Showing posts with label vintage tuxedo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vintage tuxedo. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Thumbs up and down for this year's Emmy's...

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Wow, it's hard to believe that we are in the thick of September.  That means that the 2011 Emmy Awards were broadcast last Sunday night.  I think that everyone waited with anticipation to see what Charlie Sheen would say.  But I for one love all the pomp and gorgeous outfits, especially when they showcase that vintage flair.  Here is a small sampling of those I loved and those I think greatly missed the mark:



Nina Dobrev -- Emmy Awards 2011
Nina Dobrev looking sizzling hot in her gorgeous gown
and 19th century choker in darkened gold


Jennifer Westfeldt looked lovely in a
vintage, yellow Helena Barbieri dress



Worst: We're not sure what Phoebe Price has done to warrant an Emmy invitation, and this mess of a dress certainly isn't helping her fit in with the A-listers. Photo: Getty Images, Frazer Harrison / 2011 Getty Images
Phoebe Price might have thought she was
going flower power, but it's rather flower dour!




Yipes!  Joel McHale is looking a little too
svelte in this pencil thin tuxedo with powder
blue jacket!




Cojo, say it isn't so!



Actress Jayma Mays looking pretty in pink with a
definite retro vibe

So what do you think?  Chime in with your own favourites and nightmares...

Photos courtesy of Bing.com

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

The Prodigal Tuxedo Coat


Pierre Beullac as "Jean de Lauzon," costumed for Chateau de Ramezay Ball, Montreal, QC, 1898,
Photo courtesy McCord Musée, Montreal

It is no secret that I love gentleman's bespoke tailoring and have an affinity for vintage tuxedo coats, in particular, tuxedo tails.

A recent acquisition of a 1939 grey wool tuxedo tails was a pleasant surprise. Tailored by J.P. Nugent of Montreal for Mr. Pierre Beullac, I had in my hands a little bit of Canadian history. 
 
Pierre Beullac was a Canadian lawyer then a judge. His father arrived in Montreal, Canada in 1874 and established himself as a decorator of churches then later ballrooms. Pierre Jr. was a founding member of the Canadian Club of Montreal and Vice-President. This club tradition continues to today and is a forum for great minds and thinkers, a prestigious forum that has included an incredible array of world re-known guest speakers.

Not knowing how to price this item, I decided to part with it on ebay. Honestly, I wanted to add it to my personal collection, but something was telling me otherwise. About two days into the auction I was contacted by Mr. Beullac's great-granddaughter who happens to live in Montreal. To my considerable delight, she won the auction and was so happy to have an heirloom of her great-grandfathers' return home to it's roots. In her words, 'It was meant to be'.

Stories like these secure my love for vintage clothing and the field of work I have chosen. Several times now I have had the honor of returning a prized possession or a family heirloom back to where it belongs. The sensation of a unique discovery, researching, contacting various experts within the field - all produce the feeling of being an archaeologist. What a treat!  



 

Friday, November 20, 2009

White Dinner Jackets After Labor Day?

Ah, the white gentleman's dinner jacket. When exactly is it worn? Originally, white jackets were adopted in more tropical climes where the traditional dark and heavier weight fabrics were too uncomfortable to bear in the heat. Also, it's really not white, more of an ivory color. Still, it's mostly accepted that a white dinner jacket can be worn in the warmer summer months, up to Labor Day. The Brits refuse to wear it at all. I think they are missing out on something wonderful.

Personally, I think they are very sleek and elegant, although tend to agree about the warm weather wearing. It just fits with the tropics.

One can not deny the sophistication of Bogart in his white DJ. From the movie Casablanca.


 

This photograph I am particularly fond of. Two gents in white DJ's with a bride sitting in a vintage car. The chap on the right in the cowboy hat is my dad, and that was one of his automobiles. My dad was cool. It seems every gent has a bit of Bogie in them when they don a white DJ. No exception here.


Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Why I Love My Job!



This is why I love my job!

My latest acquistition of a wool worsted tuxedo coat tails, c. 1962. The inside pocket tailors label reads it was made for a Mr. WJR Wilson, Esq. Tailored by Jones Chalk & Dawson Ltd., 6 Sackville Street, Piccadilly, London, England. Silk lined and stunning!

When I opened the front breast pocket the original tailors work ticket was still folded inside! What fabulous history! In the biz, we call this 'provenance'.



Monday, May 4, 2009

That's a Funny Name


Cummerbund. Go ahead...say it 5 times. Isn't it funny? :-)

What is a cummerbund for?

Generally worn with a dinner suit, a cummerbund is a band of pleated material, often silk worn around the waist. It is worn for appearance only and was first used by high ranking British army officers.

A modern use of the cummerbund could be to tuck in a beer belly or an unsightly bulge. Since it is worn at the waist above the hipbone, it creates an illusion of a higher waist and longer legs. But be careful! It can also enhance a larger waist. Despite David Beckham temporarily invoking interest in them by wearing one without the matching tie, the cummerbund is still considered old-fashioned.

However, the traditional cummerbund can look less like a cummerbund and more like an accessory:

Gucci and John Galliano have added cummerbunds to their clothing lines. In order to update the look, take the cummerbund out of the context of formal wear and into a causal chic look. When David Beckham wore the look, he chose to forego the tie and unbutton the shirt. It was a winning look.

If you decide to add a cummerbund to your outfit, pleats facing up please!