The previous Permanent Style posting described how Hardy Amies, resident of Savile Row and men’s style legend, saw fashion in the sixties. In his book ABC of Men's Fashion he described the narrow, high-buttoning suit of the period and his belief that, for practical reasons, that style would remain the norm. Another interesting aspect of this is that he believed future trends would follow this line, only to a greater extreme. He was wrong, … [Read more...]
I love books. If my wife would let me line each room of the house them, I would. In my study, I have a wall of bookshelves stuffed with volumes ranging from physics to interior design, presidential biographies to etiquette guides, and poetry to world history. In this New Year, I have added a few titles to my menswear and clothing section so I have a few books to recommend. Personally, I think every guy should have a few books that can help him … [Read more...]
With the winter’s wind and dropping temperatures marching across most of the northern hemisphere, it’s time to open up the closet and pull out a good coat. While there are many options – from ski parkas to quilted jean jackets – if you’re heading off to work it should be something a little dressier. When it comes to men’s coats, there are a number of perfectly respectable options. Chesterfields, polo coats, camel hair, and coverts; … [Read more...]
There was a time in the not-so-distant past when a man's head, whilst outside, would always be covered by a hat. Go back a bit farther and one discovers that much of the new world, or at least Canada, was discovered due to an insatiable British desire for felt hats made from beaver pelt. Fast forward to the sixties where the entire plot of Le Samourai hinged on the fact that he wore a specific style of fedora and you begin to see just how … [Read more...]
Of the mighty Italian designers, Valentino must rank as one of the mightiest. The perma-tanned, perma-elegant Lombardian has been on the scene for nearly a half century and in that time he has become one of the most successful couturiers in history, and undoubtedly, one of the most popular and well known figures in fashion. Though his women’s collections receive just attention, he is not a one trick pony. There are tens of designers who … [Read more...]
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