Anthony Eden

[Melcombe]

As a politician, he was 'unfortunate' in some of his decision-making, but as a man who knew how to dress, he excelled.

It's a little strange that he is now (to some) equated with fogey-ish dressing. I suppose this is on account of the fact that he was the face of the Establishment just when everyone else was tuning in / dropping out in the 60's. I suspect that in his own circles, he was at the cutting edge.











(I do like the birdseye texture of this last one.)

Can anyone help discover who his tailor was?

*Edit :

Just saw this too :

‘Fashion Forecast

Captain Eden’s White Waistcoat

When any individual is as much photographed and as frequently newsreeled as Capt. Anthony Eden, British Foreign Secretary, and in addition possesses as excellent taste as does Captain Eden, the combination of those two factors is bound to place him in the fashion limelight. As an example of Captain Eden’s influence on dress, mention need only be made of the black Homburg hat which he has done so much to popularize. And the same stimulus which he gave to the black Homburg is also being exerted by him now on behalf of another important fashion – the white linen single breasted waistcoat with small collar. Captain Eden, of course, is not alone in favoring this fashion, which he wears in London during the spring and summer, inasmuch as many young Londoners also wear the white waistcoat. But it is Captain Eden’s sponsorship of the fashion which makes it assume importance as a distinctly promising item for the spring and summer months. Some well dressed men in this country also wear the light weight linen waistcoat for business during the summer, and with this backlog of acceptance it is likely that Captain Eden’s endorsement of the fashion will carry it to more widespread popularity.’

Source :~ Apparel Arts Summer 1936 issue (Volume VI, Number IV)

[angelo]

At least in the 1950s Eden ' s tailor was Welsh & Jefferies who made also some suits for Sir Winston Churchill. I do not know whether Welsh & Jefferies have made suits for Eden also in the previous decades. Angelo

[SMCK]

Melcomb.
Antony Eden was indeed a well dressed and vain man who obviously took great care in his appearance.
A. N. Wilson has said of him ' The only Prime minister who wore nail varnish'
His poor decision making which you mention is considered by some to be due to his use of Benzadrine which had been prescribed for him.
At the time he was considered by many to be too well dressed.Bertrand Russell said of him " Not quite a gentleman because he is too well dressed"
I had an uncle who gave me his opinion that Eden's use of double breasted waistcoat, with a single breasted coat (as seen in your second last photo)was indeed proof that he was not a gentleman.This idea (True or not ) has stuck with me all my life.
He was a very stylish man and it is tempting to emulate his style. Perhaps a little Italian Sprezzatura would be of benefit to make it all a little less perfect.

[Frederic Leighton]

I had an uncle who gave me his opinion that Eden's use of double breasted waistcoat, with a single breasted coat (as seen in your second last photo)was indeed proof that he was not a gentleman.

Interesting. That's actually the safest, most traditional choice for the stroller ensemble and a well-established tradition also for less formal ensembles (also here, here, and in many AA illustrations). This the origin of the combination.

[uppercase]

I enjoy FL's historical bent and propose to send him on a hunt for photos of the true Neapolitan suit, its history, style and practitioners , which has eluded me for years.

[Frederic Leighton]

I enjoy FL's historical bent and propose to send him on a hunt for photos of the true Neapolitan suit, its history, style and practitioners , which has eluded me for years.

hmm... are you sure you're not trying to get rid of me, Uppercase? ..sending me to Naples, where I would start complaining about the total chaos of my home country, trying to turn into straight lines what has been curved for centuries?

[uppercase]

The essence of Italy's genius is in it's curved lines!
In all matters, and particularly it's tailoring.
Incomparable. Infuriating. Bunga. Bunga.