The distinction of a gentleman is not made clear only by how well-groomed he is, how well tailored his suit is, or the car he drives. What separates a gentleman from the rest is his aura — his mindset, exemplified by thoughtful action.
“Is he a man of action?” or “Is he a man of his word?” We hear both quite often. The questions are so striking because they truly indicate one’s character. Something as simple yet powerful as opening the door for someone, shaking another person’s hand firmly while making eye contact, matching his vernacular with his tonality, and honouring commitments made to others — and more importantly, to himself — all speak to that character. Failing to do any one of these makes a tailored suit more of a costume of a gentleman than proof of genuinely being one.
Today, young men finding their way are at risk of falling short of understanding what it means to be a gentleman. Instant gratification, entitlement, and a stubborn refusal to “pay your dues” have derailed many young men from living life as gentlemen.
That is why our responsibility at SHARP to deliver The Book for Men as the gentleman’s guide to the exceptional is even more imperative. We cover not only the interests of today’s gentleman but also what can be achieved by living a life without putting limitations on your own ambition.
This issue features Academy Award winner Javier Bardem, the incredibly versatile international gentleman from Spain. His talent and artistry know no bounds, as projects like Dune Part I, II, and III, Cape Fear, Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story, Skyfall, and, of course, No Country for Old Men have etched his name in cinema glory. Above all, his cover-star position serves as a testament that today’s gentleman is grounded not just in style but also in focus, passion, and relentlessness.
As I write this letter, I think of my father. As a young boy, I remember seeing him get ready in the morning to go to court — to speak on behalf of his clients — draped in Armani and BOSS suits. A piece of advice my father cemented in my memory at a young age, and that I wish to impart to you, he put simply: “Work hard and do what you love. That comes first. Once you have that, make sure you look f***ing good doing it.”
FEATURE PHOTO BY LISMERY LOYOLA.
