Sartorial UFOs

"The brute covers himself, the rich man and the fop adorn themselves, the elegant man dresses!"

-Honore de Balzac

alden
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Mon Mar 10, 2008 9:02 pm

Unidentified Fashion Opinionists

Well the internet forums about clothes have grown considerably over the years and the number of self described elegant ones has as well: founders, moderators, posters, sales reps posing as posters, chant about their dress. But who has ever seen them? They are the internet’s UFOs-Unidentified Fashion Opinionists.

My photos are already up all over the LL and they have been for years. A few other gents have offered some traces of their dress as well. Costi, Matt, Uppercase and Manton have consistently posted pictures and having seen the full length versions I can confirm that these young eleganti are for real. Andy Gilchrist has posed for the unforgiving eye and has had his pictures published in a US fashion magazine. My own picture was published in STYLE magazine this month. So that leaves a large group of prominent UFOs not as yet revealed to their admiring publics.

Now the other day on Savile Row a few tailors suggested a thoroughly plausible explanation as to why the pictures of certain writers have never been published. I prefer not to believe them. But there is a pair that leave a serious film of doubt trailing in their wake.

Image

Don’t worry boys, I won’t tell anyone.

So let the willing suspension of disbelief practiced reverently by readers of the major sites finally be abated and let transparency reign. The forum wordsmiths need step forward into the light so that all might bask in their elegant images and aspire.

Image

So let’s have the snaps of the snappy!

All kidding aside, photos are a powerful tool in discussions of dress. They probably have less value in discussions of clothes. But who in his right mind is interested in clothes?

I think they should all be published by April 1. Does that sound reasonable?

We should probably compile a wish list of the UFOs we would especially like to see. Whom do you choose?


Cheers

M Alden
Last edited by alden on Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:56 am, edited 1 time in total.
Cordovan
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Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:30 pm

I enjoyed reading that post Mr. Alden; that certainly puts a good many of us on the spot.

By posting now, I may be drawing too much attention to myself, but I would genuinely like to see yachtie's DB suit with waiscoat that just came up in another thread. (Don't mean to place any undue pressure upon those who feel they must hole back.)

Cordovan
RWS
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Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:37 pm

I wouldn't mind showing my face -- I've already done that, more than once, in the photojournal of the LL/NY. More photographs? That'd require a digital camera, I understand (with this comment, even the casual reader will recognize how great is my ignorance of things electronic: my 1950 Voigtländer suits me just fine, so long as I can continue to find good 120 film). Buy a digital camera? But, but -- that would take money away from tailors!
storeynicholas

Mon Mar 10, 2008 10:40 pm

Image failed!!!!! Another fine mess..........
NJS
yachtie
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:18 am

Cordovan wrote:I enjoyed reading that post Mr. Alden; that certainly puts a good many of us on the spot.

By posting now, I may be drawing too much attention to myself, but I would genuinely like to see yachtie's DB suit with waiscoat that just came up in another thread. (Don't mean to place any undue pressure upon those who feel they must hole back.)

Cordovan
For you Cordovan, I'll put it back on. Have to put the kids to bed first though.
Cordovan
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 12:30 am

Thanks.........can't wait! :wink:
yachtie
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:24 am

Image

Image

I hope it's satisfied your curiosity. In the interests of "equal time" , I'd love to see a 3 piece you've had made up, Cordovan.
Cordovan
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 3:46 am

:lol: I knew I'd have that coming. Looking good, although I had to shield my eyes for a moment from the glare of your tie. Those waistcoat pcokets seem a little deep - interesting. Are all of your wc's that high?

I don't suppose my not having a camera will exempt me, will it? (I really don't)

The honest truth is that I am a student who as of the moment does not have a 3 piece (leaves me more saddened than you with your not seeing a picture, trust me).

Around the time I joined the LL, I was a tad more naive than now, and in my haste and excitement at the prospect of having a 'bespoke' suit, I ordered an Hong Kong suit - which - we are still working on. And, as I have learned, you get what you pay for. However, one of my 2 suits is a 3 piece, so when I get them back for the 3rd time (the first time was absolutely horrendous), get a camera, and get a full length mirror, I will be happy to oblige.

And by the way, I do appreciate your picture as well as the others that LL members have posted; they really are quite a help as Mr. Alden has said a number of times.

There is is - I have nothing else to hide after bearing my soul (well - maybe a little left)

Cordovan
yachtie
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:58 am

Thanks. :wink: The flash really makes the already shiny tie even more so. Most of my vests are cut on the high side- IMO either you're wearing one or what's the point. Others may differ in their opinions, but I like it. What you see are the lower pocket flaps, it's an interesting detail that my tailor does in that the flaps follow the line of the bottom hem- 'til now , our little secret. 8)
the tailor
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:35 am

Well said Michael!

I have commented several times on my website about these 'faceless' experts, I have posted numerous pictures of myself wearing my own suits, and clients wearing the garments I have made for them.

For my first US visit I even documented the making of a jacket I was going to wear whilst in the US.

I feel by doing so it keeps my business transparent and honest. After all how can you criticise others without offering yourself for examination?

Des Merrion.
Gruto

Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:49 pm

- especially photos from feet to shoulders. Coat shots are better than no shots, but you often need to see the coat in a combination with trousers to make a good judgement on elegance etc. Take the neo edwardian cut of the 60s - short, boxy jacket & slim trousers - as an example.
angelo
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 5:47 pm

I am enclosing this picture of mine just to show some of the typical features of the neapolitan jacket (I live in Genoa but my tailor is in Naples).
The jacket belongs to a two pieces medium grey SB suit (three buttons rolled to two) made with a light weight flannel (5% cachemere) by Dormeuil.
You can appreciate the natural shoulders, the high notch lapels , the high collar (widely layering on the shoulders) and the characteristic sleeves referred to as"manica a mappina" as they break in pleats like a fall (this last particular is well visible at the left sleeve).
Image

Angelo
storeynicholas

Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:39 pm

Is there a problem with imaging because the last picture did not appear above.
NJS
angelo
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Tue Mar 11, 2008 8:12 pm

Storeynicholas,
unfortunately my picture is very large and You to move, for seeing it ,the horizontal and vertical sliding bars to centre it,after going to the indicated URL address..

Sorry,

Angelo
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