What came first the chicken or the egg? Fashion is the second creation, style is the first. Fashion is born out of style, as individuals we create our own style each time we go to the wardrobe and put a collection of clothes together.
The chosen collection can be in or out of fashion, mixed and matched or clashed, the most important aspect is feeling comfortable and confident.
Styles that came into the fashion cycle in the 70’s are coming back and deemed original, but even in their 70’s heyday, e.g. the big checks owe their origin to Scottish tartan.
So the check style has been in and out of the cycle ever since it was first considered fashionable.
And if we look more closely at the styles that have been constant over many decades, or even centuries they were developed with function in mind. Protective against the elements.
Take note of how Thomas Burberry came up with the idea of a trench coat.
Thomas Burberry Noticing how local shepherds and farmers wore linen smocks, which were cool in summer and warm in the winter, he attempted to apply the same principles to other clothing.
In 1879 he developed a fabric which was weatherproofed in the yarn before weaving, using a secret process and then proofed again in the piece, using the same undisclosed formula. The new material was untearable and weatherproof, whilst cool and breathable. He called the cloth ‘gabardine’ and registered the word as a trademark.
It became the choice mackintosh for British officers during the Trench War in Europe, hence the name Trench Coat. It remains true to original form apart from some colour additions.
Then came silver cufflinks, in any metal you like, there’s enough history in these little gems to write a dozen books. They dropped out of fashion for about ten years and then came back in the 80’s and now ever stronger and moving to classical style. It looks like they’re going to be around for at least the next ten years, hopefully. Now we see men’s jewellery evolving, the name to watch Vivienne Westwood.
Did you ever consider where the dark suit originated? Not Italy, Not Germany, Not France. The outcome of a rebellious young man who just decided to create his own style and not be influenced by his peers.
Brummell rejected 18th century frills (dandy man). His mandate, a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth, survives today as the dark business suit, white shirt and silk tie
Bell bottomed trousers were another ‘icon’ of the square rig uniform. These were practical garments for men who worked sailing ships since they could be rolled up securely to clear the feet and ankles when working the rigging.
In common with all other items of a sailor’s kit, trousers were kept folded ready for use in a kit bag. Kept inside out to avoid fluff on the outer surface and to avoid ’shine’ by ironing, they were folded horizontally at about a hand’s width and taped into a rectangular ‘block’. When worn, this produced inverted vertical creases down the side of the leg and five or seven, depending on the height of the wearer, horizontal creases down the leg.
Remember to roll or hang your silk ties
In time these were accepted as the thing to have and were pressed firmly into place from the early years of the century. Since the First World War bell bottoms were purchased for tradition rather than any practical use but were replaced by flared trousers in 1977.
The chosen collection can be in or out of fashion, mixed and matched or clashed, the most important aspect is feeling comfortable and confident.
Styles that came into the fashion cycle in the 70’s are coming back and deemed original, but even in their 70’s heyday, e.g. the big checks owe their origin to Scottish tartan.
So the check style has been in and out of the cycle ever since it was first considered fashionable.
And if we look more closely at the styles that have been constant over many decades, or even centuries they were developed with function in mind. Protective against the elements.
Take note of how Thomas Burberry came up with the idea of a trench coat.
Thomas Burberry Noticing how local shepherds and farmers wore linen smocks, which were cool in summer and warm in the winter, he attempted to apply the same principles to other clothing.
In 1879 he developed a fabric which was weatherproofed in the yarn before weaving, using a secret process and then proofed again in the piece, using the same undisclosed formula. The new material was untearable and weatherproof, whilst cool and breathable. He called the cloth ‘gabardine’ and registered the word as a trademark.
It became the choice mackintosh for British officers during the Trench War in Europe, hence the name Trench Coat. It remains true to original form apart from some colour additions.
Then came silver cufflinks, in any metal you like, there’s enough history in these little gems to write a dozen books. They dropped out of fashion for about ten years and then came back in the 80’s and now ever stronger and moving to classical style. It looks like they’re going to be around for at least the next ten years, hopefully. Now we see men’s jewellery evolving, the name to watch Vivienne Westwood.
Did you ever consider where the dark suit originated? Not Italy, Not Germany, Not France. The outcome of a rebellious young man who just decided to create his own style and not be influenced by his peers.
Brummell rejected 18th century frills (dandy man). His mandate, a dark blue coat, buff-coloured pantaloons and waistcoat, black boots and a clean white neck cloth, survives today as the dark business suit, white shirt and silk tie
Bell bottomed trousers were another ‘icon’ of the square rig uniform. These were practical garments for men who worked sailing ships since they could be rolled up securely to clear the feet and ankles when working the rigging.
In common with all other items of a sailor’s kit, trousers were kept folded ready for use in a kit bag. Kept inside out to avoid fluff on the outer surface and to avoid ’shine’ by ironing, they were folded horizontally at about a hand’s width and taped into a rectangular ‘block’. When worn, this produced inverted vertical creases down the side of the leg and five or seven, depending on the height of the wearer, horizontal creases down the leg.
Remember to roll or hang your silk ties
In time these were accepted as the thing to have and were pressed firmly into place from the early years of the century. Since the First World War bell bottoms were purchased for tradition rather than any practical use but were replaced by flared trousers in 1977.
And the style keeps coming back.
A modest business man with a keen personal interest in the evolution of styles and progress of fashion through the ages, In particular, the performance of the silk weaving and silk tie manufacturing industry in England and its continuing survival in the face of the mass manufacturing revolution. Based in the United Kingdom and very much part of the new bespoke movement that is happening on Savile Row the oldest and most famous tailoring precinct in the world. Based in the United Kingdom this online shop carries a truly unique collection of English made silk ties and cufflinks by renowned designers, including, Timothy Everest (Savile Row), Ian Flaherty, Simon Carter, Michelsons, Louis Feraud d more. Additionally we carry a small range of finely crafted wallets and belts. Buying online line is simple and secure, orders are generally despatched with in 24 hours and shipped to most regions of the world.
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