Last Monday brought the last of my must-go Colin
Mc Dowell events for the
schoolyear. This time around it was a conversation about
mens fashion with Christopher Bailey, Creative Director of
Burberry and Jeremy
Langmead, Editor in Chief of UK Esquire Magazine. My fave insights:
from Christopher Bailey:He designs more with an attitude and lifestyle in mind instead of age. When kids steal from parents' closets and parents dressing more like their children, he clearly is in the right direction. The term "age-
ist" has been mentioned in the event referring to people discriminating against believed dressing outside your age group.
Ties are not a staple in Christopher Bailey's closet. Although his house churns them out each season, this creative director is one of those restricted by the
tie's formality. I believe this reflects the degree to which dressing nowadays is becoming more and more democratically casual.
Quiet fashion is as
impactful as up to the minute in season fashion. I cannot agree more on this. In an industry of planned obsolescence, there is brilliance in creating clothes that are current from season to season. A well cut well made ensemble beats an outfit fresh from the trend alert magazine page.
from Colin
Mc Dowell:
He discussed The Great Masculine Renunciation. As we've studied it this term, it was just a recap for most of us. Nevertheless, it is a very relevant point of history that relates to why men are more somber in dressing. In the
Indistrial Revolution, where capitalism ruled, men adopted the practical uniform of suits. Business men
couldnt be seen spending their cash on pointless
accroutements. Instead, they showed their status through their wives and her magnificent ball gowns and jewellery.
Colour in men's clothing was also discussed. Oftentimes, people associate the crayola dressing with gay men. All speakers begged to differ and pointed out the increasing affinity for colourful
mens clothing. (Oh yes, real men wear pink;)) Colour for those faint of fashion heart, can be seen in those peeping red socks or outrageous tie.
If women's hidden pleasure is lingerie, what is it for men? I
dont believe this question was answered...think about it guys...no one can see but you take pleasure it wearing it...
from Jeremy
Langmead:
This guy is my quotable quotes guy of the night! First off.."Man feels moral when he is uncomfortable." That was in reference of men being less adventurous in dressing than women.
"Male is the sensible gender, you
dont often hear of men and impulse buying." Do men really think more about the societal norms when they dress? On impulse buying...women may shop more but it is common knowledge that
mens clothing are on a more expensive scale. We shop more but on a lower price range, you shop less but on a higher price range. Then again the impulse side of it can also mean we
dont care if it's
beyong budget if it makes our bodies look slimmer, legs leaner and butts smaller.
"For men, luxury is a private pleasure." Well, well, this might have answered Colin McDowell's hidden pleasure question indirectly. Then again you can still see a
Patek watch. This gave rise to the concept of
connoissuership being discussed. If you are indeed part of the sartorially exquisite, you should know the difference of your Armani suit from your
Zegna one. We might not see it, but you better be exuding it.
Christopher Bailey, super slim in a super sleek suit was put on the spot in an anti-climactic moment when a fur protester started throwing loaded questions and allegations on
Burberry's use of Scandinavian fur. It was totally out of context and thankfully Christopher and Colin tag teamed in talking the guy out of furthering his questioning. Post event, I eyed the PR woman taking care of the matter.
Starstruck! We were the only ones who were able to take a pic with Christopher Bailey as he was rushed to another engagement. Crossing Oxford Street, we saw his Mercedes driving away.
I truly admire him for transforming
Burberry's aesthetic. Before him,
Burberry was hard hit by the
Chav sting. Now
Burberry is back on the map with its tradition of impeccable tailoring and lavish
luxe details. Sans the explicit showing of the infamous check, they have been known for a quieter yet more sophisticated style statement. Hiring him was really one of if not the best moves done by ex-chief Rose Marie Bravo.
It was a looooovely sunny day and we were looking for something different to do. With FFE B and N, I ran to catch the train to Hampton Court Palace. All with interest in Henry VII and his wives, it was bound to be a great day!
Super manicured gardens
Feeling like kids inside the maze
The suuuuper amazing scent coming from the rose garden
And of course..what we travelled for...what remains of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
The crests looked normal at first glance. We didn't make of anything when we saw them. However, we saw the crest below at the introductory exhibition. We went around the palace to find it!! It's at the entrance of Henry VIII's State Apartments. The passageway was aptly named after Anne Boleyn.
Super manicured gardens
Feeling like kids inside the maze
The suuuuper amazing scent coming from the rose garden
And of course..what we travelled for...what remains of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
The crests looked normal at first glance. We didn't make of anything when we saw them. However, we saw the crest below at the introductory exhibition. We went around the palace to find it!! It's at the entrance of Henry VIII's State Apartments. The passageway was aptly named after Anne Boleyn.
