Hard to believe, but once upon a time, our statesmen not only laid the foundation for democracy in europe, established a policy for  for the defeat of communism....but actually dressed well. I offer up this from Robert Beisner's recent, masterful biography of Dean Acheson (Oh there was a time!) p. 89:
     Acheson's clothing, another expression of power, aroused critics to apoplexy. a "Dude, a fashion plate,"... he favored white striped. double breasted Farnsworth Reed suits, shoes shined to a mirror, and blue and white candy striped shirts with stiff white collars..... He showed boutonnieres, pocket hankerchiefs and snowy cuffs bolted with gold monogrammed cuff links. Socks were gartered. He avoided the solecism of striped ties on striped shirts. Sporty at Yale. tweedy at his 1st Supreme Court appearance, he was stylish as Secretary of state, with ties bulging from snug vests. An assortment of Hamburgs, even Panamas crowned his head. Young David McCollough saw Acheson emerge from a New Haven clothing store looking" like a strapping handsome actor all dressed up to play the part of Dean Acheson"....
     The wardrobe too was a subject of policy. (His wife) remarked "He would not have anyone choose his clothes".... He sat for dinner in 'outrageous' fashion .... a pleated cotton wedding shirt from Mexico or the Islands, lime green slacks. no socks, sandals or Mexican buraches on the feet, an orange sash around the waist...Family members would vie with one another to see how far he would go in wearing.... Green Belgian shoes, pink elephant socks, boxers flecked with red ants. None produced any response from (Acheson) but delight.

Last edited by tom22 (2006-12-04 22:25:07)