Man Style

I made the most of my NGV (National Gallery Victoria) membership by going to a Members update on a new exhibit Man Style. Charting a course between absolute restraint and ostentatious display ManStyle looks at  the extremes of masculine style and some of the most influential ideas that have influenced menswear over the past three centuries.

Hunt Coat from Henry Poole & Co. Commonly called Pinks, the colour of faded Hunting jackets

Frock Coat and waistcoat 1810

A bit of a shock to realize that the 3 piece Suit dates from 17th century, albeit more ostentatious than today's business man. The waistcoat was introduced in 1666 to be a change to the ostentatious dress of the day However it was ripe for exploitation and developed into a thing of beauty! And is still around today.
The exhibition was over two sites. The one at Fed Square was about the Dandy while the one at International was the Peacock!
He was embroidered like a meadow bright
And full of freshest flower red and white. The Squire from the Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, one of my favourite pieces of literature, and compare
"If John Bull looked around at you, your are not well dressed, but either too stiff, too tight, or too fashionable  Beau Brummel

Who else but Percy Grainger!

Fashion has changed !
What a lovely exhibition it was! With paintings of men in suits through the ages to illustrate the point.

WORLD of Auckland  The Sanderson suit

 the fabric choice making a statement

You might be mistaken for thinking Andrew had offered his wedding reception jacket!

Bespoke tailoring of Saville Row Brummel would feel proud!