Features
Formalwear: past, present & future
By Shirley Biggs, Head Image Consultant, Dress2kill Ltd.
Men have always been the peacocks of the human race, think back to the appearance and dress of men in past eras: the Elizabethans in their silk doublet and hose, ruffs and codpieces, followed by the Regency dandies.
Fashion, perfume,posing and pampering were the hallmark of the Victorian era. So it is not surprising that we now have a resurgence of interest in all matters sartorial. This month Dress2Kill is focusing on formal wear.
Morning suits
The morning suit made its first appearance in 1890 as a less formal alternative to the frock coat. Black with stripe trousers and a dove grey waistcoat was the usual form of attire or the overall light grey with top hat included which is still a feature of the Royal Enclosure at Ascot.
For weddings and other formal occasions Dress2Kill can offer more exciting alternatives, such as puppy tooth check trousers worn with a black coat, pale gold lining and waistcoat and a deep gold cravat.
Instead of the ubiquitous overall light grey morning suit for Ascot, what about silver grey with pale lilac lining, waistcoat and tie and a deep purple shirt. Dress2Kill can give you inspiration and advice and what is more offers exceptional value with prices for a morning suit starting from £495.
Dinner Jackets
Although Edward V11 in 1900 was credited with introducing the now famous DJ to the UK, it was his grandson the Prince of Wales who in the 1920's established its popularity.
The new black is midnight blue and although flattering by candlelight it tends to fade into insignificance in daylight. Unless you are a sartorial gadabout and can afford to maintain two DJ's you must to quote from "A Well Dressed Gentleman's Pocket Guide" be content to lead the social life of a Count Dracula.
Here at Dress2Kill, we do suggest black but what fun you can have teaming it with a flash lining cummerbund and waistcoat and our prices start at an unbelievable £425.
The Waistcoat
This is the only garment created by royal proclamation. In October 1666 Samuel Pepys wrote in his diary "The king hath yesterday in council declared his resolution of setting a fashion for clothes which he will never alter. It will be a vest I know not well how". Charles II modeled the new style in person, black cloth lined with white silk.
Following on from this the waistcoat became an excuse for the male peacocks to show off their plumage in spots, stripes, and florals.
Again there has been a resurgence of interest in the waistcoat and we can offer either plain for the more conservative amongst you or exotic fabrics in a multitude of colours from £95.00.
Please feel free to email me your thoughts or any questions you may have. jameshibbert@dress2kill.com
