, so I've been making quality buys when I can. If you could offer some advice on where to get some quality stuff for cheap online, that'd be great. I already am a member of Gilt, but most of their sales lately have either been too pricey or just leftovers from earlier in the year.

2
project2501a•

You are looking for Gabriel Hounds. shameless

yeah, i noticed that, as well. MFA does have the "Not Particulary Awful Reddit Uniform"/hipster/careerist/industry pundit thing going on for it. A bit of individual thinking would not be so bad.

2
Ingenium21•

I don't know, I've always felt that the fashion industry has basically become stale where most designers just copy each other. I was looking at the runway for spring 2011. And Every single designer ABSO-FUCKING-LUTELY needed to have "designer sweatpants" or a "camel jacket" or my favorite ridiculous item being peddled by all designers "tuxedo jacket with jeans".

It also annoys me because they use the most annoying identifiers to try and sound edgy. I was listening to NPR the other day talk about how Macy's-you know Macy's of course-the ultimate symbol for complacency, was going to invite a fashion designer to show off their collection at their store every season or something like that. And this particular designer identified their collection as a mix of "punk rock and coco chanel". Which if you think about it, is a contradiction in terms.

2
epicviking•

You are watching the wrong designer shows. Michael Bastian wannabes need not apply.

The guy in question is Karl Lagerfeld. He gets a pass because he is and always has been "punk rock meets coco chanel" (He ran Chanel). Hes also Karl freakin Lagerfeld, and hes a pretty talented designer.

2
Ingenium21•

Karl Lagerfeld makes some alright stuff. Even though, if you look at his current collection, he kinda proves my point. He's got tweed on there, he's got a motorcycle jacket (another runway favorite), It seems like to me that all the designers get together and just decide what they're going to come out with.

However, I do really like that 3-piece he's got on there.

The designer in question was Kinder Aggugini.

And he actually called it "A marriage between Coco Chanel and Sid Vicious".

Which is even more insulting, because not only does he tarnish the name of punk rock(as if punk rock's name needs more tarnishing), but his work is so derivative he basically took what Karl Lagerfeld is known for and changed it to a particular artist of that genre.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/21/fashion/21ROW.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss

2
michaelwentonweakes•

Desert boots are a fad and totally seasonally inappropriate right now. I'm with you on that one.

I definitely won't disagree that there is too much desert boot worship in these parts, but it's worth remembering that this sub has a fair number of readers who do not live in the American Northeast. Desert boots are perfectly seasonably appropriate for, say, California, even at this time of year.

1
[deleted]•

I am very happy with the fact that /mfa is about style and fashion I can relate to, and not runway stuff. Fashion didn't make sense to me when it was a woman wearing a bathrobe made of tweed with a telephone on her head, but here it makes sense.

11
resonaut•

Not wanting to hate anyone, but there's also stuff in between telephone heads and GAP that I wish was at least mentioned on MFA. Some of the runway designers are perfectly wearable.

6
wishinghand•

Agreed. This was basically the topic of my unanswered question about color awhile back.

1
epicviking•

I've brought up runway stuff once or twice and gotten few, if any replies. I can't exactly get behind Ric/Damir/CCP/AD aesthetic (as I've mentioned I dress pretty freakin waspy) but there is some runway stuff I like (Junya, Cabourn, Ervell, sometimes Missoni) that I could see maybe fitting in my aesthetic.

People here are generally not in the financial position to grab runway items, and while I love me some runway stuff, even I'll admit that 1000 bucks for a most unfunctional jacket or 600 for some pants is too much. I don't see this changing at all in the next decade. Might pick up some Engineered Garments or an Ervell knit, but thats a lot farther in the future.

2009 SUFU (which is actually more behind the curve than you think, but I wont go there) is the cheapest price point that doesn't look bad. And lets face it, 2009 sufu is still miles ahead of what everyone else is wearing. Its not my cup of tea (and it certainly isn't timeless, stfu about that guys) but I can see why people would like it and would purchase it. A whole, quite good, get up in that style can be had for under 300 bucks which is right about where people would want to pay.

Theres also a small degree of close mindedness around these parts. Not much, but enough to shut down some of the discussion on the peripheries. I'm not talking about MFA's bulldog ptrb going after fedoras and vests (keep that shit up ptrb we need a bad cop in these parts), I'm talking about things like "skinny jeans" or "chunky sweaters" or even "conservative business suits". A lot of fairly viable ways of doing things are downvoted for no reason other than it doesn't line up with someone's view of things.

