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Imagine my surprise this afternoon when, whilst browsing idly in M&S, I noticed two items that I can only describe as "sartorially refreshing". For all of you across the pond, M & S is a department store. A very popular one no doubt but somewhat staid in image. Staple, predictable and reserved are all words that spring to mind. It is no less a beloved British institution for all that though. So what was it that surprised ( nay shocked ! ) me ? T'was these......
And....
Yes, that is a bowler hat. And yes, that is a one button SBPL suit (3 piece no less). And yes, this was in a department store ! Now I know, I know, all of us here at AAAC talk of these sort of items on a regular basis and probably don't even regard such things as all that unusual anymore. But my God, to see these in a department store, on the "High St" is absolutely astonishing.
Quality wise I'll be the first to admit that neither garment was anything particularly special. The hat was very, very poorly blocked and did not come in any specific head measurements, just S, M & L. The suit ( from the Mark Powell range ) was a pretty decent affair, better than many, but certainly nothing earth shattering. That said, I believe Des Merrion has said that M&S represents a good, solid window into tailoring for those on a smaller budget. Praise indeed and certainly borne out by this suit.
My point is, putting quality aside for a moment, it is IMHO refreshing, no, inspiring to see such items making their way into a mainstream retail outlet. Does this represent the first ripples of a sea change toward traditional style values ? Are we abandoning the dress down approach of recent years ? Are we smartening up ? To shamelessly steal from the new guy, does this mean "A change is coming" ?
And....
Yes, that is a bowler hat. And yes, that is a one button SBPL suit (3 piece no less). And yes, this was in a department store ! Now I know, I know, all of us here at AAAC talk of these sort of items on a regular basis and probably don't even regard such things as all that unusual anymore. But my God, to see these in a department store, on the "High St" is absolutely astonishing.
Quality wise I'll be the first to admit that neither garment was anything particularly special. The hat was very, very poorly blocked and did not come in any specific head measurements, just S, M & L. The suit ( from the Mark Powell range ) was a pretty decent affair, better than many, but certainly nothing earth shattering. That said, I believe Des Merrion has said that M&S represents a good, solid window into tailoring for those on a smaller budget. Praise indeed and certainly borne out by this suit.
My point is, putting quality aside for a moment, it is IMHO refreshing, no, inspiring to see such items making their way into a mainstream retail outlet. Does this represent the first ripples of a sea change toward traditional style values ? Are we abandoning the dress down approach of recent years ? Are we smartening up ? To shamelessly steal from the new guy, does this mean "A change is coming" ?
