Editor's Letter

EDITOR'S LETTER

Concerning I Versus We

Football is a sport governed by rules. In fact, the sport only works as such because there is a clear set of rules, and because any violation is sanctioned accordingly. Part of the fascination of football entails the discussion about the sense or interpretation of some of these rules, but no one in their right mind would argue that these regulations should not apply to them because they unduly restrict the individual right to hack someone down, or the personal freedom to linger in an offside position. Those who refuse to abide by the rules are simply no longer allowed to play.

Incidentally, this does not mean that every rule in football constitutes an indisputable reality for all time. It merely means that we cannot create our own individual rules, because that would destroy the game.

Admittedly, a free, democratic society, and this is precisely the kind we have the privilege of living in, is much more complex than the (second) most beautiful triviality in the world. But it is precisely this complexity that makes the basic consensus that democratically or legally sanctioned rules must apply to everyone all the more important. Even if one may personally consider them to be wrong, and perhaps justifiably so. There can only be two ways to change rules, in other words laws. Namely, through a judicial process or through legislation, and thus ultimately through democratic elections. A society in which everyone elevates the I over the WE – and attempts to sell this egoism as moral superiority – is doomed to failure. This does not only apply to the necessary debate about the best way to get this accursed virus under control, but to all large and small issues that we as a society have to negotiate on a permanent basis. The crucial aspect is to engage in real conversation, instead of merely yelling apodictic opinions about each other at each other.

When, at this point, I share my conviction – which is not new to you, dear readers – that fashion needs places of encounter, in other words trade shows, then this may seem like a rather sharp thematic arc. However, I truly believe

that personal exchange is more important than ever, especially in the context of the zoomification of our everyday lives and an ever more pronounced phygital reality. Our industry is in the throes of the biggest transformation since the advent of ready-to-wear and industrial mass production respectively. We can best take advantage of the enormous opportunities this transformation offers by participating as a community. The I does not diminish in relevance if one maintains focus on the WE. Quite the opposite.

I wish you all a bold and successful season! And I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible in person.

Best regards, Stephan Huber stephan@style-in-progress.com

P.S.: Allow me to add a very personal note. This issue of style in progress is exceptional, both in content and volume. This is the result of a herculean joint effort. I would therefore like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my fantastic team, to all my equally impressive partners, and – last but not least – to you, dear readers. Without you, none of this would be possible. style in progress is the definition of WE!