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#1 2009-07-30 12:16:26
- One Trick Pony
- Member
- Posts: 530
'Conservative'
This'll get me into hot water.
'Conservative'. To conserve.
To conserve, in terms of clothing (styles and colours in particular), that which has had bestowed upon it some form of consensus.
But...
The button-down shirt has now become 'conservative' to the point where the word no longer possesses any real meaning.
My crew cut: how 'conservative' is it when men routinely have their hair shaved off? They're not stylists; often just middle-aged thugs or chavs who are losing it.
Now look elsewhere.
#2 2009-07-30 13:13:14
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: 'Conservative'
And if the conservative clothes are worn by those who are not Conservative then how do we explain that one?
What happens to the conservatism of, say, a Blazer when I wear it?
... And in the world we now live in isn't conservatism now a radical stance?
Who ever thought growing up that just wearing a tie would ever make you stand out?
Very interesting topic.
#3 2009-07-30 13:18:29
- One Trick Pony
- Member
- Posts: 530
Re: 'Conservative'
We can play games with it.
Back to my friend William Buckley and his insistence that a Brooks tie should whisper 'Stop Right There'.
Not even: Turn Back the Clock (although the yearning may be discernible underneath).
We require certain guidelines, to operate within certain limits.
Otherwise, anything goes.
And that isn't Ivy.
#4 2009-07-30 13:26:08
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: 'Conservative'
It's the sense of a framework isn't it?
Structure. Foundations with meaning. Backbone.
Harris' 'Curriculum' was a groping towards that, but he lacked the knowledge to make it fly & so destroyed his own construct with his whimsey.
A REAL 'curriculum' would be an interesting thing. Nothing like the ill-informed 'Trad' construct, but something which no historian could laugh at.
- It's a big job!
#5 2009-07-30 13:30:43
- One Trick Pony
- Member
- Posts: 530
Re: 'Conservative'
A 'curriculum' would not go down well on the forum. It would be seen as too restrictive. Knowledge - ideas - can be shared amongst those who are keen to participate. But a slight process of demystification would not go amiss.
#6 2009-07-30 13:34:18
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: 'Conservative'
But a REAL curriculum would be so huge that all could find a place - 100 years of sartorial evolution with the English and Italian influences weaving in and out of classic American style.
I suspect that the job is simply too big.
I'd settle for some demystification.
#7 2009-07-30 13:35:48
- One Trick Pony
- Member
- Posts: 530
Re: 'Conservative'
The Word According to PN: 'Ivy League shouldn't be difficult'.
#9 2009-07-30 14:08:46
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: 'Conservative'
Returning to your point: -
The conservative Ivy League wardrobe:
I'll start by nominating the Brogue... Which of course in our world of trainers stands out rather than blending in.
... A radical shoe these days!
- All pile on -
#10 2009-07-30 15:03:49
- The Ace Face
- Member
- Posts: 613
Re: 'Conservative'
Indeed, in the world of the chav, the skally burberry cap is the new bowler hat and Incontinence pants Kick the highly polished Gibson work shoe. Not to mention, the shiny polyester tracksuit, is the pinstripe suit. In this universe, the noble Brogue is as radical as the October revolution. As revolutionary as Mulligan's piano less quartet back off nights at the Haig club 1952......
Last edited by The Ace Face (2009-07-30 15:04:25)
Draped and sculpted hep cat suit - as worn by His Royal Hepness, Cab Calloway
#11 2009-07-31 02:22:22
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: 'Conservative'
To polish anything is now an act of subversion I feel. Really on the edge.
#12 2009-07-31 02:24:34
- One Trick Pony
- Member
- Posts: 530
Re: 'Conservative'
Norman Tebbit chic. Who would have thought it? Actually, being 'east coat' and 'old money', I seldom bother.
#13 2009-07-31 02:29:45
- Taylor McIntyre
- Son of Ivy...
- Posts: 342
Re: 'Conservative'
I like a loafer that way (-ish), but a brogue, I feel, calls for a shine. I don't know why.
#14 2009-07-31 02:33:48
- One Trick Pony
- Member
- Posts: 530
Re: 'Conservative'
Brogues, it is perfectly true, look dowdy without a shine. Sloanes go to town on their Lobbs; do the Americans follow suit?