Frock coat vs. Lounge suit - The American factor

[Costi]

A gentlemen's parasol has a lot of potential to raise eyebrows and one would have to be very careful about where to take it. It can't be used as much and as often as a ladies' parasol. However, if the context is right and the size and shape of the parasol unmistakably masculine, I see no impediment. For a lady, the small lace parasol is mostly a style accessory also offering a degree of protection (unlike a hat, it can be moved and angled to offer the best coverage). If a man used it for parade he might look silly, but if used as a strictly utilitarian article in the appropriate situation and the object itself looks good, it can easily become a positive element of style.

[marcelo]

Costi and Pelham, thanks for this.
Definitely, the sight of a gentleman beneath a small lace parasol is not a great one. It is, indeed, quite ungainly, even when the gentleman is not holding it himself, and happens to be an icon of male elegance.


Duke of Windsor in Bhopal, 1922.

[Costi]

Hehe...
Well, a status symbol is a status symbol, whether it be a parasol or a golden crown with precious stones.
What about these gents and their decorated parasols?


But what about THIS one!


Or this:


More (but not much more) about the subject here: http://manthecapstan.wordpress.com/2008 ... l-parasol/

[marcelo]

These are very interesting images. Thanks for them, Costi. They have made me change my mind vis-à-vis lace parasols. I think I will get myself one, after I have made a successful bid for one of those lovely, colourful pachyderms at e-bay.

[NES]

An icon, carried beneath a parasol in Mount Athos, Greece.

[storeynicholas]

Isn't the main point that men (except servants) don't carry them - as neither did the Begum of Bhopal in the photo of Wales-Windsor. Interestingly, Robinson Crusoe made something similar for himself but, presumably, until Man Friday turned up, he did have to lug it about himself. Bearing in mind that he probably had only his chuddies left by then, possibly a case of needs must when the devil drives.
NJS

[Jovan the Un1337]

It was said earlier that a gentleman has no intention of opening an umbrella. Then why carry one?

[marcelo]

Isn't the main point that men (except servants) don't carry them - as neither did the Begum of Bhopal in the photo of Wales-Windsor. Interestingly, Robinson Crusoe made something similar for himself but, presumably, until Man Friday turned up, he did have to lug it about himself. Bearing in mind that he probably had only his chuddies left by then, possibly a case of needs must when the devil drives.
NJS

Thus, I will have to get an elephant, and hire the service of a valet on top of that...

[NES]

Marcelo and NJS:

If you want to do it right, when you get off your elephants, you must walk only in red tapestries - like the Prince of Wales in Bhopal.

But, then, you must be aware of the danger you are in.

Agamemnon, too, was aware of the danger, when he placed his feet on such rich embroideries...

Daughter of Leda, guardian of my home,
your speech was, like my absence, far too long.
Praise that's due to us should come from others.
Then it's worthwhile. All those things you said—
don't puff me up with such female honours,
or grovel there before me babbling tributes,
like some barbarian. Don't invite envy
to cross my path by strewing it with cloth.

[storeynicholas]

Look what happened to Agamemnon. Come to that, look what happened to the Prince of Wales!!
NJS