New York Post

Whilst working at the Flea market i was asked to be the subject for one of the 1920 style pages for the NY Post during september. I said no but they clicked on anyway! Luckily i managed to get my hands on one.

Brooklyns Finest

Brooklyn is a wonderful place. And within this wonderful Borough there resides a man. A man named Ali. Ali is a true vintage collector, seller, director, creative programmer, visual enthusiast and i could go on but i believe the images speak for themselves. These are images of his 'den' where he thinks and works. I believe there are many who have never heard of this guy and also know a lot of people have. Vintage aficionados Step your Game up as i welcome you Ali!

A Suit With Life

I am finding out that the more i ask about or bring up mens suits with the most stylish associates of mine that a lot of them don't really take to them very well. Why is this?

Let me try to explain in detail. They say that the suit is for business use and that they tend to look boring, dull, old fashioned and need more flare. Is it possible that they are looking in the wrong places? i have never had a problem with my suits or location to finding a great suit which i could revamp. I don't mind taking them out and showing them how to make a suit look great. And a lot of the time i have done that.

Take a suit from Topshop, Reiss and other menswear brand stores for example. Their suits are mostly dark navy, black or grey and have no life in them and they are usually styled simply with solid coloured ties and handkerchiefs. And glasses with non prescriptive frames!

If you search or view men from the earlier years from the turn of the century to probably the late fifties their style is well thought out and fun to look at. This is why designers are STILL using the past as a constant source of inspiration. The colours used in the outfits compliment one another too and that alone can make many collections spark off. What has interested me most too is that i have noticed throughout the years of close inspection with most actors during the 1920 to the 40s, that their personal style changed with the times. Whether it is laziness or inevitable adaption, the cuts of their suits, cardigans and trousers seemed to be too big for them or neglected compared to their prime styling. Fred Astaire, Cary Grant, Chaplin and many others too. Im not looking for an argument here either. Yes, there was a slight awareness of style there but not any where near half as good as when they were all younger. And don't forget, the time here must have been late 70s to mid 80s when suiting business became hideous!

So the moral...there isnt, without sounding contrary, just make sure you spice up your suit in an elegant and old but newish way without making yourself look like a boring accountant or a man in his ugly white suit and black tie about to hit the red carpet thinking he looks the dogs bullocks.

Jack Vettriano

Jack Vettriano is a very romantic and fetish full painter! With paintings of beautiful blonde women in suspenders and short skirts and men in suits so well cut that the average gent would walk into a tailors workroom and place a picture down on the table!

With one studio based in Scotland and one in London Vettriano gets to be mobile whilst creating these masterpieces. His aesthetic reminds me of Rockwell and J. C Leyendecker not the style though...

Beauty full To Say The Least

Cyclists During The Turn Of The Century...

Mirrored Elegance On Wood

Vintage Styled Jacket

This Double Breasted Jacket was made for a Dunhill competition i entered and managed to end up in second place, only because it was non functional to the projects needs! It was a Golfing project, so they were asking for a jacket to be able to withstand the rain, hold a few golf balls and be breathable during the erratic choices given to us by the typical English weather we are all so very used to. But,

I decided to make a stylish jacket instead that was warm and luxurious looking. It was made in a honey cone coloured wool, has a raglan sleeve, contrasting brushed velvet lapels and collar, jet pockets, six buttons and a jigga button inside. The lining was amazing but i dare not show the world of copy cats.

Inspiration Is Key

As a man who has a keen eye for beauty, (within the clothes and odd findings), i tend to look around attentively as soon as i step foot onto the concrete.

I often find myself whisking through clothes on the racks or scan through tables at different flea markets i attend and know what i need or what is worth good money.

Im looking forward to getting my new camera in order to take clearer and more inspiring shots of the things that stand out to me.

Im posting this book because it is a very good read and feel as though every person who appreciates good taste should concur with me in saying this is a darn good buy!

Governors Island 1920 Fall Jazz Age Party

Governors Island is a great place to visit. I felt as though i was time warped back to my favourite era. There is always a lot going on during the summer here and this was the second event that Michael Arenella and his DreamLand Orchestra held, a jazz composer with the full blown 20s style. Alot of great dressers turned up and showed off their finest sunday best and 1920s garment pieces.

A Younger Dapper Gent

I was shocked when i came across this well dressed young fella, dressed as Chaplin, Oliver was quite the part. He even had the confident posture that all suits give you. Im happy he allowed me to take his photo.