Raphael Schneider, founder of the Gentleman’s Gazette and Fort Belvedere, shares his remarkable journey from a childhood dream of becoming a pilot in Germany to mastering menswear. He discusses the art of building an elegant wardrobe on a budget, emphasizing quality over quantity. Schneider also dives into the challenges of launching an authentic fashion brand and the importance of genuine marketing strategies. Plus, he touches on the vibrant culinary scene in Minneapolis, highlighting local bars and whiskey exploration.
Raphael Schneider's journey in menswear began with a childhood interest that evolved into a successful business in the U.S.
Fort Belvedere emphasizes high-quality, artisanal accessories and brand identity rather than competing on price for menswear.
Deep dives
Origins of Passion for Menswear
Raphael Schneider's journey into menswear began in his hometown in southern Germany, where his early interest in clothing sparked while working as a paperboy. He initially explored various career paths, including the idea of becoming a pilot, but eventually discovered tailoring as a potential avenue. His passion was further fueled when he became intrigued by accessories like cufflinks and high-quality fountain pens. This led him to delve into the world of classic style, where he learned about well-crafted garments and the significance of dressing well.
Transition to the United States
Schneider moved to the U.S. as an exchange student, navigating the complexities of law school while realizing that a legal career wasn’t his true calling. His exchange experience opened his eyes to American culture, business opportunities, and eventually led him to marry his wife, Teresa, who became not just a partner but also a vital collaborator in his professional journey. He reflected on the contrasting business environments in Germany and the U.S., noting a more encouraging atmosphere for entrepreneurship in America. This realization solidified his desire to remain in the U.S., where he felt driven to pursue business ventures aligned with his passion.
The Birth of The Gentleman's Gazette
Inspired by the rise of blogging in 2009, Schneider launched The Gentleman's Gazette, aiming to deliver in-depth content on menswear. He focused on creating high-quality, informative articles rather than adhering to superficial trends, which he believed would be sustainable in the long run. Starting with limited resources, he taught himself about SEO and content management systems like WordPress to build his audience effectively. The commitment to produce genuine, valuable content helped establish his platform as a respected authority in the menswear community.
Building a Brand and Product Line
Schneider and his wife expanded their venture by launching Fort Belvedere, focusing on high-quality menswear accessories. They emphasized creating unique products that reflected a classic style rather than competing solely on price, which often leads to inferior quality. Through innovation and careful attention to details, such as pocket square sizing and tie lengths, Fort Belvedere aimed to fill gaps in the market with artisan products. By prioritizing quality over quick profits and leveraging his understanding of the e-commerce landscape, Schneider crafted a brand that resonates with discerning customers who value craftsmanship and timeless elegance.
This week's guest is Raphael Schneider, founder of the Gentleman’s Gazette and Fort Belvedere.
The Gentleman’s Gazette is one of the most respected voices in menswear on the internet, with a YouTube channel boasting 1.6 million subscribers.
Fort Belvedere is a menswear and accessories company specializing in the finest quality wallets, ties, pocket squares, and more.
I had the pleasure of joining Raphael at his home in Minneapolis for this conversation, in which we discussed his move from Germany to the US, creating the brand identity of Fort Belvedere, and building an elegant wardrobe on a budget.
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