Heeding that warning I am concentrating my efforts on a silk jacket; and revolutionary is not what I'm aiming at.
Anyhoo... this could well become a cautionary tale before it’s finished.
I should add that this matter also resulted from wandering around Soho on a lovely sunny afternoon last week following ingestion of a proprietary cold remedy that is known to induce hallucinations in some patients. At the time, I thought I was feeling fine, we’ll see.
In case you didn’t know, Soho has some fantastic shops of all kinds, and the rag trade still has a strong presence. As well as impressive ranges on the bolt to see and feel, most of the cloth merchants have very knowledgeable (and charming) sales staff. You can guess how I got drawn in.
I have, dear friends, acquired a 2.75m x 1.4m length of silk brocade in a pattern and colour (& price) I found irresistible.
Double sided, my general preference is the marron – the gold is lovely but perhaps de trop.
So the question now presents (and hoping the cloth is wide enough) : what best to do with it. I really would appreciate suggestions, drawing on the elite knowledge of the assembled ranks of fellow LL’ers.
I (think I) have a variety of courses open as follows :
A........The DJ
This was what I originally had in mind when I saw the fabric. Something in the manner of this Tom Ford number (probably with peak lapels with coffee coloured, plain-corded silk facings if I can find some again).
My only particular worry with this is the amount of use I would get from it. While I regularly wear black tie, it is generally business related, and in my line of country (law) individuality is less frequently expressed than might be the case perhaps in more ‘creative’ professions such as accountancy. (Kidding. I think). I’m guessing I’d use it once or twice a year.
B........The Blazer
The alternative that occurred to me was the possibility of having it made up as a simple 2BSB blazer, notch lapel, flap pockets, vents. The fabric is very breathable and would make a very comfortable coat in warm weather. I had thought (hold onto your hats) that I could wear it in the day with some light linen trousers (even jeans) or on an evening with a white shirt and black (long) tie with very dark trousers.
Now it’s a while since brocade jackets of the sort sold by Take 6 graced Carnaby Street in any numbers – if you ignore Austin Powers, obvs. In daytime I think I’d be quite comfortable wearing it, say, to the Hampton Court flower show or our village summer fête – or even a quiet Saturday stroll in London. Also, of an evening, as party attire, in situations demanding dress short of black tie.
I’d get more use in this configuration than from the DJ. I don't feel overly daunted at the fact that brocade jackets aren't very common, but I’m conscious that ‘conspicuous sartorial individuality’ is not universally admired - although at my age (early 50’s thx for asking) I’m becoming less concerned with others’ unbidden adverse views than maybe I once was. On the other hand I’m equally alive to the fact that the fabric might be shouting Sad Twerp rather than Bobby Dazzler.
C........The Dressing Gown
Or Kimono, or ‘robe’, or ‘housecoat’, even.
I quite like the idea of this on account of it possibly getting far and away the most use. I’m unclear whether 2.75m would give knee length? (I’m just 1.41m / 6’).
A friend had a Sulka one he bought while studying for his MBA in NY back in the 80s – I admired it greatly.
On the down-side, I’m no Hugh Hefner (even if I could do with his bank balance).
D........Curtains
Mrs M’s preferred option, obviously.
E......EBay
Hmm. If the project’s plug needs pulling, it’s the anonymous means of disposal…
So, dear fellow LL’ers, I would treasure your considered views and advice.
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