CHERRY CREEK FASHION — The Modern Gentleman by Tatsu Ogata, Publisher of Sartorialism Magazine

Introducing our Menswear column with Tatsu Ogata, the publisher of the upcoming Sartorialism Magazine, launching in June 2020. Tatsu is one of the owners and consultants at Captivation Consulting, an image consultant agency that helps individuals with personal branding and appearance. He is also the general manager and suit designer at Icon Suit in Cherry Creek, specializing in custom menswear. This month, Tatsu writes about what it means to be a gentleman in the modern world.

Lately, I have been faced with a couple of questions that I ask myself more and more. What is a gentleman in this modern world? Does that meaning still hold the same respect as it once did?

At the dawn of a new decade, we find ourselves face to face with the ’20s once again. A time when men still took care of themselves and took care of others. Men knew how to dress, they had pride in their appearance, they gave respect without question and their word was their bond. A time when the word gentlemen, actually meant something, to be a gentleman meant something. So why not take a lesson from the past to bring forth to this present time. For too long we have lost sight, for too long we have forgotten what it means to have pride, honor and to be gentlemanly. According to the dictionary, gentleman means: “a chivalrous, courteous, or honorable man.” I say to not only be all those things but to be so much more, to redefine the word gentleman.

Let us begin with some of the characteristics and etiquettes that are redefining a gentleman in today’s society. Being a gentleman is so much more than appearances. It means to not only take care of yourself but also the people around you and the community you are in. Understanding this means understanding that life is about serving others. This way of thinking is what will help change the world by putting value back into it. Building people up and helping mankind ascend to become more enlightened for the greater good is how we take that next step forward.

A gentleman should also go after what he wants in life, to have the courage to stand up for himself and for others. He should be well educated and informed. This does not particularly mean having the highest degrees possible. However, it does mean to self educate and to always be learning. I am a firm believer that movement is life and you have to always keep moving forward no matter what. It is when we stay still that we start to decay both mentally and physically. Keeping yourself active and keeping your mind sharp is key. A favorite character of mine in a book once said, “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone if it is to keep its edge. That is why I read so much.” - Tyrion Lannister (George R. R. Martin). This is very true. That is why I say a gentleman should be well educated, to know what you are talking about, to keep your mind sharp, to maintain your edge.

As a gentleman in this modern world, you should always pay attention to your surroundings, speak well of others and value not only your own time but also the time of others. With this being said, keep in mind that you must have a good balance between your professional and personal life. You have a responsibility to the relationships you have built to ensure they are a priority in your busy life. Time should be of greater value than money and your words and actions should speak volumes for who you are as a person.

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Photography: Luis Alonso @sonriks4 // Geovanny Flores @geo.floo