Mark Zuckerberg is making headlines not just for his role as the CEO of Meta but for his unexpected foray into the fashion realm. The tech mogul recently unveiled a series of T-shirts featuring classical sayings, which he believes encapsulate his philosophy on life and learning.
In a recent episode of the “Acquired” podcast, recorded in mid-September at San Francisco’s Chase Center, Zuckerberg showcased a boxy black tee emblazoned with the Greek phrase “pathei mathos,” loosely translated as “learning through suffering.” This phrase, he noted, is a family saying that resonates with him.
Zuckerberg’s venture into fashion continued during a Meta keynote presentation, where he wore another boxy black shirt. This time, the slogan read “aut Zuck, aut nihil,” an English twist on the Latin phrase “aut Caesar, aut nihil,” which translates to “either a Caesar or nothing.”
The creation of these oversized tees stems from a collaboration with Mike Amiri, a Los Angeles-based fashion designer known for his stylish, high-quality pieces. This partnership marks a significant shift for Zuckerberg, who has transitioned from his iconic gray hoodies to more fashionable attire, including $250 Bode shirts adorned with embroidered flowers.
Zuckerberg’s transformation isn’t just about clothing; he has also embraced a new look, sporting a bulked-up physique and a gold chain, further signaling a dramatic shift in his personal style. His evolution is reminiscent of cultural icons like Virgil Abloh, who have previously made their mark in the fashion world.
Interestingly, Zuckerberg‘s choice of classical quotes seems to reflect a deeper fascination with historical themes. He took Latin in high school, honeymooned in Rome, and even named one of his daughters August, after the Roman emperor. His interest in the classics is complemented by his commissioning of an imposing statue of his wife, Priscilla Chan, which he shared on Instagram, invoking the tradition of sculpting figures of significant others in ancient Rome.
This trend of quoting the classics, particularly among young men, may be linked to a desire for power and influence, according to Marcus Folch, an associate professor of classics at Columbia University. He posits that these references articulate a longing for authority, which resonates with Zuckerberg’s position as the leader of a platform akin to a modern-day nation-state.
Despite this imperialistic glow-up, the deeper meanings behind the quotes on Zuckerberg’s shirts might be misinterpreted. John Noël Dillon, a senior lector in Yale University’s classics department, points out that the phrase “aut Caesar, aut nihil” is often attributed to Cesare Borgia, a historical figure whose quest for power ended tragically at a young age. Conversely, “pathei mathos” carries a weightier connotation, originating from Aeschylus’ mythological play on Agamemnon, suggesting a more profound philosophical insight.
The shirts designed by Zuckerberg and Amiri are not just ordinary T-shirts; they are considered high design pieces. Andrew Groves, a professor of fashion design at the University of Westminster, emphasizes that these shirts stand out due to their materiality, cut, construction, and silhouette. The thoughtful design elements, such as drop shoulders and a baggier fit, elevate these tees into statement-piece territory.
Zuckerberg’s latest venture into fashion signifies a merging of personal expression with historical allusion, reflecting a unique blend of tech leadership and cultural commentary. Whether this new direction will resonate with a broader audience remains to be seen, but it undeniably showcases a fresh side of the Facebook founder.
Key Highlights:-
- Mark Zuckerberg is launching a series of classical-inspired T-shirts featuring phrases like “pathei mathos” and “aut Zuck, aut nihil.”
- He has collaborated with fashion designer Mike Amiri to create these oversized tees, marking his entry into the fashion industry.
- His choice of quotes reflects a deeper fascination with historical themes and the pursuit of power.
- The shirts are regarded as high design due to their thoughtful construction and material quality.