MakethMan’s New Web Portal

MakethMan is now at http://aficionado.co.za/makethman/

Click the above link to join us.

The Launch of Aficionado

One of my early mentors was guy by the name of Craig Ralph.

Not sure what Craig is up to these days, but my time spent with him as a recent graduate trying to figure my way through the corporate structures of retail banking (don’t ask – that’s another world, far, far away from the present), proved to be invaluable. One of the many insights into the human psyche that Craig taught me, was a very simple truth about the way we, as individuals, like to surround ourselves with like-minded people.

“People like people who are like themselves“, is what he used say.

“The key is figuring out what they want, and giving it to them.”

Sounds like lyrics to a Jimmy Buffett song, but a lesson I have applied in my limited business career, to great effect.

The notion of ‘group think‘ has been around us for years. Chat to my dad and he will tell you about his time as a ‘DuckTail’ in the 60’s: the perfectly tapered trouser legs creating the characteristic ‘stove-pipe’ jeans, immaculately greased-back hair, and one inch rolled sleeves. None of his mates would be seen dead without the tribal dress code or not on the seat of a Norton Commando or Triumph ‘Bonne’.

These types of tribes surround us today. Maybe not to the extent of previous generations. Not as aesthetically prescriptive, or blatantly obvious. It’s more of a ‘mental tribe’ these days. You can be a goth, I can be all EMO, she can be all crafty and into her knitting, and them over there, they can be tragic hipsters. But we can all unite over a common interest, a love, an obsession.

I can say with conviction that I do indeed like people that are like me. You must too – or else you wouldn’t be reading this blog. Further, I have found the badge of a new mental tribe to pin to my parka. And I would like to introduce this tribe to you.

Welcome to Aficionado. www.aficionado.co.za

MakethMan has had the pleasure of being invited to join a group of very like-minded individuals, all experts (and passionately so) in their fields of Fashion, Food and Travel. My list of new friends reads like “Roll Call Of Cool”, and includes bloggers Justine Stafford from I for 1, and food writer Andy Fenner, better known as JamieWho? And the best part about it all, is that this tribe is proudly South African – global content, filtered through local eyes. A huge honour for me, and one I accept with great respect and humble admiration.

So from now on be sure to connect with MakethMan, I for 1 , JamieWho? and the world of Aficionado at www.aficionado.co.za

Thanks for the support, and enjoy the read.

Brad

A Continental’s Lincoln

The CurbCrawler strikes again…

This beast belongs to Vleis Strydom. One of his many.

It used to be the official mode of transport of the Portuguese Embassy. Suicide doors, plush interior, and finished in standard issue, diplomatic black. This is a fine piece of work. They sure don’t make them like this anymore.

CurbCrawler Contribution #4: Chevy Camaro

CurbCrawler came across a thing of beauty on the street this past weekend, and although it has little to do with fashion, I am sure you will agree, it has buckets of style.

And it is all in the detail.

Note: this is an open invitation for submissions of cool. If you see anything you think Maketh Man readers would appreciate, send it in: bradjarmitage@gmail.com