Maurice's Mantra

Voted 9th in Vogue.com's Most Stylish Men in Fashion, Maurice Mullen (Head of Fashion and Luxury Goods at the London Evening Standard) has been at the forefront of fashion publishing for almost thirty years.

Marking the beginning of Fall 2016 men's season, the Vogue.com editors weighed in on the well-dressed men they are eager to see, with Sarah Mower, Vogue.com Chief Critic, stating:

“To me, it’s Maurice Mullen of the London Evening Standard, who I always look forward to seeing at the London shows. I have never been able to comprehend the number of immaculate Savile Row suits he must have, nor his ability to deploy the loudest patterns and colors and the killer clashing pocket handkerchief—and plaid trousers on occasion!—while being the most gentlemanly and wickedly insightful neighbor to sit next to at a show.” 

I recently attended a lunch with him, where we were discussing the future and how we see ourselves making an impact within the media industry, specifically within the fashion and luxury goods sector. He shared with me a mantra that he often used to emanate ambitions and succeed when communicating that really boosted my confidence:

“In life, people can be radiators or drains”

He concluded that radiators give warmth and naturally draw people to them, contributing optimistically to others and enhancing their life in some way; they provide happiness and share joy with others whilst radiating positivity.

Drains are the opposite; they withdraw energy from those around them, emotionally exhausting them and only focus on their own issues. This is dispiriting to others, and means that they often take more from the relationship than they give.

Whilst I think this gives an extreme view of the world, it is definitely something to contemplate, both in a personal and professional capacity. It made me wonder if in life, I was being a resilient radiator, or a drag-you-down drain.

Thankfully, Maurice said he thought I was a radiator, with an outgoing personality and ambition to drive forwards but this isn’t necessarily true all the time. Everyone gets down days and it is okay to have them, and to seek advice or the support of others. Only when you start valuing your problems above everyone else’s can this lead down a slippery slope… or into a drain as it were!

Next week, Maurice is off to Paris Fashion Week to teach a class of 22 American students from Washington DC visiting PFW with their tutor for the first time - wish him luck/congratulate him using the below Twitter links!

Inspired by: Maurice Mullen and Vogue.com
@standardfashion  @ESMagOfficial #eveningstandardfashion