Dapper Dan #32

What is home? Surely not a house, the building that contains us, our families and our material belongings. What is the “home” of our hard-earned, tried-and-tested beliefs,morals and ideas that we share with our tribe? The abstract space that encircles our chosen communities. The nucleus of the all-important group feeling, the “Asabiyyah”—the natural affection towards our fellow group members, which is the base for the rise and fall of a community, according to the 14th-century Islamic scholar Ibn Khaldun.

Within this “enclave”, we feel stabilised, protected, grounded, empowered and respected.We receive, and give back, all the necessary stimulation and inspiration for creativity and progress. With this in mind, is geographical positioning important? Does our social and familial background define and/or restrict our choices? Can we find contentment within this enclosed, enchanted universe, or is it in our nature to seek universal approval?

These are the questions we pose in issue 32 of Dapper Dan magazine. Rick Owens discusses his notion of achievement, fulfilment and acceptance with Angelo Flaccavento on the occasion of his acclaimed retrospective exhibition in Paris. Sean McGirr, Creative Director of McQueen, explains how he is taking the brand into the future by framing it within youth culture. And photographer Christina Fragkou captures the community spirit of the Comme des Garcons tribe in a special portfolio. We also take a closer look at men’s jewellery and explore how it can spark a connection—to each other and to personal landmarks throughout one’s life.

Artists Mireille Blanc, Theo Mercier and Bendt Eyckermans each welcome us to their respective studios to talk us through their work and the inspirations behind it. Meanwhile,performance artist and maker Dynno Dada tells us how she engages with different (sub) cultures and communities.

Our contributors also muse upon what home means to them, with Josh Hickey reminiscing about past roommates, Angelo Flaccavento speaking about his desire for solitude and Nicolas Vamvouklis revealing that his flat is unfindable—and why that may be, for him at least, the key to finding fulfilment.