One final thing. People talk shit about runway fashion as if its all wacky lady gaga weird shit. Its not. I've taken up watching runway shows in my spare time, and once you understand what is at play (texture, patterns, shapes, drape, color, etc) and learn a bit about each designers inspiration/aesthetic its actually pretty fun. There are a lot of really cool small designers who don't nearly get the attention they deserve because people are too busy a) slobbering all over the big dogs or b) in the mindset that watching fashion shows results in their masculinity being revoked.

8
wishinghand•

What. Is. Sufu? Google image does not help.

3
epicviking•

super future

1
wishinghand•

Ok, now I see that elsewhere in this post, but what sort of style is that? What part of MFA is Sufu 2009 (or is the OP way off?)?

2
epicviking•

raw denim, clarks desert boots, and gingham shirts were what was incredibly popular on sufu in 09. Granted, they were popularr elsewhere, but as far as internet fashion goes its pretty damn similar.

3
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
Waven•

You can search up videos on youtube of most things these days. A large portion of designers have videos of shows on their sites as well. If you are unsure where to start go here first and just look up videos of the collections you find interesting either on the designers own site or on youtube.

2
resonaut•

Style.com usually has photos of all outfits from the show.

1
resonaut•

I can't exactly get behind Ric/Damir/CCP/AD aesthetic

If you're referring to Rick Owens, some of his staple pieces are very wearable. There are a couple of leather jackets that he repeats every season and, while very expensive, they're great and something you could actually wear every day. Be sure to try them on if you get the chance, there's a high probability you'll love it.

1
epicviking•

Oxford shirts, khakis, and tweeds don't mesh with any Rick regardless of year. I know what you are saying, and I have seen them in person, and yes they are really something else to wear, I just can't see myself in any of them.

1
resonaut•

That definitely wouldn't work :)

I just didn't want anyone else to get the impression that Rick and others are completely unwearable unless you're head-to-toe in their stuff.

1
epicviking•

I'm a fan of Rick's fencing leathers. good stuff.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

2
ClassiestOP•

timeless and should not have direct relation with the price nor the brand of the clothing.

This is by no means a call to wear anything expensive, it has nothing to do with prices. I'm looking something different.

I've already predicted most of you would make the comments that you're making now, which is why I already pre-addressed them.

2
[deleted]•

I think it's been stated elsewhere, but redditors typically trend from normal to nerdy. I don't want to walk around looking like some overly fashionable clown, to be honest. I'm a normal guy, and I look good in sperrys, dark jeans and a pocket tee.

I really like MFA because they don't try to dress people like this: http://www.stylecaster.com/files/news-5/486x/94151_1277320743.jpg

2
wishinghand•

I think what the OP wants is a space in between the ridiculousness of most runway and the great looking, but cookie cutter and somewhat bland recommendations everyone gets on here.

*Edit: I would like to find that in between space too.

3
project2501a•

totally. mfa people have been dishing bourgeois fashion advice all the way: oxfords, blazers and desert boots. sorry mfa, there are more than one fashion styles between being a bougie mofo and some of the runway stuff

2
epicviking•

I actually kind of like that shirt.

2
project2501a•

Holy shit, can I pay professional riflemen to snipe me out if i ever get dressed line that?!

0
seanomenon•

Become the change you seek. Submit posts that meet your criteria.

2
lordgold•

Because I don't see many redditors willing to spend $500 on a pair of Rick Owens' sweat pants, so they stick with the urban workwear/Americana trend that was prevalent last year.

2
Liberalguy123•

We aren't here to follow trends, but give advice for people, and recommending timeless items that can be worn for at least a couple years.

Also, notice how most posts on here end in question marks. That is because people are here to ask advice. I don't think most people here are quite ready for runway, which should only be seriously considered by those who really know what they're doing.

1
khammack•

I feel like there's a lack of designer runway discussion and way too much desert boot recs here.

As others have said, designer runway discussion is not really appropriate here given the mandate that is implied by malefashionadvice.

Perhaps you should take it upon yourself to create r/malefashion, a subreddit with a broader emphasis.

0
ClassiestOP•

As others have said, designer runway discussion is not really appropriate here given the mandate that is implied by malefashionadvice.

Your statement is not constructive. I already know the name of the reddit as implied in my statement, "I love MFA."

Your second point is also not beneficial since I've stated that I would like to see more variety.

0
khammack•

Your statement is not constructive.

How so? I laid out the facts of the situation and suggested a positive alternative to address your concerns. You apparently don't like my suggestion.

I already know the name of the reddit as implied in my statement, "I love MFA."

Well forgive me for committing the terrible crime of telling you something you already knew.

Your second point is also not beneficial since I've stated that I would like to see more variety.

Well I guess we've established that what you want is paramount and everything I've offered is of no value whatsoever.

0