I was watching this 60s movie "Smashing Time" which is invaluable for street scenes of London and its denizens. And what struck me is how plain most English men used to dress. Towards the end, Redgrave's music agent appears in a large scale PoW check suit which is all the rage for men this fall.

The interesting thing about the English is that they are very conformist and yet there is an undercurrent of anarchy which they appreciate on others if it is done according to certain rules. Anarchy done under a set of rules sounds like an oxymoron but it is what makes the English interesting with regards to mens fashions.

Another interesting thing about the English are the atrociously homely women they feature in some of their films.

Austin Powers really did his homework, this is one of those films he mustve ripped off wholesale for fashions and sets of Swinging London.