Metamorphosis of the New Renaissance Man
The term “Renaissance Man”, originally referring to cross-discipline geniuses such as Leonardo da Vince and Michelangelo, has been given a brand new meaning in the current age. With the aid of information technology, we are able to get access to past imagery like never before, and hence create a virtual nostalgic world that is new and old at the same time. The New Renaissance Man no longer crosses disciplines but rather time and space.
In an installation from September 10 through September 21, Principle M together with Radiance Blue will weave through the nostalgic world of the New Renaissance Man to present to you the best of menswear through the ages.
I’m more than thrilled to announce Principle M’s first popup shop in collaboration with Radiance Blue at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beijing (Principle M; first made-to-measure label in Beijing that provides image consultation alongside our tailoring services [I’m a co-founder, more on that later]. Radiance Blue; leading boutique in vintage Americana lifestyle in China).
We will host a series of daily workshops by Beijing’s most talented craftsmen, niche Scottish whiskeys will be served at the workshops and of course Principle M and Radiance attire is up for sale.
It has been a fun collaboration planning and designing our installation with Radiance and Four Seasons and of course a ton of hard work from all hands involved. Next step is execute and launch. For now here are some teasers on the installation design, our F/W lines and a blurb or two.
A real gentleman refuses to be constrained by rules. To know and to break the rules, is the only path to true elegance. The fine dandies throughout history, from Beau Brummel to Gianni Agnelli, have all earned their name through revolutionizing the way men dress. At the present day, the spirits of these forerunners of dandyism have revived through digital images, keeping alive the essence of elegant non-conformity in an age of industrial standardization.
The motorcycle may be the perfect hybrid of the classical and the mechanical age. The mechanical beast is ridden in an almost equestrian position, requiring a close relationship between man and machine akin to that of rider and horse. Here the traditional meaning of Renaissance man is revived: only one who understands both aesthetics and mechanical engineering could master the art of motorcycle.
If you are in or around Beijing, come by the popup anytime from 8am to 10pm. Workshops will be announced daily, RSVP required; social@principlem.com
Justin Kwan 