Of all the questions that I have been asked, this is one of the most strange. Why was it asked? A reader of my blog was having his first bespoke suit made and requested a double-breasted waistcoat. The tailor suggested a single-breasted waistcoat instead. The reason? “…they said it was old-fashioned and not very flattering.” Sighing deeply and smiling in disbelief, I began to think about the issue of relying on a tailor’s advice. Is … [Read more...]
Another fashion week has come and gone in London, although you’d be forgiven if you failed to take any notice. It’s a fairly insignificant event in commercial fashion’s calendar and, although a potentially life-changing one for the young designers on show, a little too raw and ‘edgy’ (fashion’s favourite word) to conjure anything more than bland curiosity. However, there was much fuss being made of menswear this year. So much so, … [Read more...]
In the words of the late Steve Jobs, “Real artists ship.” To this we might add, “Over and over and over again.” I found his quote coming back to me as I prepared this piece on “micro brands.” What began as a survey and review of various micro brands whose creations I’d acquired over the last few years ended up being a meditation on the challenges to a micro-brand’s business sustainability as I noticed how some of the brands … [Read more...]
I am not much of a fan of television. Most of it is weak, immature entertainment inspired by the very worst elements in society. However, sometimes the formula works exceedingly well and the effect is powerful and enduring. I approached Boardwalk Empire with caution, as it had been much hyped and ballyhooed; whenever I buy into hype, I am invariably disappointed. However, even allowing for a dash of hype, I have been thoroughly impressed with … [Read more...]
The subject of funerals may not exactly be the most uplifting diversion on a wet afternoon but a recent conversation with an acquaintance, regarding a funeral I attended, was so pertinent to matters of sartorial etiquette that I simply had to pen my thoughts and share them with readers. For it was when my partner in conversation had asked me “So, what do you…what do you wear to a funeral? A tailcoat or something?” that I decided that this … [Read more...]
Latest Comments