Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Mastracci.
Anthony, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
When I was in my early 20’s I had been an avid reader of GQ Magazine. The one problem I had was that I could never afford anything I saw, which was continuously annoying. With my frustration, I decided to start my own magazine, The Next Gentleman.
I wanted to show people who were interested in menswear and lifestyle topics like romance, restaurants and grooming how to stay on top of their game without spending thousands of dollars. I wanted to show the world exactly what it means to be a modern-day gentleman from my perspective. Most importantly, I wanted to make sure nobody ever thought it was acceptable to wear Sperry Top-Siders to a wedding as dress shoes.
The first problem I ran into was that I had no idea how to start a magazine. The second problem was that college kept getting in the way of this ambition. Assignments left me with no time to think about a magazine until my very last college course — Building an Arts-Based Business.
I quickly realized that I didn’t have to build a city overnight, but could start much smaller. The Next Gentleman blog was created in that moment.
Since 2015, The Next Gentleman has gained a strong following on the web and social media, mainly Instagram, as I tear through outfits, theological questions, and life itself one post at a time. I’ve been able to showcase some of the best affordable menswear brands, well established and brand new, from all over the country. But most of all, I’ve been able to spread the message that good style isn’t a price — it’s just how you bring the inside out for everyone to see.
Has it been a smooth road?
Smooth — haha.
It’s a struggle sometimes, balancing blogging and all the communicating and deadlines that come with it while balancing a steady day job. It’s basically like having two full-time jobs, but it’s a labor of love, and because of that, you don’t mind it that much.
Time is probably the hardest thing to find, other than sometimes good lighting on a whim for photos.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with The Next Gentleman – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
So, people know The Next Gentleman for the impeccable men’s style. The curve I bring to that statement, however, is that it’s not always suits and ties. There aren’t as many male bloggers out there, but some I see only stick to one type of style.
Don’t get me wrong, a well-fitting suit makes me feel like I’m floating on air. But I’m not really into limiting myself to only that. For example, my “cozy” outfit is some nice stretch denim, a v-neck tee, and some Vans.
Other times I’ll feel like wearing lace-up boots and a woven oxford shirt. It depends on the season, my mood, what’s clean (we’ve all been there).
That’s something I’m very proud to exemplify — do, wear, be whatever the hell you want to be! Just, understand there’s a time and a place for all styles, and when you get there, own it.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Right now, I’m bi-coastal between Boston and Los Angeles. What I love about these cities is that they always have something new to offer every time I return.
Boston is a very small city compared to LA. I almost prefer that sometimes and knowing that great people and great food are about a 20-minute walk in any direction.
In LA, you can’t walk 20 minutes and be anywhere, really. But LA offers such a change of pace to the hustle and bustle of the northeast. LA offers access to peace and relaxation with it’s hiking, health-consciousness, and beaches. Add the weather into that equation and I’m a happy camper!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thenextgentleman.com
- Email: amastracci@thenextgentleman.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/the_next_gentleman
- Facebook: facebook.com/thenextgentleman
Image Credit:
Fabian Santiago, Chris Coe
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
