David Allison | Keynote Speaker

This is a story that starts when Tristan and I first met on Zoom in 2022. I was in a hotel room somewhere on the road. He was at home in California. We connected because I saw how he wore his values on his sleeve in everything that he did. I ended up writing a chapter about him in my new book because there are some good lessons we can all learn about how to live a values-driven life from this talented man.

When it came time to think about what I would wear for the author photo in my new book – and as I start the tour to speak about it – it was only natural to reach out and get him to create something for me to wear.

I sent him some old suits.

He added some other fabrics from his collection of vintage textiles.

(Imagine the sound effect of a sewing machine here)

And before I knew it, he made this incredible jacket for me: a combination of his creativity, his craft, tradition, my history, and my future, all of it wrapped up in a big comfy layer of shared human values.

It's worth knowing that Tristan has had his work in an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. He's been given awards and written about extensively in the fashion industry. He's resisted the temptation to sell out and become something other than who he really truly is.

The mandatory unboxing photo. I really was excited to get this. It feels like as much of a milestone as handing my manuscript in to the publisher.

When I look back at this journey: writing this book, publishing this book, and getting this book out there into the hands of the people who need it, this jacket will be part of that timeline. It's part of my past. It's part of my future. It's pretty cool.

The first time I tried it on, it fit like a glove.

Straight into the photo shoot for the new book.

And earlier this week, September 2026, four years after that first Zoom call with Tristan, I'm wearing the product of his values on stage.

If you've made it this far and you're not already following Tristan, please do. He's a talented man and an amazing human and I'm very glad to call him my friend.

@tristandetwiler_ @stan_trade