Bon Courage & Bonne Année
Project 2026: The style of American Democracy
To quote Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President of The United States (and fyi, a Republican) “Politics ought to be the part-time profession of every citizen who would protect the rights and privileges of free people.”
C’est la vie, c’est la guerre.
Mais en ce moment, c’est aussi une question du style.
As we face 2026 head on, each of us must see ourselves as members of the modern Resistance- standing up for human decency, and behind American Democracy.
As such, I propose that we all agree to see:
Soft diplomacy as a superpower which each of us must daily practice
Style as its language
Cultural curiousness as its currency
And that air of sartorial flair, and international savoir faire…
…as the markers through which we identify ourselves to the world- and to each other.
Separately, yet related, I think often of a quote from Diane von Furstenberg (whose own mother was a member of the WWII Resistance and survived a German extermination camp): “Glamour is shine, polish, mystery…it adds a fascinating appeal and a magical touch to individuals or situations.”
It is important that we sartorially, starkly stand out — from the Fox & Friends crew, from the “nouveau authoritarians” crawling all around us, from the tracksuit-clad tech billionaires, and- for sure- from the Trump voters themselves.
Why? So we know each other- when we see each other. Ours, you see, is instead, an infinitely elevated game.
Residing and resisting within our ranks; internationalists, men and women of languages, letters, accomplishment, substance, style, and reason. Advocates for others writ-large, deeply informed, always immersed in fact.
Each one exuding a certain je ne sais quoi. Emanating out of concern for others, and an uncommon quality of grace.
So we will also need language through which we communicate to each other; to signal high or low, friend or foe.
As such let’s channel The French Resistance during World War II. And for this modern always non-violent alliance, I propose we commit to create our own codes through:
1. Fashion as Foreign Affairs:
Fashion can quickly shape perspective, build bridges between countries and cultures, and plant critical seeds of influence into the individual and collective consciousness. Fashion always looks forward. And, in doing so, it creates the future.
2. Elegance as Advocacy
If you can captivate a room through poise, polish, and personal presence- then you can make an impact anywhere, and on a grand scale. The secret to elevating any room is to focus on others, and as little as possible on oneself.
3. Refinement is Resistance
Every form of agency we do not use, is agency that we lose. To cultivate, elevate, and operate at the top of one’s own game is the only way to meet this moment. Each of us is a work in progress. So to double down on becoming ones best self is right now only everything.
Thoughts for 2026:
“No one gives you power. You have to take it from them.”
- Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita, The U.S. House of Representatives and Congresswoman from California.
What I’m reading this week:
The New York Times’ Obituary: “Jacqueline de Ribes, Tastemaker and Fashion Avatar, Dies at 96“ by Ruth La Ferla.