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Style
18 posts
The Sartorial Road Ends With a Uniform
Somewhere deep within the Styleforum catacombs lies a menswear discussion thread titled “The End of the Sartorial Road,”…
The Denim Gentleman
"...I love to dress up, but put me in a more casual denim workwear fit and I’ll feel more at ease with my place in the world when I’m off the clock."
Making Everyday a Special Occasion
In this economy, personal investments come at some extra cost: the care we diligently owe to worthy items, a cashmere jumper, a silvered candelabra, a bespoke shirt, some made-to-order shoes, or whatever else it might be. “Let’s save it for a special occasion”, so we say. The expression is a familiar one, one we use a lot of the time. And, to be honest, I think it’s wrong.
Hats Off to Tradition: A Look Inside America’s Oldest Hatmaker
Amidst the symphony of drumming machinery and the whistling of steam blow-off valves at Bollman Hat Company, one can't help but be drawn into the captivating world of hat-making. The essence of this craft lies not only in the final products, gracing the heads of stars the likes of Humphrey Bogart and Cary Grant, but in the tools of the trade themselves. These specialized instruments, some dating back to an era when most of us were yet to be, possess a unique allure.
The Significance of Style: A Journey Beyond Fashion
In the grand tapestry of human existence, style is more than just a matter of clothing; it's a profound reflection of one's identity, a language that speaks volumes without words, and a powerful tool for carving a niche in the world. Beyond the ever-changing trends and fashion statements, style holds a timeless significance that transcends the superficial.
My Made-to-Measure Suit Experience
I couldn’t go bespoke, but I couldn’t bring myself to go off the rack, either. These exact thoughts echoed in my mind repeatedly when I went for my first proper suit last summer. It’s hard to say what is and what isn’t a proper suit. At that time and now, I consider ‘proper’ to mean a couple of things.
Understated Elegance Understood
How sorely people desire to be seen, recognised, noticed, and known in today’s world. Not that I’ve been privy to Edwardian dinners, but one excellent custom from socialising in previous centuries that seems a bit lost today was the art of not being noticed. Regarding classic style, we understand this nowadays as understated elegance. I will now dive into what I think are some key features of this concept and why it is the preferred way to dress.
Stuffy to Stylish: the Evolution of Corduroy
A Sunday roast followed by a brisk walk aside, is there anything more Autumnal than corduroy? The soft, durable, ribbed cotton fabric that we know today originated in 19th Century Manchester as factory workwear. It was later adopted for war work, perhaps most famously for the Women’s Land Army.
Shoe Contact Before Eye Contact
During the initial contact with a person, we probably all have our own personal checkpoints that we consciously or unconsciously run through. I read a quote: “I make shoe contact before eye contact” – and couldn’t help smiling, because this is exactly me; for me, it’s the shoes (and watch). I find the shoes being probably the most important piece in an outfit, but sadly I must admit, often also the piece that is the most neglected.
Black Tie – Formal Informality
This story originally appeared on the Gents Cafe Newsletter. You can subscribe here. Barathea, boutonnière, cocktail-cuffed dinner jackets,…
