Grey Fox Blog is three years old
When I started this blog three years ago, I thought it would last three months, but it's still going strong. I love it; almost every minute. The many approaches from brands and PR firms are proof that the blog has impact. On the other hand, they bring pressures on a lone blogger.
When I started this blog three years ago, I thought it would last three months, but it's still going strong. I love it; almost every minute. The many approaches from brands and PR firms are proof that the blog has impact. On the other hand, they bring pressures on a lone blogger.
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| Image by Jonathan Daniel Pryce for Holdall & Co |
This won't change. I like to write honestly and independently about things that interest me; well-designed menswear, style for the older man and British-made products. These are aspects of the blog that readers repeatedly tell me they value. I'm reluctant to undermine this by becoming too large or commercial.
Another birthday
I reach my sixtieth birthday after Christmas. This is relevant only in that I still feel that the fashion industry doesn't give the older demographic the attention it deserves, despite its increasing size and affluence. However, I've seen some evidence of change and have decided to do what I can to encourage this through my writing and, more recently, even modelling for brands as diverse as Holdall & Co (above), Mr Porter and Marks & Spencer.
I've taken on the photo-shoots either because I want to support a brand or because I want to provide an example to older men. If they see stylish, fashionable and well-designed products being worn by men of a similar age, they will buy them. They are alienated when clothes are modelled by young men hardly out of their teens.
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| Older models have an impact |
The older man needn't resort to slippers and cardigans once past his fortieth birthday. I want the fashion industry to recognise that they could sell to the demographic if they made a little effort. The reluctance of brands to market themselves to older people astonishes me. It may be that research tells them that this age-group is uninterested, but to not even try smacks of defeatism that must be unique in the history of marketing.
Increasing health and life expectancy means that older men have time, money and the appetite for a more stylish existence than did our parents. They are a potentially lucrative target for menswear brands. What's needed is advertising that recognises the existence of older men. Ralph Lauren, Hackett and others have led the way, albeit often with a token 'dad' figure at a house party; but others could follow and give it a more serious try. Why not have a mix of young and older men in your next photo-shoot?
Older men simply need ideas, inspiration and encouragement to buy. For brands that try and for ideas, see my Pinterest board here.
Contacting Grey Fox for coverage on the blog
Finally, back to the blog. I'm going to say 'no' much more. If you approach the blog with a request and I am unable to help, please understand that this is self-preservation. I simply cannot do all that I'm asked, however much I'd like to. However, if you're a new or young business, or make in Britain, or are prepared to sponsor the blog, I may bump you up to the top of the waiting list.
Please stick with Grey Fox - the blog is you, the reader and the brands who've helped out so far. Thank you for your support. I love to hear from you, so don't hesitate to e-mail with your thoughts or queries or suggestions.
Happy third anniversary.
ReplyDeleteThanks again not only for the individual product reviews, but for insisting that older men should and can look good too.
Mike
Many happy returns ! as the old fashioned Scottish birthday greeting goes. I am thoroughly enjoying your blog which I have been following for a while now and I am in tune with many of your values and ideas. I am a similar age to you and am getting good inspiration for my style. I take a pride and enjoy looking smart and stylish, even though there are many around us who seem to want to be slobs. Each to their own. Enjoying the focus on older stylish men, keep up the good work. When you are struggling, remember that many of us out here appreciate what you are doing. Matt Gemmell
ReplyDeleteMany Happy Returns as the old fashioned English birthday greeting also goes! This is a great blog -- thanks for maintaining the quality and the frequency GF.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, keep up the good work, ...
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the continued success!
ReplyDeleteMay I share a tip-off? Patrick Grant's Hammond line in Debenhams are currently doing a fabulous dinner suit. Much like the Brioni one you featured previously.
Keep up the good work . Any chance of persuading M and S to add a more generous collar roll to their OCBDs ? I bought a chambray which was well cut and decent quality fabric but the collar was too fashionably small. This makes older guys look like they are trying too hard. M and S do some great stuff again, a navy herring bone buggy lined wool blazer fir £99 was brilliant value, but the shirts, shoes, knitwear and socks miss a trick. Can't they do a high St Drakes?
ReplyDeleteYes do keep up the posts. I like that navy blazer and thinking of getting one like that too. Have you written about it? I still can't make up my mind about what colour buttons to go for so guidance on this would be much appreciated. Tom
ReplyDeleteThanks for all the generous comments so far.
ReplyDeleteNeil, take that up direct with M&S, I'm sure they'd appreciate such suggestions.
Thanks Anon - the blazer was made for me by Susannah Hall tailors and I haven't written much about it I now realise. I will try to fit that in soon. The brass buttons are a bot OTT but I like a bit of display from time to time.
GF