[ The Archer ] : Founder's Musings on an American City

[ The Archer ] Week 52 : Founder's Musings on an American City

I thought I would start candidly sharing thoughts surrounding the brand and also, quite possibly, completely unrelated but that some may find commonalities of thought and genuine intrigue.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Detroit. A city undergoing frequent change and rehabilitation to overcome decades of city-wide blight, I've been pleasantly surprised by the character I've felt as a visitor - not to mention an excitement in the air.

I'm particularly taken by its architecture - this field of study being a large source of inspiration for Classic Fella's framework and point of view. Frank Lloyd Wright rightfully stated, "The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization."

Buildings of all shapes, sizes, and materials proudly stand along the river in Detroit's central business district - many of which can be toured. I can't help but think its inhabitants, whom are quickly moving back to city center, might like to reflect their own style to complement such astounding examples of architecture duly built at the height of the automotive industry's rise and equally astounding fall from its peak.

Thankfully, there are signs of rebirth that are trickling all the way down to the street style there. Watchmaker, Shinola, has made a remarkable stand to preserve classic watch styles but redefined for today's tastes - and in spectacular presence, it occupies one of Detroit's most beautifully restored buildings made to enjoy.

Take a closer look next time you travel to any of America's cities, and pay attention to our inland cities in particular which are having their own cultural resurgences to more urban, sustainable living. I'm confident the style of its pedestrians will continue to be a reason to visit, photograph, share stories, and revise the style and culture of our cities.