Day: May 19, 2011

The Guv’nor’s Maxims #13

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*By #13 we mean #13 in an infinite series. The Guv’nor has plenty to say on the topic of style.)

Bill’s been “Carrying on about style” again.

He doesn’t think we pay any heed. But we do. Me (The Man from the Hornet), Style Management and everyone here at Hornets – even Wallace – we’ve all been keeping a note of his ‘One Liners’. Jotting them down. His “Wise saws and modern instances,” as The Stratford Man called ‘em. And we’re going to share a few of them from time-to-time right here on The Hornet. Such as this:

“Fashion is like a wild woman. She’s LOTS of fun. But she’ll leave you broke.”

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Etiquette & Formal Attire

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The backless waistcoat was a great favourite of the Duke of York when he was Prince of Wales (before he became, briefly, King Edward VIII – are you paying attention at the back?). The Prince found it a most comfortable way to wear a waistcoat (vest, in American parlance), and had Hawes & Curtis of Jermyn Street attend to his needs.

A famous tale relates that Fred Astaire was tipped off by the Prince as to the marvels of the garment – and duly approached H&C to have one made of his very own. Due to the high demand for such garments from the British aristocracy – where the Prince led in fashion, Society soon followed – Mr Astaire was politely informed that he would have to wait his turn. Changed days, when celebrity patronage is now all.

Debrett’s, the famous etiquette guide, advises against the wearing of a backless waistcoat – as this prevents a chap from removing his coat. The effect only succeeds as long as one can’t see the “backstage” hooks and buckles and straps.

Debrett’s doesn’t state as to why a chap should wish to remove his coat – but we assume such an occasion may arise after a bout of vigorous post-wedding dancing.

And we’re all for vigorous post-wedding dancing, are we not?

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